Institute of Chartered Foresters

Institute of Chartered Foresters The Royal Chartered body for forestry and arboriculture professionals in the UK. www.charteredforesters.org

As the only Royal Chartered body for forestry and arboricultural professionals, our members are part of the UK's leading professional body dedicated to forests, woodlands and the welfare of trees. We provide support to members, guidance and information to the public, as well as training and educational advice to students and professionals developing their careers in the forestry and arboricultural

sector. We also regulate the standards of entry to the tree professions and offer examinations for professional qualifications for the management of trees. We have over 1,900 members who practice in every branch of forestry and arboriculture and related disciplines – in the private sector, central and local government, research councils and universities and colleges. The Institute provides services to assist members including support and promotion of the work of foresters and arboriculturists; information and guidance to the public and industry about the specific expertise offered by those in the profession; and training and educational advice to students and professionals looking to build upon their experience of tree management. We work closely with UK and international partner organisations.

Don’t miss the latest forestry and arboriculture updates 📢 From sector news and policy developments to Institute updates...
24/08/2026

Don’t miss the latest forestry and arboriculture updates 📢

From sector news and policy developments to Institute updates, events and opportunities, our monthly E-News brings the latest stories straight to your inbox.

📩 Sign up today and receive updates from across the profession on the last Wednesday of every month.

Subscribe today: https://charteredforesters.org/subscribe-to-our-newsletter

What can the UK learn from forestry in New South Wales? 🌏Karen Batten, Harvesting Manager at James Jones & Sons Ltd, is ...
21/08/2026

What can the UK learn from forestry in New South Wales? 🌏

Karen Batten, Harvesting Manager at James Jones & Sons Ltd, is halfway through her three-month placement with the Forestry Corporation of New South Wales as part of the Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Programme 2026.

From the impressive growth rates of eucalyptus plantations and different approaches to softwood production, to the ongoing recovery from the devastating 2019/20 “Black Summer” fires, Karen has gained a fascinating insight into forestry in New South Wales, Australia.

In her halfway blog, Karen also explores how data is being used to support management decisions, from assessing planting quality to planning operations, and reflects on approaches that could have relevance for forestry in the UK.

🔗 Read the blog on our website: https://charteredforesters.org/karen-battens-halfway-update-on-forestry-exchange-in-new-south-wales

Building resilience for the future 🤝 Wildfire risk is not something we can tackle through one intervention or by focusin...
20/08/2026

Building resilience for the future 🤝

Wildfire risk is not something we can tackle through one intervention or by focusing on one type of land use.

Wildfires are becoming a more significant challenge as our climate changes. The answer is not fewer trees or less forestry. It is better planning, better management, better collaboration and more resilient landscapes.

The UK already has significant expertise in this area so the challenge now is scaling up knowledge and action before the next major fire season.

📅 Save the date: Wildfire Resilience Summit 2026 – 20 October

We're bringing together speakers from across the sectors involved in wildfire management and resilience for an online half-day event, sharing their experience and advice with members on how we can adapt and stay resilient in a changing climate.

The Summit will provide an opportunity to hear different perspectives, share experience and explore how we can work together to strengthen the UK's resilience to wildfire over the coming decades.

Bookings will open soon, but for now, please save the date: 20 October 2026.

🔗 Find out more: https://charteredforesters.org/event/wildfire-resilience-summit-2026-preparing-uk-forestry-for-a-changing-climate

GB Forestry Workforce Census: coming this October 📢Forest Research, on behalf of the Forestry Commission, Scottish Fores...
19/08/2026

GB Forestry Workforce Census: coming this October 📢

Forest Research, on behalf of the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Llywodraeth Cymru / Welsh Government, will soon launch the Forestry Workforce Census to build a clearer picture of the forestry operations workforce across Great Britain.

If you're an employer in the forestry sector, your organisation is invited to take part, whether you employ one person or hundreds, including contracted workers.

The Census will provide vital evidence on the size of the workforce and the scale of forestry operations, helping to inform future planning and investment across the sector.

To capture seasonal roles, workforce information will be collected on two dates:
📅 1 October 2026
📅 1 March 2027

The questionnaire opens after each date and can be completed within the following month.

Find out more and be ready to take part: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/about-us/our-work/be-counted-take-part-in-forestry-workforce-census-great-britain/

👉️ Wildfire Myth 5: The forestry sector isn't adaptingWe've explored some of the common misconceptions around wildfires,...
18/08/2026

👉️ Wildfire Myth 5: The forestry sector isn't adapting

We've explored some of the common misconceptions around wildfires, from whether wildfires are a forestry problem to the role of different tree species.

Our final myth looks at another important question: is the forestry sector adapting to the growing risk of wildfire?

The forestry profession has been working on wildfire resilience for many years. Across the UK, foresters, researchers, fire and rescue services and land managers have developed practical guidance, training and good practice to help landscapes become more resilient to wildfire. This work continues to evolve as climate risks change.

Importantly, wildfire resilience is not just about forestry. It involves everyone who manages land and responds to emergencies. Professionals across forestry, conservation, farming, estates and fire and rescue services are increasingly working together to understand risk, share knowledge and improve preparedness.

The challenge is not whether the sector is adapting but making sure the knowledge, training and practical tools that already exist reach the people who need them most and are applied consistently across the landscape.

Wildfires are becoming a more significant challenge as our climate changes. Building resilience will require continued investment in knowledge, collaboration and professional management, and action before the next major fire occurs.

This is a conversation we need to keep having, and we'll be rounding off this series later this week by looking at the key messages and sharing details of an upcoming opportunity to explore these issues in more depth.

Stay tuned 🌳

Looking to advertise a forestry or arboriculture vacancy? 🌳Reach the right candidates by advertising through our Job Boa...
17/08/2026

Looking to advertise a forestry or arboriculture vacancy? 🌳

Reach the right candidates by advertising through our Job Board, putting your vacancy directly in front of a targeted network of more than 2,000 professionals working across forestry, arboriculture, woodland management and related disciplines.

Whether you're recruiting for an experienced professional, or someone at an earlier stage of their career, advertising through the Institute helps you connect with people who are actively engaged in the profession and committed to their professional development.

Get in touch with our team to discuss how we can help find your next hire 💼

Visit our Job Board: https://charteredforesters.org/job-board

Congratulations to the winners of the National Study Tour 2026 EST Ticket Ballot!James Harding, the early career profess...
14/08/2026

Congratulations to the winners of the National Study Tour 2026 EST Ticket Ballot!

James Harding, the early career professional winner, and Zita Milwain, the student winner, have each secured a funded place on this year’s National Study Tour and will join us in the North of England this October for two days exploring modern forestry and timber processing.

💡 Our Educational & Scientific Trust (EST) was established in 1984 to advance education across all aspects of arboriculture and forestry. Each year, the EST provides awards to help students and early career professionals attend the Institute’s national events.

Congratulations to both winners and we look forward to welcoming you to the National Study Tour.

Missed out this time? Stay tuned for future EST ticket ballots for our national events, offering more opportunities for students and early career professionals to attend.

👉  Wildfire Myth 4: Wildfires can't be planned forOne of the biggest misconceptions about wildfires is that there's litt...
13/08/2026

👉 Wildfire Myth 4: Wildfires can't be planned for

One of the biggest misconceptions about wildfires is that there's little that can be done before a fire starts.

The reality is very different.

Wildfires are often viewed as unpredictable events that can only be tackled once they start. In reality, resilience starts long before any fire occurs.

There is extensive guidance available across the UK on reducing wildfire risk through good planning and management. Forest Research, Scottish Forestry and other organisations have developed practical guidance covering risk assessment, vegetation management, woodland design, access, fire breaks and incident response planning.

The UK Forestry Standard requires managers to consider risks to woodland, including wildfire, and to plan accordingly where appropriate.

There is no single solution to wildfire risk. However, good planning can reduce the likelihood of fires spreading, improve preparedness and support safer, more effective responses when incidents occur.

Professional forestry is about planning for the long term. By designing and managing resilient woodlands today, forestry professionals are helping to reduce the risks of tomorrow.

👉 Wildfire Myth 3: Conifers are the problemAs our series continues, we're looking at another common misconception about ...
11/08/2026

👉 Wildfire Myth 3: Conifers are the problem

As our series continues, we're looking at another common misconception about wildfires and woodland management.

Images of major wildfires often lead people to conclude that conifer forests are inherently more dangerous. The evidence does not support such a simple conclusion.

Forestry Commission statistics show that most woodland wildfire incidents in England have occurred in broadleaved woodland rather than conifer woodland.

The UK also relies on productive forests to provide sustainable timber. Timber is essential for low-carbon construction, manufacturing and replacing more carbon-intensive materials.

The challenge is not choosing between conifers and broadleaves. The challenge is creating diverse, resilient and well-managed woodlands that balance multiple objectives, including timber production, biodiversity, carbon storage, public access and resilience to climate change.

Forestry professionals work to ensure the right trees are planted in the right places and managed appropriately throughout their lifetime.

Want to learn more about wildfire resilience in forestry?

Join us on 17 September for : Introduction to Wildfires in Forestry with Rob Gazzard MICFor, Advisor Contingency Planning & Wildfire at the Forestry Commission.

🔗 Book your place (ICF members only): https://charteredforesters.org/event/membershour-introduction-to-wildfires-in-forestry

More value for ICF members through our events programme 🌳We’re continuing to strengthen our membership offering and make...
10/08/2026

More value for ICF members through our events programme 🌳

We’re continuing to strengthen our membership offering and make the benefits of being part of the Institute of Chartered Foresters more visible and tangible.

As part of this work, we’re introducing member pricing for selected Institute events, giving members a clear saving when they take part in our CPD opportunities.

Membership provides professional recognition, support and connection with a network of forestry and arboriculture professionals. We want to ensure that members see the value of their membership in every way they engage with the Institute.

This change brings us more closely in line with other professional bodies, recognising the commitment our members make to supporting the profession.

Keep an eye out for future events where member rates will be available.

Not yet a member? Find out more about the many other benefits of ICF membership ➡️ https://charteredforesters.org/memberships/become-a-member

Address

Scott House (Mull Office 6th Floor), 10 South St. Andrew Street
Edinburgh
EH22AZ

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+441312401425

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