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Alastair Squire, Senior Forest Manager for Flintshire Woodlands, offers his reflections after attending the recent ICF conference.

"A highly engaging and thought-provoking couple of days at the ICF National Conference in Newport, Wales."

"Several key themes stood out for me. Encouragingly, there is a general consensus that timber supply security looks strong over the next 10 years and remains reasonably stable over a 50-year horizon. However, beyond this, there are significant concerns. The positive takeaway is that it is not too late if we prioritise successful and productive restocking, maintain all restocked coupes well and deliver productive woodland creation at the scale currently being promoted across the UK, we still have an opportunity to address these long-term challenges."

"Another important discussion focused on the need to develop and adopt productive alternatives to Sitka Spruce, particularly in upland areas. This is critical not only in response to changes in the UK Forestry Standard and UKWAS around species diversity, but also to improve resilience in the face of climate change."

"A valuable conference with important discussions for the future of forestry."

 
Find out more on our website 🌲 🌳

Alastair Squire, Senior Forest Manager for Flintshire Woodlands, offers his reflections after attending the recent ICF conference.

"A highly engaging and thought-provoking couple of days at the ICF National Conference in Newport, Wales."

"Several key themes stood out for me. Encouragingly, there is a general consensus that timber supply security looks strong over the next 10 years and remains reasonably stable over a 50-year horizon. However, beyond this, there are significant concerns. The positive takeaway is that it is not too late if we prioritise successful and productive restocking, maintain all restocked coupes well and deliver productive woodland creation at the scale currently being promoted across the UK, we still have an opportunity to address these long-term challenges."

"Another important discussion focused on the need to develop and adopt productive alternatives to Sitka Spruce, particularly in upland areas. This is critical not only in response to changes in the UK Forestry Standard and UKWAS around species diversity, but also to improve resilience in the face of climate change."

"A valuable conference with important discussions for the future of forestry."

 
Find out more on our website 🌲 🌳

Forests power economies! 🌍

Today is International Day of Forests and we're celebrating the theme, forests and economies, recognising the crucial role forests play in driving sustainable economic prosperity.

Forests aren’t just natural spaces, they’re vital for our livelihoods and the global economy. From clean water and climate regulation to energy, raw materials and ecotourism, forests provide trillions in value while supporting millions of jobs worldwide.

Join the celebration and share the importance of forests for people and planet 🌲

#ForestDay

Forests power economies! 🌍

Today is International Day of Forests and we're celebrating the theme, forests and economies, recognising the crucial role forests play in driving sustainable economic prosperity.

Forests aren’t just natural spaces, they’re vital for our livelihoods and the global economy. From clean water and climate regulation to energy, raw materials and ecotourism, forests provide trillions in value while supporting millions of jobs worldwide.

Join the celebration and share the importance of forests for people and planet 🌲

#ForestDay

Forests power economies! 🌍

Today is International Day of Forests and we're celebrating the theme, forests and economies, recognising the crucial role forests play in driving sustainable economic prosperity.

Forests aren’t just natural spaces, they’re vital for our livelihoods and the global economy. From clean water and climate regulation to energy, raw materials and ecotourism, forests provide trillions in value while supporting millions of jobs worldwide.

Join the celebration and share the importance of forests for people and planet 🌲

#ForestDay

Forests power economies! 🌍

Today is International Day of Forests and we're celebrating the theme, forests and economies, recognising the crucial role forests play in driving sustainable economic prosperity.

Forests aren’t just natural spaces, they’re vital for our livelihoods and the global economy. From clean water and climate regulation to energy, raw materials and ecotourism, forests provide trillions in value while supporting millions of jobs worldwide.

Join the celebration and share the importance of forests for people and planet 🌲

#ForestDay

We’re delighted to announce that Paul Brannen and Professor Peter Bonfield OBE have been awarded Honorary Fellowships of the Institute, recognising their outstanding leadership in sustainable forestry, timber and climate action.

Read more on our website.

We are delighted to announce that Gareth Biggins MICFor, John Herbert MICFor and Matthew L’Estrange MICFor have become the first Chartered Foresters to emerge from the University of Cumbria's inaugural Professional Forester Apprenticeship in partnership with the Forestry Commission and the Institute.

This trailblazing programme is the UK’s first degree-level forestry apprenticeship and combines academic study, hands-on experience and sector placements, helping upskill, broaden and strengthen the forestry workforce.

Congratulations to Gareth, John and Matthew for this achievement and we look forward to welcoming many more as the programme continues.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

We have had a fantastic few days at our Centenary National Study Tour at Windsor Great Park, the 6,475-hectare Crown Estate in Berkshire 🌳

This Study Tour brought together ICF members from across the country for thought-provoking discussions, all while celebrating 100 years of the Institute.

With visits to Windsor and Swinley Forests, a surprise appearance from Ted Green MBE, and a special look at King Offa's Oak (believed to be the oldest oak in the UK at over 1,300 years old) the Study Tour was packed with memorable moments.

A huge thanks to Richard Everett, Chief Forester for Windsor Great Park, for supporting the development of this event and for hosting us on site, and to Cheviot Trees Ltd for sponsoring.

This week our team met up in Carlisle and Lockerbie for our annual staff away day 🤝

With a workshop on the Institute's membership value proposition and a team-building escape room, it was great to spend time together face-to-face, rather than virtually over Teams!

The highlight was a trip to a @jamesjonesandsonsltd woodland followed by a guided tour of their Lockerbie sawmill that has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was a unique opportunity to observe the full process firsthand - from on-site harvesting to the production of finished wood products.

A huge thanks to Tom Coates MICFor, Neil Cowan MICFor and Tommy Milburn from James Jones & Sons for hosting us.

This week our team met up in Carlisle and Lockerbie for our annual staff away day 🤝

With a workshop on the Institute's membership value proposition and a team-building escape room, it was great to spend time together face-to-face, rather than virtually over Teams!

The highlight was a trip to a @jamesjonesandsonsltd woodland followed by a guided tour of their Lockerbie sawmill that has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was a unique opportunity to observe the full process firsthand - from on-site harvesting to the production of finished wood products.

A huge thanks to Tom Coates MICFor, Neil Cowan MICFor and Tommy Milburn from James Jones & Sons for hosting us.

This week our team met up in Carlisle and Lockerbie for our annual staff away day 🤝

With a workshop on the Institute's membership value proposition and a team-building escape room, it was great to spend time together face-to-face, rather than virtually over Teams!

The highlight was a trip to a @jamesjonesandsonsltd woodland followed by a guided tour of their Lockerbie sawmill that has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was a unique opportunity to observe the full process firsthand - from on-site harvesting to the production of finished wood products.

A huge thanks to Tom Coates MICFor, Neil Cowan MICFor and Tommy Milburn from James Jones & Sons for hosting us.

This week our team met up in Carlisle and Lockerbie for our annual staff away day 🤝

With a workshop on the Institute's membership value proposition and a team-building escape room, it was great to spend time together face-to-face, rather than virtually over Teams!

The highlight was a trip to a @jamesjonesandsonsltd woodland followed by a guided tour of their Lockerbie sawmill that has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was a unique opportunity to observe the full process firsthand - from on-site harvesting to the production of finished wood products.

A huge thanks to Tom Coates MICFor, Neil Cowan MICFor and Tommy Milburn from James Jones & Sons for hosting us.

This week our team met up in Carlisle and Lockerbie for our annual staff away day 🤝

With a workshop on the Institute's membership value proposition and a team-building escape room, it was great to spend time together face-to-face, rather than virtually over Teams!

The highlight was a trip to a @jamesjonesandsonsltd woodland followed by a guided tour of their Lockerbie sawmill that has just celebrated its 25th anniversary. It was a unique opportunity to observe the full process firsthand - from on-site harvesting to the production of finished wood products.

A huge thanks to Tom Coates MICFor, Neil Cowan MICFor and Tommy Milburn from James Jones & Sons for hosting us.

Just launched ➡️UKFS for Non-Foresters, a one-hour online course making the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) accessible to professionals beyond forestry.

Perfect for farmers, planners, landowners & more. Know someone who’d benefit? Please share!

Find out more and enrol - link in bio.

This week we were in Ambleside at the University of Cumbria for the first ever Professional Membership Entry (PME) interviews for those in their final year of the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme.

Launched in 2022, the three-year paid apprenticeship programme is the first degree-level forestry apprenticeship on offer in the UK. On completion of the programme, successful graduates receive a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester award and can apply for Chartered Forester status via the PME process.

We are delighted to play our part in this exciting career pathway into the forestry sector that is helping address the skills shortage. Thank you to our fellow partners, the Forestry Commission and the University of Cumbria.

Thanks also to the Institute members who have given up their time to support the Apprentices PME process as an Assessor.

This week we were in Ambleside at the University of Cumbria for the first ever Professional Membership Entry (PME) interviews for those in their final year of the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme.

Launched in 2022, the three-year paid apprenticeship programme is the first degree-level forestry apprenticeship on offer in the UK. On completion of the programme, successful graduates receive a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester award and can apply for Chartered Forester status via the PME process.

We are delighted to play our part in this exciting career pathway into the forestry sector that is helping address the skills shortage. Thank you to our fellow partners, the Forestry Commission and the University of Cumbria.

Thanks also to the Institute members who have given up their time to support the Apprentices PME process as an Assessor.

This week we were in Ambleside at the University of Cumbria for the first ever Professional Membership Entry (PME) interviews for those in their final year of the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme.

Launched in 2022, the three-year paid apprenticeship programme is the first degree-level forestry apprenticeship on offer in the UK. On completion of the programme, successful graduates receive a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester award and can apply for Chartered Forester status via the PME process.

We are delighted to play our part in this exciting career pathway into the forestry sector that is helping address the skills shortage. Thank you to our fellow partners, the Forestry Commission and the University of Cumbria.

Thanks also to the Institute members who have given up their time to support the Apprentices PME process as an Assessor.

This week we were in Ambleside at the University of Cumbria for the first ever Professional Membership Entry (PME) interviews for those in their final year of the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme.

Launched in 2022, the three-year paid apprenticeship programme is the first degree-level forestry apprenticeship on offer in the UK. On completion of the programme, successful graduates receive a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester award and can apply for Chartered Forester status via the PME process.

We are delighted to play our part in this exciting career pathway into the forestry sector that is helping address the skills shortage. Thank you to our fellow partners, the Forestry Commission and the University of Cumbria.

Thanks also to the Institute members who have given up their time to support the Apprentices PME process as an Assessor.

This week we were in Ambleside at the University of Cumbria for the first ever Professional Membership Entry (PME) interviews for those in their final year of the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme.

Launched in 2022, the three-year paid apprenticeship programme is the first degree-level forestry apprenticeship on offer in the UK. On completion of the programme, successful graduates receive a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester award and can apply for Chartered Forester status via the PME process.

We are delighted to play our part in this exciting career pathway into the forestry sector that is helping address the skills shortage. Thank you to our fellow partners, the Forestry Commission and the University of Cumbria.

Thanks also to the Institute members who have given up their time to support the Apprentices PME process as an Assessor.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

We've had a great two days on our Early Career Professionals Study Tour at the impressive Chatsworth Estate in Derbyshire, made even better by the weather ☀️

From exploring new woodland plantations to learning about sustainable estate management and visiting the local sawmill, it was a valuable opportunity to connect with fellow early career professionals and learn from the experts.

Thanks to John Everitt MICFor and Jemima Letts MICFor for developing the programme and hosting us at Chatsworth.

"We need to change thought around forestry."

The ICF's Louise Simpson discusses the 'old-fashioned' image of the industry and how we can change it.

You can read our interview with Louise on the website now.

#forest #forestry #forester #woodland #timber

It was a stunning day on the edge of Dartmoor National Park yesterday where our South West England Member Network held its annual Spring event, this year focusing on agroforestry. Thanks to Andy Gray for leading this event and to speakers from The Woodland Trust.

Looking to gain CPD and catch up with colleagues at an event in your area? Visit our events page on our website to see what's coming up in the next few months.

It was a stunning day on the edge of Dartmoor National Park yesterday where our South West England Member Network held its annual Spring event, this year focusing on agroforestry. Thanks to Andy Gray for leading this event and to speakers from The Woodland Trust.

Looking to gain CPD and catch up with colleagues at an event in your area? Visit our events page on our website to see what's coming up in the next few months.

It was a stunning day on the edge of Dartmoor National Park yesterday where our South West England Member Network held its annual Spring event, this year focusing on agroforestry. Thanks to Andy Gray for leading this event and to speakers from The Woodland Trust.

Looking to gain CPD and catch up with colleagues at an event in your area? Visit our events page on our website to see what's coming up in the next few months.

It was a stunning day on the edge of Dartmoor National Park yesterday where our South West England Member Network held its annual Spring event, this year focusing on agroforestry. Thanks to Andy Gray for leading this event and to speakers from The Woodland Trust.

Looking to gain CPD and catch up with colleagues at an event in your area? Visit our events page on our website to see what's coming up in the next few months.

We were delighted to present three prestigious awards at our Centenary National Conference 2025 in Edinburgh last month. These awards recognise well-deserving, long-serving members who have played significant roles in shaping the Institute and the forestry sector.

Professor Julian Evans OBE FICFor and Dr Helen McKay OBE FICFor CEnv were awarded The Institute's Medal, our highest award that is given for a sustained commitment to professional excellence in arboriculture and forestry.

Ben Gunneberg MICFor was presented with The President’s Award for outstanding service to the Institute.

Read more on our website - link in bio.

📷 Louise Simpson (ICF Executive Director) and Geraint Richards MVO FICFor (ICF President) present Ben Gunneberg MICFor, Professor Julian Evans OBE FICFor and Dr Helen McKay OBE FICFor with their awards.