THE Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) has appointed four new fellows.

David Hay (Scottish Forestry), Martin Osman (Chevron Green Consultancy), Richard Paton (Forestry Commission), and Tustins Group’s Mike Tustin have been given the prestigious title in recognition of their dedication, experience and achievements.

Having worked at SF’s Grampian Conservancy since 2010, David has played a key role in increasing Moray’s woodland cover to 34 per cent, which is much higher than the national 19 per cent average. 

“I’m genuinely thrilled and very honoured to become a fellow of the ICF, simply for contributing to a profession and industry that I am so passionate about,” David, who was one of the finalists in the ICF’s inaugural Professional Forester of the Year award in 2023, said. “It’s such a privilege to have had this career which has built on the significant legacy of the foresters that have gone before me, as well as those I currently work with to create truly integrated and diverse landscapes.”

Martin has been member of the Institute for 14 years and an assessor for the Professional Membership Entry (PME) process for the last five years. He founded Camps Environmental Services that was purchased in 2021 as part of the UK Chevron Group of companies, providing arboricultural and environmental consultancy advice. 

Forestry Journal: Martin Osman Martin Osman (Image: Supplied)

“I feel immensely proud to have been promoted to a fellow of the institute,” he said. “This truly is a life highlight for me both personally and professionally.”

Elsewhere, Richard is a well-respected leader in the Forestry Commission and, among many other contributions, is also a judge for woodland competitions at the Devon Show and the Royal Cornwall Show.

Forestry Journal: David Hay David Hay (Image: Supplied)

He said: “During my career I have focused on supporting the development of others and I now hope I am in a better position to continue that work.”

After leaving his senior leadership role at John Clegg & Co in 2019, Mike set up the woodland agency and forestry consultancy business, Tustins, where he specialises in woodland asset optimisation and sales, investment and market analysis. 

Forestry Journal: Mike Tustin Mike Tustin (Image: Supplied)

“Age, knowledge and experience gradually creeps up on all of us and it is with this encouragement that I have realised that I have a responsibility to help future Institute members create the forestry industry we all wish to be part of,” he said.