THE Institute of Chartered Foresters has awarded honorary fellowships to three of the sector’s leading lights.

Sir Nicholas Bacon is a respected leader and advocate for plant health, biosecurity and environmental sustainability. He is the chair of the Plant Health Alliance, a group of professionals from various sectors who work together to protect the UK’s cultivated and natural landscapes from plant pests and diseases. Nicholas also chaired the Queen’s Green Canopy.

Nicholas said: “I am deeply honoured to have been made an honorary fellow. My particular passion is growing clean sycamore and oak, attempting to understand the fascinating physiology of epicormic growth.”

Professor Jo Bradwell has been instrumental in setting up the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR). As owner and director of Norbury Park, Jo is increasing woodland cover and transforming the farmland.

He said: “To be recognised in this way will inspire us to continue to explore the benefits of diversified mixed-species plantations on growth rates, tree health, climate resilience and of course commercial yields.”

Ros Burnley plays a vital role in the sector through her consultancy Adrow Ltd, managing industry-based skills partnerships in horticulture, arboriculture, forestry and agriculture. As a member of the Forestry Skills Forum, Ros was a key figure in the development and facilitation of trailblazer apprenticeships across arboriculture and forestry.

She said: “It is an enormous challenge supplying enough skilled people to deliver government, societal and sector aspirations for trees, woodlands and forests. It a privilege to be a part of the positivity, energy and commitment towards achieving this goal.”

Elsewhere, John Risby has been awarded the Institute’s Medal, the ICF's highest award, for his long-standing commitment to professional excellence in forestry.

The son of a forester from Argyll, John has worked for the Forestry Commission – now Scottish Forestry – throughout North Scotland, including as Forest District Manager Lochaber, Conservator Grampian, Conservator Highland and Islands, and Scotland’s Rainforest Action Coordinator.

John Risby has been awarded the Institute’s Medal,John Risby has been awarded the Institute’s Medal, (Image: ICF)

Graduating from the University of Aberdeen in 1990, John gained chartered status in 1994 and Fellowship in 2016. He has shown effective, competent, and passionate leadership across the region for more than 30 years, championing and facilitating the establishment and management of high-quality productive forestry.

John is highly regarded throughout the sector for his knowledge, experience and integrity, and has been involved with more than 30,000 hectares of woodland creation, leading on major conservation initiatives, including the restoration of the Flow Country and the rehabilitation of Atlantic Oakwoods in the West of Scotland.

On receiving the Institute’s Medal, John said: "I strongly believe in the positive role forestry and professional foresters play in the Highlands and Islands. I was proud to be accepted as a member of the Institute all those years ago and throughout my career I have been supported by and have learnt from some exceptional members. Receiving this medal is a surprise and truly a great honour.”