Institute of Chartered Foresters

The Institute of Chartered Foresters is the professional body for foresters and arboriculturists in the United Kingdom. Its Royal Charter was granted in 1982. The Institute grants Chartered status to individuals following an examination process that includes a period of management or supervisory experience. Members are recognised by their titles 'Chartered Arboriculturist' or 'Chartered Forester' and by the letters MICFor(Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters). Fellows of the institute bear the title FICFor.

Members of the Institute of Chartered Foresters are required to undertake Continuous Professional Development (CPD) and are bound by a Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct. ICF's membership is currently over 1,400.

ICF is also involved in raising awareness of issues facing forestry sector professionals and providing guidance to professionals from other sectors, and the public, in relation to these issues.

Membership Grades

There are 5 membership grades at the Institute of Chartered Foresters, as follows

• Student Member - those who are studying either full-time or part-time in higher education.
• Associate Member - those who have completed their initial professional education and would like to work towards Chartered status.
• Professional Member - Recognises members' technical and professional competence and confers Chartered status.
• Fellowship - this is awarded to senior members of ICF recognising their expertise and particular contribution to the profession.
• Supporter - this is open to individuals with an interest in forestry and arboriculture, but who are not necessarily working towards Chartered status.

ICF National Conference

The ICF National conference takes place annually, attracting both members and non-members. In 2011, and again in 2014 the Institute hosted the Trees, People and the Built Environment (TPBE) event as their National Conference. TPBE is a partnership event of some 20 UK forestry, arboriculture and built environment organisations, which presents urban trees research from around the world.

External links

• Institute of Chartered Foresters