The Institute of Chartered Foresters

The Institute is the Royal Chartered body for foresters and arboriculturists in the UK. We have over 1,000 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.

We work closely with UK and international partner organisations. 

Our History

The Institute of Chartered Foresters was founded in 1925 as the Society of Foresters of Great Britain. It became the Institute of Foresters in 1974 and was incorporated by Royal Charter in 1982. The main objectives of the Institute are the maintenance and improvement of the standards of practice and understanding of all aspects of forestry and arboriculture, the protection of the public interest and the promotion of the professional status of foresters and arboriculturists in Great Britain and Northern Ireland. 

Today

The specialist, multidisciplinary role of the forester or arboriculturist is increasingly recognised by society as our environment and its management becomes more relevant today. In collaboration with our partners, ICF is raising the public profile of forestry and arboriculture and its importance in terms of the benefits that it can deliver. We work to foster a greater public understanding and awareness of the profession and to grow and expand the services offered to members.

Download The Royal Charter [PDF 57 KB]