The Institute of Chartered Foresters is delighted to award Gary Newman, Chief Executive of Woodknowledge Wales, with an Honorary Fellowship for his leadership in the forestry and timber industry, and support to the Institute.
Gary began his career as a construction engineer, later moving into the timber sector after completing a Masters in Forest Industries Technology, Wood Science and Wood Products at Bangor University. Since 2016, Gary has led the not-for-profit membership organisation, Woodknowledge Wales, that focuses on the transformation of Wales into a high-value forest nation that will increase prosperity and wellbeing in Wales. The Institute has partnered with Woodknowledge Wales on CPD events for members of both organisations on a range of topics, including continuous cover forestry, soils, stakeholder engagement and pests and diseases.
Gary is co-founder and former Chair of the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products that champions demonstrably sustainable building products for a healthy low carbon-built environment. Gary has also provided consultancy services to governments in Cardiff and London on the strategic development of forest industries and the use of timber in construction. The Institute was delighted to have him Chair the second day of the Trees, People and the Built Environment 5 conference in Birmingham in April 2024.
Speaking on his Honorary Fellowship, Gary said:
“I am deeply flattered to have the work of myself and my colleagues in Woodknowledge Wales recognised through this award of an Honorary Fellowship. I’ve been championing the sustainability benefits of biogenic materials and timber construction for over 30 years, through research, network development and entrepreneurial endeavour. Always enjoying the camaraderie of other fellow travellers, but mostly getting doors slammed in my face. Thankfully, things are now changing, and changing fast.
The past ten years in Woodknowledge Wales has seen a substantial shift in the recognition of the essential role of forestry and timber construction in the existential battle against climate change. I like to think that Woodknowledge Wales can take some credit for that. But, as I write this, my mind turned to the recent Valencian floods – a terrible reminder of the tragic realities of the decades of delay. There remains much to do. So, thank you to the Institute of Chartered Foresters for this award. I am really very chuffed. But more importantly, I look forward to working with the Institute and its members to help build the necessary coalition to put forestry and other nature-based solutions at the heart of the just transition to net zero carbon.”
The Institute’s Honorary Fellowship is a distinguished award bestowed upon individuals in respect of notable service to the advancement of forestry and/or arboriculture knowledge.
