The Institute’s Educational & Scientific Trust (EST) was established in 1984 as a charity that aims to advance
education across all aspects of arboriculture and forestry. The fund is made up of donations and is managed
by a group of Trustees alongside the Institute’s President and Vice President.

How are EST grants used?

Find out below how some people have used their grants from the EST.

Simon Place MICFor

Simon used his EST grant to support his attendance at the PEN-CARoRR Final Conference in Serbia in September 2024.

Read his report on the visit here.

Lulu Sleep

The Institute’s EST recently supported Lulu Sleep in learning about continuous cover forestry (CCF) in the Lowlands.

Find out more in her report.

Pherenice Worsey-Buck MICFor

Pherenice put her EST grant towards attending the 2nd World Forum on Urban Forests in Washington DC, exchange knowledge on urban forests and trees.

Read her report on the Forum here.

Applying for an educational grant

The EST provides grants to students and others at the early stages of their forestry or arboricultural careers.

Take advantage of these great opportunities to grow your career and knowledge:

ICF Events Bursary

Several awards will be made annually available to attend the Institute’s National Conference and National Study Tour. The number of awards to be made will be agreed by the Trustees. 

For 2025, we are offering two special tickets for Students and Early Career Professionals (including accommodation) to our Centenary National Conference in Edinburgh [see below for further details]. 

Two tickets will also be on offer for the Centenary Study Tour that will be held in Autumn 2025 at Windsor – keep an eye on our website for application details.

International/UK Conference

Each year, our Trustees will choose an important conference and provide up to £2,500 for a Chartered member to attend.

This member will represent the Institute and share their experience with us via a written report for the Institute’s TREES magazine. Please keep an eye on the website for more details.

Expanding Horizons

In 2025, we are offering five awards of up to £500 each to support your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and courses that expand your skills. Eligible courses include: 

  • Arboriculture/forestry courses beyond job requirements 
  • Leadership training 
  • Public speaking 
  • Media training 
  • Finance for non-finance professionals


Applications for this fund will open in January 2025. 

Awards will be made to the applicants who, in the Trustee’s opinion, make the best case. Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Grantees will be asked to report on their experience for the Institute’s quarterly TREES magazine.

Donate to the Trust

The EST is grateful for support and welcomes all inquiries about its activities and aims. If you are interested in donating or fundraising, please don’t hesitate to contact the Institute.

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