In 2026, the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) will return to the subject of innovation, building on discussions held at our National Conference in 2018 with a future-focused theme of Innovation for a Resilient Tomorrow. We will explore how forestry needs to adapt to stay relevant to the needs of society, and contribute to wellbeing and foster hope in an era of uncertainty.
We will examine future innovative solutions to societal challenges, including environmental, social and economic. We'll address how to create regenerative relationships at a local, regional and national level, ensuring resources remain available for future generations. We will pose the question of what advancements are needed to balance human and natural needs, and whether that will be through technology, different systems to manage our resources, or promoting a circular economy. We'll also examine how people will view, connect with and ultimately value the trees, woodlands and urban forests of the future.
Don’t miss out – take this opportunity to play your part in this forward-thinking conference that will bring together professionals from across the forestry and arboriculture sector to help shape the future.
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Green finance and nature markets are becoming increasingly mainstream. As these markets develop and grow, they offer significant opportunities for the forestry sector – but also present complex challenges.
How do we navigate voluntary and compliance markets? What does 'additionality' mean in practice? How can we integrate green finance into projects and make sense of concepts like stacking, bundling, and emerging standards such as BSI Flex 701 and 702?
To help answer these questions, we are hosting a webinar series, developed by the Institute's Green Finance Special Interest Group, throughout the first half of 2026. Each 90-minute session brings together leading experts and practitioners to guide you through:
Fundamental principles of nature markets
Specific schemes like the Woodland Carbon Code and Peatland Code
Project generation
Risk management
Technology and innovation
What is coming next?
Join us to gain practical insights, understand the latest developments, and make the most of emerging opportunities.
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Forests are entering an era of unprecedented challenge and opportunity. Resilient Silviculture for the Future is a dynamic new webinar series designed for professionals who want to stay ahead of the curve in adaptive forest management. Participants will gain fresh insights into emerging silvicultural strategies, practical tools for building ecological resilience, and evidence-based approaches that respond to climate uncertainty, pests, and shifting societal expectations.
Across this series, we will tackle key questions shaping the future of forestry: How can we redesign stands and systems to withstand disturbance? What does true adaptability look like in practice? Where can innovation and tradition meet to support long-term forest health? Join us to connect with leading thinkers, sharpen your skills and help shape the next generation of resilient forest management.
This six-part webinar series will be recorded and available to watch back on the events platform for up to six months. The series may be purchased as a package or as individual webinars, with a student ticket package available.
Resilient Silviculture for the Future is a partnership series from the Institute of Chartered Foresters, Forest Research and Silviculture Research International.
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Following on from a successful 2023 conference, this one-day event will bring together the people shaping Scotland’s next generation of greener, climate resilient urban spaces. Hear the latest updates from built environment and green infrastructure experts and gain practical insights you can apply straight away.
The conference will be chaired by Karen Anderson FRSE, President of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, for whom the subject is of great personal interest. The full programme and speakers will be announced shortly but you can expect leading experts in planning, design, engineering and urban forestry in an interactive format.
With thought-provoking talks, real world examples and a collaborative design challenge at its heart, the event is a space to learn, connect and drive meaningful change in how we create nature–rich towns and cities.
