FORESTERS have never been so needed or so in demand and have an essential role to play across the nation.

That's the view of the chairman of the Independent Forestry Panel, who said the sector was "really having its moment" as he called for a "bold approach" to address the challenges of the climate change emergency. 

Closing this week's Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) conference in Glasgow, the Rt. Revd. James Jones also urged the industry to leave the "silos of forestry" to develop a more collaborative approach. 

Forestry Journal: James Jones address delegates at the ICF conference (stock image) James Jones address delegates at the ICF conference (stock image)

READ MORE: Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) conference 2022: Mairi McAllan urges more to consider forestry jobs

"It is fitting for the conference to be held in Glasgow so soon after COP26" Rt. Rev. Jones, who also paid tribute to outgoing ICF executive director Shireen Chambers, told delegates. "The motto of the city is 'Let Glasgow Flourish'. That would have been a good motto for COP26. 

"It could also be one for the ICF, who support the flourishing of the earth.

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"Every landscape is shaped by the political mood of the time. It reveals the priority and values of that generation. 

"Once planted to build ships and later for war, they are now being planted for a more important battle." 

Forestry Journal: Rt. Rev. Jones paid tribute to the work done by Shireen Chambers Rt. Rev. Jones paid tribute to the work done by Shireen Chambers

He added: "Foresters are essential. Never have they been so needed or so in demand." 

The Independent Panel on Forestry was set up a decade ago in the wake of the outcry over the proposals to dispose of publicly-owned woodlands to businesses, communities and charities in England. Led by Rt. Rev. Jones, it was highly critical of the plans. The government was later forced into an embarrassing U-turn. 

Forestry Journal will have full coverage from the event in June's edition of the magazine and across our online and social media channels.