Member Survey 2024
The RFS Member Survey was completed in May 2024. Thank you to the many members who completed it as well as those who took part in focus groups and discussions.
The survey was undertaken to help inform a review of RFS organisational strategy and to gain insights into member profiles and motivations.
Below you will find pieces of information gathered.
Who responded?
The survey was completed by 291 members, 8% of the membership. Below are some noted stats about those who responded.
86% Live in England
8% Live in Wales
2% Live in Northern Ireland
67% Have been RFS members for >5 years
96% Read hardcopies of the QJF
79% Attend Woodland Meetings
Member Benefits & Motivations
Many of RFS's members were attracted by the access and information on offer, and stayed for the same reason. The top requests from members to help aid their continuous learning included more of the same: more woodland visits, more courses, and more opportunities. Members expressed positive views towards the RFS staff and volunteers, and the opportunities RFS provides to socialise, gain recognition, and engage with the society.
70% Stayed members for the ability to visit woodlands, and keep up to date with E-News and the QJF
80% Happy with opportunities to socialise
73% Happy with opportunities to recognise contributions
"I agree (or strongly agree) that my RFS membership is good value for money!"
Current Forestry Issues
Respondents were asked their opinions on a number of statements. The top 5 most strongly agreed on were:
~230 Strongly Agree Managing & monitoring tree diseases is a priority
~225 Strongly Agree Managing grey squirrels, deer, and other pests is a priority
~200 Strongly Agree A shift in emphasis to ongoing tree care would be helpful in bring woodlands into active management
The Future of Forestry
Survey respondents were asked what excites them about the future of forestry, and we identified 9 themes. The top three themes were:
1 Timber markets & uses for UK timber
2 Adaptation to climate change
3 Increases in biodiversity value
Over The Next 5 Years
Respondents told us that the top three areas of focus for the forestry sector should be:
1 Pests & diseases
2 Bringing woodlands into management
3 Skills & careers
Respondents told us that the top three areas of focus for the RFS should be:
1 Public perception of forestry
2 Bringing woodlands into management
3 Skills & careers AND Pests & diseases
What’s Next?
“The members survey, focus groups, and input from RFS Council members and staff all helped feed into the process of producing a new Strategy. The Board of Trustees met in June for a special session to consider the findings and develop our ideas further. I am very grateful to all our members who contributed through the survey, and who gave us plenty to think about as we prepare our Strategy for the next ten years.”
– Christopher Williams, RFS CEO
