RFS launches Strategy to 2035
RFS sets out vision to create resilient, productive treescapes across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Our Vision
Resilient, productive and diverse woodland and trees are at the heart of a vibrant, sustainable landscape, supported by dedicated people.
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) has today (4 June) launched its Strategy to 2035, outlining an ambitious decade-long plan to bring more woods into management and driving an increase in tree cover across the UK.
The Strategy lays out plans to develop skills and talent within the sector and support the growth of a stronger home-grown timber market. The RFS wants to see a restoration of biodiversity in woodlands and greater resilience to pests, diseases and climate change.
Bringing woods into active management
At the heart of the new strategy is bringing more woods into active management. Well-managed woods benefit wildlife and local communities, increase the reliability and volume of homegrown timber, and absorb more carbon than neglected woods.
“We are facing greater challenges today than ever before, as a sector and in wider society,” said Christopher Williams, RFS Chief Executive. “We believe that forestry can and must play a pivotal role in addressing these challenges. The new Strategy reaffirms the direction of the Society, and describes what we need to do to affect the change we wish to see.”
The RFS Strategy to 2035 is built around four key priorities that will guide the RFS’s work over the coming decade.
Creating new, more resilient and productive woods at scale
The RFS has pledged to support ground-breaking forest research, encouraging farmers to adopt agroforestry principles, and promoting sustainable practices such as continuous cover forestry. The RFS has also reinforced its commitment to controlling pests and diseases, including deer and grey squirrels.
Raising the profile of forestry
As a relatively unforested nation, the UK urgently needs to extend tree cover and actively manage its woodlands. The RFS aims to support this work by building effective partnerships and delivering compelling evidence to policymakers about the economic, environmental and societal benefits of well-managed woods.
Developing future foresters
A central pillar of the Strategy is creating clear career pathways for both young people and career changers. Building on its successful programmes including the Forestry Roots traineeship, the Women in Forestry Network and its Forestry Careers Advice Service, the RFS will provide training, certifications and bursaries to encourage a diverse range of people into the sector.
Serving members and the sector
Finally, the RFS highlighted that in order to deliver on its ambitious aims, it is vital to sustain a well-run Society through good governance, supporting people and maintaining financial security.
For over 140 years, the RFS has been committed to the advancement of forestry, silviculture and arboriculture. The charity’s 4,000-strong membership brings together leading professionals, landowners, academics and educators. The RFS believes the sizable influence of its members places it in a strong position to inspire the needed change across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the Strategy, RFS President Alison Field said: “It is my hope that our new Strategy will unite the Society behind its mission to create and manage more productive and more resilient woods. No matter the scale – from urban trees, lowland woods through to larger upland forests. I urge all our members to join with friends and colleagues to shape a confident future for our woods.”
Download the PDF version of the RFS Strategy to 2035.
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