RFS President Alison Field awarded MBE
Alison Field has been made a Member of the British Empire (MBE) by King Charles for services to forestry.
Royal Forestry Society President Alison Field has been awarded an MBE for services to forestry in the 2026 King’s Birthday Honours.
Alison, who became RFS President in October 2024, has spent nearly five decades working across both private and public forestry, including senior roles with the Forestry Commission and Timber Growers. Her career has spanned woodland creation, harvesting, policy development, grant delivery and regulation, as well as leadership roles across the sector. She also runs her own consultancy with her husband, Jonathan Spencer, and serves as a trustee or non‑executive director for several forestry organisations, including the National Forest.
“I am delighted to be awarded an MBE in recognition of my long and diverse forestry career,” said Alison. “Thank you to those many colleagues, friends and my husband who have supported me along the way”.
Throughout her presidency, Alison has championed the need for resilient, well‑managed forests capable of withstanding climate change, pests and diseases. She has consistently highlighted the importance of making forests more productive and better managed while also functioning as ecosystems rich in wildlife that provide carbon sequestration, clean air, and clean water.
Her award recognises a long and esteemed career committed to forestry and her continued leadership within the sector. The RFS extends its warmest congratulations to Alison on this well‑deserved honour.
“We are delighted that Alison has been awarded this honour for services to Forestry,” said Jen Turner, RFS Development Manager. “Alison has worked her whole career in Forestry since graduating from the University of Bangor as one of their first female Forestry Graduates.
“Alison has blazed a path for so many other forestry practitioners, supporting, guiding and mentoring others and giving her time and expertise freely. We are very lucky to have had the benefit of Alison’s wisdom and experience at the very top of our organisation as the President of the Royal Forestry Society.
“Those who know her know that Alison is a force for good; continually pushing us all forwards by embracing new technology, ideas and scientific evidence. We are incredibly proud that Alison has been awarded this very special honour.”
The King’s Birthday Honours also recognised others in the forestry community, including Jon Stokes of The Tree Council, who received an MBE for services to forestry, and Andrew Page, formerly of Forestry England, who was honoured for his contribution to wildlife management and raptor conservation.
Read more:
