Royal Forestry Society - RFS

10/09/2026

Our NEW blog post focuses on the important issue of mental health in forestry and arboriculture.

Jen Turner, Development Manager at the Royal Forestry Society - RFS, discusses findings from their recent Breaking Points survey - the forestry sector’s first survey into workers’ mental health - and how the Wellbeing in Forestry group is turning that insight into action.

Speaking about the results of the survey, Jen says, "A particularly concerning figure was that less than half (only 43%) of respondents said they had someone they trusted to talk to on a weekly basis.

"This World Su***de Prevention Day (10 September 2026), we can all take one step to help address these issues by having an honest conversation with a colleague" continues Jen. "Ask how they’re really doing and see where the conversation leads."

Read the full blog: https://forestrycommission.blog.gov.uk/2026/09/10/speaking-up-about-mental-health-in-forestry-and-arboriculture/

Image: Royal Forestry Society

10/09/2026

🤩 RFS Viking Bursary recipient 2025 and PhD candidate at Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), Aakash Basi, explores if plants can extract and stabilise contaminants in the soil where local authorities struggle.

🌳Read more of his update: www.rfs.org.uk/news-list/phytoremediation-research-update/

University of Birmingham

08/09/2026

👀 Forest Research is looking to hear from people who already take part in nature-related citizen science. Sounds a lot like you!
Take part in the survey: https://defragroup.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0UqvHMqcaMg0ko6

Researchers at Forest Research are interested in understanding what encourages people to get involved in nature recording and what challenges they may encounter. They re looking to hear from people who enjoy, or are interested in, recording or observing nature in support of scientific research.

More information: https://www.forestresearch.gov.uk/news/new-survey-for-volunteer-observers-and-recorders-of-nature/

🌳

03/09/2026

👉 ONLY ONE WEEK TO GET YOUR EARLY BIRD TICKETS! 👈

“I thought the Women in Forestry day was fantastic and really helped me to slow down in the woods. It felt very inclusive which was a lovely environment to chat and share. Thank you for creating the event for women in the industry to come together, I would absolutely attend another of these again.”

🌳 Attendees of our Women in Forestry gatherings have been raving about their experience. We'd love you to join us but Early Bird tickets are ending soon! Don't miss out!
Book on here: https://rfs.org.uk/events/women-in-forestry-4/

Kindly sponsored by Sharkey Forestry Ltd
💪🌳🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍🌈🥾💚🌱

03/09/2026

31/08/2026

🌳 Public perceptions of forestry can affect those working in the sector; but better communication could help bridge the gap between people and the work that keeps our woodlands healthy.

👉 Read more: www.rfs.org.uk/news-list/we-listened/

Elle McAllister, Digital Communications Manager, delves into the statistics that describe mental health in forestry, the dangers of how misinformation spreads, and what RFS are trying to do about it alongside the Wellbeing in Forestry Group. 💚

Confor Forestry Commission Forestry Contracting Association Institute of Chartered Foresters IWAN MEIRION-Forestry RABI Royal Scottish Forestry Society Small Woods

28/08/2026

🌳 Woodland Meetings in September!
👉 For more information about these events and many more head to www.rfs.org.uk/events

25/08/2026

🏆 Congratulations to all the incredible students who wowed their places of study and the RFS divisions this year! The awards showcase the breadth of new talent entering the sector from across England and Wales.

🌱 Read more: www.rfs.org.uk/news-list/students-of-the-year-2026/

Bangor University Hill Holt Wood University of Cumbria University of Birmingham Herefordshire College Coleg Meirion-Dwyfor Glynllifon The Royal Agricultural University Sparsholt College Activate Learning International University of Exeter

20/08/2026

🌳 To all who have received their GCSE results today: this is just one day. An ancient oak was once a tiny acorn. However big this feels, it is not everything, and there is so much more life to live.

Today is a great opportunity to start thinking about your future. If a life of trees, nature, science, and exploration sounds like you, then RFS can help. Whether it's through training, college or university, or you're just not sure, we have resources to give you options.

👉 Check out www.rfs.org.uk/careers & get in touch via the Careers Advice Service.

13/08/2026

💚 To all getting their A Level results today: they are important but they are not everything. Your life is so much more than this.

If you are thinking about your future today, and desperately want to avoid the generic 9-5 desk job, maybe consider forestry.
You could make a positive impact in the natural world in a growing & exciting sector.

👉 Check out www.rfs.org.uk/learning & get in touch via the Careers Advice Service.