A SENIOR figure at Natural Resources Wales and the chief executive of the Arboricultural Association are among those to have been appointed fellows at the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF). 

Sam Brown, NRW's senior forest operations officer, and the AA's John Parker are joined by Paul Orsi (director of the Sylva Foundation) and Mike Ingoldby (director, Bowland Bioenergy) in receiving the prestigious title in recognition of their dedication, experience and achievements.

Sam joined the Institute over 13 years ago and oversees the planning and delivery of harvesting, thinning, restocking and establishment in the mid Northeast area to meet NRW’s forest and woodland objectives.

Paul Orsi, left, and Mike Ingoldby were also given the prestigious honour Paul Orsi, left, and Mike Ingoldby were also given the prestigious honour (Image: PR)

His dedication and experience working in the forestry sector in Wales has boosted his career progression and professionalism, gaining chartered status in 2016.

Elsewhere, he is one of the Institute’s 2023 Emerging Leaders and is a Fellow of Clore Social Leadership.

"I was delighted to hear that I had been promoted to a Fellow of the Institute – in some ways I still can’t believe it is true!" he said. "The Institute, my peers and colleagues have all guided me through my career and am grateful for the opportunities given to me outside my day-to-day role." 

John has been a key advocate for arboriculture for more than 15 years and a Chartered Arboriculturist since 2017. He took up the role of CEO of the AA in 2021 and also sits on the BSI/2013 Committee, the Environmental Horticulture Group, the London Urban Forest Group and the Plant Health Alliance.

John Parker has led arb's leading organisation since 2021John Parker has led arb's leading organisation since 2021 (Image: eA/Jack Haugh)

John said: “I am delighted to have been approved as a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Fellowship is the highest grade of membership at the Institute and it is an honour to have been recognised by my peers in this way.”

Since 2013, Paul has led the Sylva Foundation’s Forest and Land Programme as a Director having supported and led a transformation of the organisation, particularly the development its flagship myForest platform that is used to support over 9 per cent of Britain’s privately owned woodlands.

“Being promoted as a Fellow is a big thing for me," he said. "It’s recognition from my peers that I have had an impact in the sector where I have spent all my working life." 

Mike said: “The conferring of the honour of Fellowship is a matter of intense satisfaction that one’s professional competence has been endorsed by one’s peers."