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ICF Council

We are delighted to announce that Andrew Sowerby MICFor was elected to National Council for the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) earlier last month, providing important representation for the Institutes’ membership in Wales.

The role of council is to support the executive’s work, engage with the wider membership and support initiatives that strengthen the institute and it’s membership. During Andrew’s 3-year term, he will attend council three times a year and report back to the Wales Regional Group, of which he is already a committee member, as well as supporting new members in Wales on their path to becoming chartered professionals. Andrew brings more than 15 years experience as a professional forester, and recognises the importance of mentoring new foresters by seeking to improve the connections that the ICF has with potential members, new members and experienced members alike.

During his time in post, Andrew hopes that he can contribute towards the current ICF action plan by:

  • Encouraging Regional Groups to identify training needs and offer locally led, informal seminars.
  • Identifying strategic training needs common to the four countries and set up online resources available to members.
  • Encourage mentoring and challenge all Professional Members to make the offer of mentoring; facilitated by Regional Groups and seeking mentoring across sectors. Again, this can be supported by online resources that structure early conversations.
  • Find ways to support potential members from practical backgrounds who need focus and encouragement to complete academic qualifications while working full time.

The challenge to deliver resilient forests, productive woodlands and well managed trees inspires me

Andrew Sowerby MICFor

Andrew is active in attending National Conference and field visits in Wales, as well as working with universities and colleges offering presentations to students. He also leads Mbale Coed, a group that supports the planting of ten million trees in Eastern Uganda. He hopes his outgoing approach to forestry and life will help him be a member of council that conveys messages clearly and regularly, and one who listens actively and makes time for discussions both online and in person.