Created and developed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) with funding from Defra’s Trees Call to Action Fund, the UKFS e-learning programme provides a visually stimulating and interactive way for forestry professionals to get to grips with the fifth edition of the standard.
This latest edition, which was updated following devolution to reflect changes in legislation, new international agreements and advances in scientific understanding, now replaces all earlier editions.
“We hope that our UKFS e-learning programme, which provides an alternative to the extensive text-based manual, will encourage more foresters to engage with the standard, particularly as it is fully accredited by Lantra and leads to certification on completion,” said Louise Simpson, executive director at the ICF.
“Professional development and training are an integral part of our role at the ICF. With the fifth edition of the standard now in effect, we urge more people from across the sector to take up this innovative e-learning programme to build their knowledge and enrich their careers by demonstrating that their activities and proposals are legal, sustainable and follow the principles of best practice.”
The Forestry Commission, Forest Research, Natural Resources Wales, Scottish Forestry and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) have endorsed the UKFS e-learning programme, with some of their most senior figures adding their support.
“The UKFS underpins sustainable forestry in the UK and is the basis for good practice,” said David Bole, head of sector capacity and the green economy at the Forestry Commission. “This e-learning programme is an excellent opportunity for people to deepen their knowledge and understanding of the Standard and incorporate it into their everyday work.”
“The accredited e-learning programme is a valuable opportunity for all forestry professionals to understand the updated version of the UK Forestry Standard, the foundation of sustainable forestry management in Scotland,” added Dr Helen McKay, chief forester for Scotland. “I really appreciate the work to update the standard itself and to develop the e-learning programme which allows staff to work through the various modules at their own speed and order and also makes a real effort to engage with the full range of professional foresters.”
“I’m delighted to support the new e-learning programme delivered by the ICF, which will help bring the UKFS to life,” said Dominic Driver, head of land stewardship at Natural Resources Wales. “This is the first time it has been delivered in this format and will allow professionals to get to grips with the new standard at a time and place that suits them. I would encourage anyone who is involved with managing forests or woodland to take a look at the course.”
The UKFS e-learning programme breaks down the standard into different chapters made up of key information and underpinned by quizzes, videos, imagery and virtual reality capabilities. It can be accessed remotely and worked around other commitments, gradually building knowledge of the key elements of the standard, in a practical way and at a pace to suit the user. Sign-up to the UKFS e-learning programme or watch a short promotional video or a longer video for more information on what’s on offer.
