An industry-led, social enterprise Forests With Impact works to transform the rehabilitation process by establishing commercial tree nurseries within prisons. By involving prisoners in the nurturing, planting, care and sale of trees, the enterprise offers a practical pathway to rehabilitation, teaching valuable skills for employment and encouraging deeper connections with nature. The work not only creates opportunities for those within the justice system but also plays a vital role in tackling climate change, restoring biodiversity, and strengthening the UK’s biosecurity by reducing reliance on imported trees.
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) was founded 140 years ago, working to sharing knowledge on the art and science of woodland management so that the accumulated wisdom and experience of landowners, foresters, arborists and others is transferred from one generation to another. The focus of the RFS to promote resilient woodlands, up-skilling the future workforce and increasing public understanding of managed forestry aligns closely with Forests With Impact’s purpose of growing trees and building futures.
United by their mutual vision to restore the UK’s forests, tackle climate change, reverse biodiversity loss, ensure biosecurity and build a skilled, sustainable workforce, the partnership is exploring projects that will open doors to employment for prisoners and prison leavers. At HMP Fosse Way, the RFS provided copies of their induction pack ‘The Wood and The Trees’ to prisoners keen to pursue careers in forestry and join the Forests With Impact programme. Funded by the Forestry Commission, these resources offer an accessible first step into green careers and have now been distributed to participants at HMP Haverigg and HMP Fosse Way.
“We are delighted to be partnering with Forests with Impact on this important programme. Not only will this support prisoners back into employment, it will also help address the pressing skills shortage facing the forestry sector. It is inspiring to see what Forests with Impact have already achieved at HMP Haverigg, supporting prisoners and prison-leavers to build the skills they need for a rewarding career in forestry. We look forward to offering our knowledge and expertise to support the expansion of this ambitious programme,” said, Christopher Williams, Royal Forestry Society Chief Executive.
Sarah MacGregor, Forests With Impact Director, added, “We’re so excited to have the Royal Forestry Society join Forests With Impact. Their extensive expertise and shared passion for creating a lasting impact through forestry is going to be such a force for good as we expand our programme. This support strengthens our mission to grow trees and futures – leaving a legacy that really makes a difference to our communities and the planet”
