The Royal Forestry Society (motto, Promoting the wise management of trees and woods) is a charitable organisation that was established in 1882 in Northumberland, England. Originally known as the English Arboricultural Society, the organisation was founded by forester Henry Clark and nurseryman John W Robson, both from Hexham.
The RFS aims to further "the appreciation, understanding and knowledge of trees, woods and forests". [1]. The society claims a membership of over 4,000 spread throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The analogous organisation in Scotland is the Royal Scottish Forestry Society. Overseas members are also admitted. The society is patronised by HM The Queen.
The society publishes a journal entitled the Quarterly Journal of Forestry, specialising in scientific articles focusing on all aspects of British forestry and woodland management. It also has a large branch throughout east Sussex, founded by Oliver Jackson who sponsors two vocational qualifications, the 'Professional Diploma in Arboriculture' and the 'Certificate in Arboriculture'. A large number of meetings and woodland visits are organised for members along with national and international study tours. A library of forestry-related material and picture archive is maintained at the Society headquarters at Tring.
The Society manages three woodlands, in the Chilterns, part of the National Forest, and the largest and oldest grove of coast redwoods in Europe at Leighton Hall, Powys near Welshpool.[1]