Gareth Hopkins has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Forestry Sector in the New Year Honours 2025 list

FISA is delighted that Gareth Hopkins has been awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for services to the Forestry Sector in the New Year Honours 2025 list. Gareth volunteers in the FISA Plant & Equipment Working Group, offering support for the refresh of FISA guidance.

As the Forestry Commission’s Apprenticeship Programme Manager, Gareth’s work and leadership was instrumental in the development of the UK’s first degree level Professional Forester Apprenticeship with partners the University of Cumbria and the Institute of Chartered Foresters. The apprenticeship scheme was launched in 2022 and continues to be one of the most competitive and exciting opportunities for new entrants into the forestry sector, playing a vital part in the growing, upskilling and diversification of the workforce, supporting the skills crisis.

Gareth has a long and distinguished career in forestry in the private, third and public sectors, starting at the roots as a machine operator and estate worker as well as running his own forestry business. Putting himself through college to obtain formal qualifications in forestry which then led to a career working at the Forestry Commission. Gareth has also worked for the Woodland Trust and Natural England.