Tom Jenkins MBE FICFor (1959-2026)

A statement from James Pendlebury, Chief Executive:

“It’s with deep sadness that we confirm that Tom Jenkins MBE FICFor, Head of Forest Research in Wales, died on Sunday 19 April.

“Although Tom had been living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) since a preliminary diagnosis in November 2020, his death was still a great shock to us all.

“Tom was a committed advocate and campaigner for MND and was awarded his MBE in December 2023 for services to forestry. He was nominated by the Institute of Chartered Foresters for three decades of work including 16 years as a member of the Institute’s Professional and Educational Standards Committee. He was also awarded the Institute’s Medal – the ICF’s highest honour – in 2022.

“Tom’s passing is a huge loss to us all. He was a close colleague and friend to me, but also to many others at Forest Research. Our thoughts remain with his wife, Rowan, and his children at this very difficult time.”

Tom began his career at Forest Research in 2009 as the deputy manager of the Forest Mensuration, Modelling and Forecasting (FMMF) science group led by Robert Matthews. He took up his role as Head of FR in Wales in April 2014. Tom was instrumental in FR developing a closer relationship with the Welsh Government after devolution and making sure that FR was relevant in Wales. He also brought considerable skills in computing and managing cyber risk to Forest Research.

Before FR, he worked at Bangor University as departmental computer manager and departmental statistician (1988-1993), lecturer in Forest Mensuration and Management (1993-2005) and Distance-learning Programme Director (2005-2009).