Members of the Association of Professional Foresters (APF) and the Timber Growers Association (TGA) have overwhelmingly voted for a merger.

The vote, taken at extraordinary general meetings on November 7, will lead to the creation of the Association of Timber Growers and Forestry Professionals (ATGFP) on January 1.

The merger is designed to give both organisations a powerful, independent voice to lead, influence and gain respect from industry and government.

TGA chairman Len Yull said: ‘This is a green light for progress in the growing end of the industry and a turning point for forestry from which we can all progress.’

Richard Ogilvy, chairman of the APF, added: ‘This is a momentous occasion for the forest industry for which the APF has been striving for at least the last five years.’

Mr Ogilvy said other forestry-related organisations were welcome to join in future, helping provide an even stronger voice.

The core objectives of the ATGFP include: providing a representative organisation for all engaged in forestry and associated activities; promoting profitability and productivity of UK forestry and expansion of woodland cover; promotion of the UK timber and forest products home and export markets; and aiding training and education of forestry workers.

It aims to achieve these by developing new networks, consulting members and setting up helplines, regional meetings and conferences.

An interim board-in-waiting is already in place with timber consultant Roger Venables as chairman. A launch is planned early in the new year.