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Celebrating 30 years of Fern

2 October 2025

Written by: Margareta Nilsson, Chair of Fern’s Board

Fern’s name was chosen because ferns are one of the few plants that can grow in every kind of forest, and are found in almost every corner of the planet.

The name resonates for us in another important way - particularly in troubled times: ferns are resilient. They have a remarkable capacity to adapt and flourish as conditions change: an ability that’s enabled them to evolve since dinosaurs roamed the earth.

Resilience is at the heart of our organisation, and has been since Saskia Ozinga and Sian Pettman founded it 30 years ago.

 

As political tides shift and resistance grows to the environmental and social protections Fern and our allies have worked so hard to achieve, we will nurture and make use of that resilience. And we move forward with optimism, despite the scale of the challenges.

Learn more about Fern’s achievements

We’re privileged to be part of a powerful, inspirational and hope-filled global movement; a movement that has helped shape Fern and our story: from outstanding staff and Board members (past and present) to exceptional funders, from inspirational partners to unwavering friends and steadfast allies across the globe.   

 

Fern is the place where I am able to put my passion for forests into practical action.
– Fern campaigner Siim Kuresoo

 

Together we will continue to learn, to be creative and curious, and to strive for a Europe that respects forests and forest peoples’ rights.

Category: News

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