A stronger future for Scotland’s woodlands – Scotland’s Finest Woods welcomes three new trustees

Neil Crookston, currently Head of Estate & Programmes(Scotland) at The Woodland Trust, Sam Malpass, Director of Policy &Practice at Scottish Forestry and Michael Roe, an experienced charity chair and trustee in the environmental sector, will join the existing trustees to help the charity promote the very best of woodland and forestry across the country; from school nursery and community woods to agroforestry and quality timber production.

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Wilma Harper, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Neil, Sam and Michael will bring valuable experience and energy to our organisation. We may be a small charity, but we make a significant impact across Scotland, particularly through the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, which we are delighted to be hosting later this year.

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“Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us grow our voice for woodlands and forestry, ensuring our work to celebrate and promote Scotland’s trees becomes even more influential.

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“I am also grateful to retiring chair Guy Watt and trustees John Paterson and Alicja Dzieciol for all their support.”‍

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About the new trustees‍

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Neil Crookston brings a wide-range of forestry expertise to Scotland’s Finest Woods.

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He said: “The Awards celebrate the contribution of woodlands to people, the environment and economic prosperity, while recognising those who support their local communities, economy and environment. My career has been dedicated to these outcomes through sustainable woodland creation, forest management, and conservation benefit.”

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Sam Malpass has a background in supporting the forestry sector across policy, strategy and delivery.

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The work of Scotland’s Finest Woods which host an annual Awards ceremony championing woodland and forestry across the country made her apply to be a trustee.

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She said: “My first experience of the SFW Awards last year meant a lot to me in the earliest days of the Scottish chapter of my career. I arrived at the Scottish Parliament tired after a long day, and left feeling utterly proud and energised – reminded of just why we all do what we do. I feel passionately about championing good forestry and celebrating what’s special about our woodlands.”

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Michael Roe has a background as a director in the technology sector and brings experience of charity leadership and governance through his chair and trustee roles.

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He said: “I have always taken a keen interest in natural history and nature conservation. Since stepping away from full-time work in industry, I regard my second career as being a champion and ambassador for environmental and climate change work.”  

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