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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
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Celebrating Scotland’s Finest Woods
Latest news ...
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is marking 40 years of celebrating all that is great about the country’s woodlands and forests.
The Awards celebrate the people involved across all types of Scotland’s woodlands who through their dedication make them the finest examples of a key national natural resource.
The Awards started at a time when many of the large estates employed their own foresters, and they focused on growing quality timber.
These woodlands provide us with many of the examples of quality woodlands we have today. Commercial forests cover about 1 million ha of Scotland and contribute £1.1bn GVA, employing more than 10,000 people.
Scotland’s Finest Woods’ Quality Timber category has three awards to reflect the importance of good forest management.
But Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are unique because they demonstrate the broad range of forestry across Scotland, with the strong origins in productive forestry as well as other great examples of woodland management across society.
The Tim Stead Trophy, awarded to the best community woodland in the country, is an integral part of this. And this year also marks 25 years since the sculptor, whose main medium was wood, passed away.
Tim Stead helped set up the Wooplaw community woodland near Lauder in 1987. It was the first of its kind in Britain and he is laid to rest within its peaceful setting.
His widow, Maggy Stead, said: “People have latched on to it and been inspired to create community woodlands across Scotland. Now, Scotland can be proud of what has been achieved over the past 40 years or so.”
She added: “What I witnessed was that for Tim, planting hardwood forests, managing woodlands, making children aware of the importance of planting trees, these aspects of man’s husbandry with nature, were as important to him as making art.”
Scotland’s Finest Woods is thrilled to be custodians of the Tim Stead Trophy, which he made in 1986 as part of his Axes for Trees project, which involved making one wooden axe head for every day of the year, and selling them to raise money to plant trees.
As well as supporting craftsmen to develop the skills needed to make full use of local, native timbers, he was an enthusiastic environmentalist so it is also appropriate to have climate change at the heart of the awards.
Origins of the awards
In 1985, a notice in Scottish Forestry, the Royal Scottish Forestry Society’s (RSFS) Journal announced: “A new scheme of forestry awards is being instituted by the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland with the support of the Forestry Commission, Timber Growers U.K. (Scotland), the Royal Scottish Forestry Society and the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
“The purpose of the scheme is to focus public attention on the increasing importance of the forestry industry in the rural and national economy; to give credit to the best achievements of forestry management for the production of timber; to encourage owners to make provision for the enhancement of the landscape, conservation of the natural habitat, recreation, public access and integration with other land use.”
And thus, Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards were born. The first competitions were held in 1986. Then, in 1999, a fuller partnership developed to include a number of forestry and environmental organisations to better reflect contemporary woodland management and Scotland’s rapidly developing forest industry. Finally, an independent charity was established in 2005 to run the awards.
A broad focus
Simon MacGillivray was a director when the Scotland’s Finest Woods was set up as a standalone charity in 2005. He and his colleagues saw this as a point where the focus had to broaden from not just timber production and farming to schools and the community, including the Tim Stead Trophy.
The Gardening Scotland Show at Ingliston was chosen as the new venue for the awards ceremony, with some added celebrity. Simon said: “We wanted a public audience for forestry, using the RSFS stall.
“Jim McColl from the (BBC) Beechgrove Garden gave the awards and when you get that celebrity it mixes well with the public. They got involved and were able to ask for advice about trees in their gardens.
“Jim McColl was a star for us and would go out with me to schools as well.”
Charlie Taylor is a three-time winner and then became a judge, allowing him to the see the benefits of entering from both sides.
His wins came with his work with the then Forestry Commission Scotland – the Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence for Faskally Forest, Perthshire in 1996, and the John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Forestry for Allean Forest in 2000 and Kinnoull Woodland Park, Perth in 2003.
He sees the wins as a team effort, something he noticed as a judge in the Quality Timber section, which has made him positive about the future.
He said: “You are there as a judge to have a conversation and share knowledge. In the last few years there has been a lot of new, younger forest managers, sharing their experience.
“One of the things for people in forestry is they don’t tend to blow their own trumpet. Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards gives folk recognition.”
Still growing
For 2025, there is a new category of Urban Forestry, as well as the existing categories of Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Wood, Community Woodland, Climate Change and Schools and Early Years.
Shireen Chambers was also once a judge for the awards, and is now Chief Executive of Future Woodlands Scotland, which has just been announced as the sponsor of the new Urban Forestry Award.
She agrees that judges can benefit entrants, and has some fond memories of visiting all types of woodland. “We judged everything,” she said. “We took a week and did a tour of Scotland – it was a hoot!
“It was interesting to see different approaches and you could compare … a community woodland in Nairn to one in Dumfries, and you could then suggest things.”
Shireen is very excited about the new award. She said: “Scotland is one of the most urban-centric countries in the world; over 80% live in the Central Belt. Getting kids out and understanding urban forestry is important, it can be where they get their only education about trees.”
There are also health benefits, she said greenspaces help with recovery from hospital treatment and that “less children develop asthma when there are trees in cities”. “It is not an add on, it is intrinsic to development.”
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, presented many of the Awards last year.
She said: “Forty years of the Scottish Finest Woods Awards is a fantastic achievement – and I want to congratulate everyone involved.
“It’s no wonder that the awards are thriving and that is down to the passion and dedication of all those who work so hard across all aspects of forestry and woodlands in Scotland.
“It’s fantastic to see the categories for the awards grow, showcasing the wide variety of great work taking place across both rural and urban Scotland. It’s particularly great to see the involvement and recognition of the work young people are doing, hopefully as they become our foresters of the future.”
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said the future looks bright: “The Trustees remain committed to encourage the good management of all types of woodland in Scotland.
“Our roots in recognising the best practice and importance of Quality Timber have grown to champion all forms of woodland and forestry, whether a school or urban wood, a farm woodland, new native wood or community project – all with the underlying importance of trying to mitigate the climate emergency.”
Enter Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025 now
Schools and Early Years entries closed on March 31, 2025. All other entries must be submitted by 23:59 on Saturday May 31, 2025.
For full details, criteria and entry forms see: www.sfwa.co.uk
PANEL – The early winners and the original trophies
In 1986 Ardgarten Forest (managed by the then Forestry Commission, now Forestry and Land Scotland) won the John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Forestry.
Also that year, The Duke of Buccleuch (for Drumlanrig, Dumfriesshire) won the Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence.
The 1986 awards in the “10 to 49 hectare classes” were presented with the Lilburn Trophy to Cumlodden Woodlands, the property of Sir Hay Campbell, and the Fassfern Woodlands, property of Lord Dulverton – both clients of Scottish Woodlands.
The Dulverton Flagon, was awarded for sustainable woodland management to Major G.K. Agnew.
Here are the intriguing stories about those early trophies:
John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Woodlands
This Award is for multi-purpose woodlands where a number of different activities are taking place within a woodland or forest. For example, in addition to timber production, these could be recreation or a visitor centre and/or conservation. The size of the forest or woodlands is not restricted, but must be appropriate to and capable of sustaining the stated objectives.
The John Kennedy Memorial Trophy, a splendid silver rose bowl, was presented by the Forestry Commission for a competition to encourage ‘forestry in harmony with the environment’ and in memory of John Kennedy, the Forestry Commissioner responsible for forest management, who died in 1985.
The Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence
The Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence is awarded for a stand or compartment of trees where the exemplary use of forestry techniques, practice and management results in high quality timber production.
The silver salver was originally presented by Sir James Hunter Blair of Blairquhan Castle to the Royal Scottish Forestry Society as a prize for an ‘annual Competition for Woodland Management’.
Sir James was a keen forester serving as a District Officer with the Forestry Commission in the 1920s before returning to Ayrshire to manage the family estate at Blairquhan. Here he pursued his enthusiasm for silviculture and took great delight in testing forestry students and more experienced foresters on the identification of the more unusual specimens to be found at Blairquhan.
The Lilburn Trophy
The Royal Highland & Agricultural Society of Scotland gifted the magnificent Lilburn Trophy to Scotland’s Finest Woods in 2018, when it created a new award for Farm Woodlands. The competition is to reward the very best of Scotland’s Farm Woodlands that form part of good agricultural practise. The winning farmers are judged as demonstrating exemplary use of both woodland and agricultural practise with benefits being delivered to both the farm’s operations and quality of woodland management.
The Dulverton Flagon
The distinctive Dulverton Flagon was first awarded to the winners of a sustainable woodland management competition to promote The Forestry & Woodland Code produced by the then woodland owners’ association, Timber Growers United Kingdom. The flagon was generously provided by the then Lord Dulverton, an enthusiastic advocate of forestry in Scotland and in the House of Lords.
The competition ran from 1986 to 1994 but the trophy had a subsequent outing in 1999 when the S W England region of the by then re-titled Timber Growers Association provided it as a prize at Exeter Races when Walter’s Destiny romped home to snatch the coveted flagon!
The flagon was not to see active service again until 2010 when the Crown Estate’s Glenlivet Estate was rewarded in the Scotland’s Finest Woods’ Silver Jubilee Competition.
The flagon is not tied to a particular competition but is available for award each year at the judges’ discretion.
ENDS
The biggest ever Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is back for 2025 with a new prize and plans for a 40th birthday celebration.
The new Urban Forestry Award, sponsored by Future Woodlands Scotland is all about celebrating the projects that are turning towns and cities into greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.
Meanwhile, the trustees are proud to be celebrating four decades of championing the contribution woodlands and forestry make towards the Scotland’s environment and economy.
Entries are now open with a deadline of March 31 for the Schools and Early Years categories and May 31 for all other awards.
A glittering awards ceremony will take place in November when there will be the added chance to celebrate National Tree Week.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “It is wonderful to be planning for our 40th anniversary awards ceremony. And, having a new award to champion the important role urban woodland plays for our communities and the environment shows the vital role trees play in every part of the country.
“Scotland’s Finest Woods brings together brilliant work, from farms and forestry to local woods and schools. We are excited for this year’s entries, building on what has been a superb array of best practice woodland management and creation over the last four decades.
“Winners enjoy recognition and publicity for their hard work and care of trees and receive a cash prize in addition to the trophies on offer. If they are visited by judges, this is often a very worthwhile and inspiring experience for all involved. Will you enter your project this year and be in with the chance of winning?”
Helping wildlife, communities and the climate through great woodland is not just happening in rural settings. The new award reflects the fact that 80% of Scotland’s population live in towns and cities, making urban forestry a vital element to create a greener environment, literally and environmentally.
There are 11 competitions at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards covering the new category of Urban Forestry, as well as Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Wood, Community Woodland and Schools and Early Years, and Climate Change.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, presented many of the Awards last year. She said: “The awards are a brilliant showcase for the very best of Scotland’s woodlands.
“Each year there’s such a variety of awards covering communities, schools, farming, through to native and productive woodlands. I’m really pleased that for the first time there is now a prize for urban woodlands too.
“The event is a celebration for many people who work hard to manage their woodlands and I would thoroughly recommend owners to join in and submit an entry.”
In 2024, the awards went to a diverse range of work from forestry within a biologically and structurally diverse native wood to best practice farm woodland to a community group which transformed a heavily browsed deer park with increased biodiversity.
Guy Watt, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, the charity which operates the programme, said: “It is great to look back on 40 years of celebrating and championing the best of all things woodlands and forestry. That is a fantastic achievement not only for the charity but also the great foresters, farmers, crofters, community groups and schools.
“To add urban forestry as a standalone award is a fitting way to mark four decades, especially at a time when the value of greenspace is rightly being appreciated more than ever.”
Celebrating a proud history of championing success
The awards ceremony will showcase 40 years of Scotland’s Finest Woods promoting the great work taking place each and very year across the country.
The awards, first established in 1985, celebrate the contribution that woodlands can make to the people of Scotland and to its environment and economic prosperity.
The underlying principle is that people from across Scotland work hard to support their local communities and the environment, and the awards provide a way to recognise and reward their achievements, and so identify exemplars for others to follow.
A partnership to run an annual awards programme was first established in 1985 by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Woodland Owners’ Association and the Royal Scottish Forestry Society with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland joining later; the first competitions were held in 1986. In 1999 a fuller partnership developed to include a number of forestry and environmental organisations so as to better reflect contemporary woodland management and Scotland’s rapidly developing forest industry. Finally, an independent charity was established in 2005 to run the awards.
Enter now
Schools and Early Years entries must be made by 23:59 on Monday March 31, 2025. All other entries must be submitted by 23:59 on Saturday May 31, 2025.
For full details, criteria and entry forms see: www.sfwa.co.uk
ENDS
Future Woodlands Scotland has been announced as sponsors of a new Urban Forestry Award at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025.
The new award is all about celebrating the projects that are turning towns and cities into greener, healthier, and more sustainable places to live.
With entries opening in February 2025, Future Woodlands Scotland see the new award as a perfect match for its vision of a Scotland where trees and native woodlands thrive – helping wildlife, people, and the climate all at once.
With 80% of Scotland’s population living in towns and cities, urban forestry is more important than ever. This award will highlight how trees can create resilient, connected communities while enriching urban life.
Shireen Chambers, Chief Executive of Future Woodlands Scotland, said: “At Future Woodlands Scotland, we believe trees matter. Urban forestry plays a critical role in tackling climate change, improving air quality, and boosting biodiversity. This award will shine a light on the inspiring work of individuals and groups who are transforming our cities and communities for the better.
“We’re excited to support the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards. The addition of this new category is a well-deserved recognition of the growing impact of urban forestry on our environment and quality of life.”
Protecting and enriching Scotland’s environment
The Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards have been called Scotland’s “Tree Oscars”, celebrating the people and projects making a real difference in nature conservation and woodland management. Now in their 40th year, the awards continue to honour the incredible efforts that help protect and enrich Scotland’s environment.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “It is great to have a new award showcasing some excellent work in urban forestry which is taking place across Scotland.
“And, it is fantastic to have Future Woodlands Scotland on board as a sponsor. They do wonderful work to restore and protect native woodland, as well as bringing environmental and social benefits to cities and towns with the promotion of urban tree planting, biodiversity, education, community engagement, and green job creation.”
Who can apply?
The Urban Forestry Award will be open to projects of all sizes, from small, local initiatives to large-scale urban transformations. Individuals, communities, and organisations are encouraged to apply.
Applications open February 2025
There are now 12 competitions at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards covering the new category of Urban Forestry, Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Woodland, Community Woodland and Schools and Early Years, as well as a Climate Change Champion.
Details about the Urban Forestry Award will be available soon as well as full details, criteria and entry forms for all the awards. For updates, visit the Scotland’s Finest Woods website at www.sfwa.co.uk
And to find out more about Future Woodlands Scotland’s Urban Forestry Programme visit www.futurewoodlands.org.uk
About Future Woodlands Scotland
Future Woodlands Scotland is a leading charity dedicated to restoring and protecting Scotland’s native woodlands. Since its founding in 2012, the charity has worked to safeguard landscapes, support wildlife, and tackle climate change through innovative funding and collaborative partnerships.
Achievements:
– Supported the creation and regeneration of over 1,000 hectares of native woodlands across Scotland.
– Pioneered the restoration of “ghost” or degraded ancient woodlands, bringing them back to life.
– Funded groundbreaking research and creative projects to enhance Scotland’s woodland health and biodiversity.
Key Programmes:
– Future Woodlands Programme: Helps landowners establish and restore native woodlands, contributing to Scotland’s biodiversity and climate resilience.
– Research and Innovation Grants: Provides up to £10,000 for projects that deliver tangible benefits for Scotland’s woodlands.
– Urban Forestry Programme: Promotes urban tree planting, biodiversity, education, community engagement, and green job creation, bringing environmental and social benefits to cities and towns.
Through its work, Future Woodlands Scotland has established itself as a vital force in transforming Scotland’s landscapes and creating a greener, more sustainable future.
For more information about the new award and all media inquiries please contact Nick Drainey at media@sfwa.co.uk or 07711441707
ENDS
Image:
Shireen Chambers during a tree maintenance project in Glasgow. Image by Stewart Attwood, © Stewart Attwood Photography 2024. All other rights are reserved. Use in any other context is expressly prohibited without prior permission.
A bumper year of entries saw excellence in all sectors, from community to forestry, conservation to farming and climate to schools. And each was showcased during a grand ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
Local groups, farmers, foresters and large estates were all recognised at the national event, held by Scotland’s Finest Woods to coincide with National Tree Week.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “After tireless work from our dedicated team of judges, we are proud to have such a fantastic group of winners.
“The production of high-quality timber in an environmentally-sustainable way, and the use of woodland by farmers to help them improve their yields as well as creating biodiversity, are just some of the great examples of how woods and forests can boost both the climate and the economy. When you add in the work of communities, schools and hard-working smallholders, you have a superb range of work to champion.
“Here’s to the future of Scotland’s wonderful woodlands and forests – they are certainly showing strong signs of growth.”
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2024 saw 11 trophies awarded in six categories – Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Woods, Community Woodlands, Climate Change Champion, and Schools and Early Years.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, who presented many of the Awards, said: “This year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is a fantastic way to celebrate the very best in forestry in Scotland and to pay tribute to the many people and organisations that devote so much time and effort into creating and caring for woodlands.
“The sheer variety of awards, including farming to communities and schools, to native and productive woodlands, really demonstrates the breadth and depth of forestry in Scotland.
“Congratulations everyone involved and especially the winners who have had their hard work recognised in this prestigious way.”
The Dulverton Flagon, a special prize for the successful balance between commercial forestry and competing objectives, was won by David Shepherd and Annie Griffiths for Craggach Woodland, Inverness-shire.
The pair have transformed a 1950s conifer plantation into a site growing high quality broadleaf timber within a biologically and structurally diverse native wood.
The judges said Craggach is an “excellent example of a native woodland that has both high environmental value and the potential for high economic value”. They added: “The owners’ desire to demonstrate that a living income can be made from Craggach is inspiring.
“Their hands-on approach covers a wide range of activities – such as rearing ground vegetation transplants, deer management, re-spacing, pruning, thinning, sawmilling and solar kilning.”
In other Quality Timber Awards, the James Jones Trophy for New Commercial Woods went to Dalnavie, Alness, Highland, owned by Potanow Forestry LLP and managed by Tilhill Forestry.
The woodland creation scheme was designed to create a sustainable, productive timber resource that protects and enhances key habitats, whilst promoting other benefits such as public access, landscape character and amenity value.
The judges were very impressed with the outstanding quality of early growth and said the site has used machine planting well, and to allow better access and enable a “dramatic” reduction in the use of chemicals. They added: “Dalnavie has fitted well into a wooded landscape and is well placed to provide high quality timber to a number of local sawmills and to the wider forest industry.”
A plan to improve timber quality while maintaining tree cover to protect the soil from erosion, and provide shelter and food for wildlife saw the award for a Single Stand, Compartment or Small Wood and the Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence go to Forestry and Land Scotland for East Loch Ard Forest – Lochan Spling in the Trossachs.
The judges said: “It was heartening to see the switch to crown thinning in this stand and the upskilling required for both supervisors and machine operators. The outcome is excellent: a more open stand retaining deep-crowned and more stable trees; an enhanced visual experience along the recreation routes; increase in light to initiate natural regeneration; on track to ensure a higher yield of sawlogs.”
A large estate in the Highlands was rewarded for its work to provide quality timber, as well as maintaining good-practice conservation.
The judges awarded the John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Woodlands for Whole Forest or Estate to Cawdor Estates, Nairn, managed by Cawdor Forestry Ltd. They said they came to their decision because “the long-term forest planning ensures regular and sustainable production of timber and the use of competitive tendering maximises economic returns for the owners”.
“This is balanced by work to significantly increase the area of native woodland, conserve key habitats and species, as well as providing safe access for visitors.”
In farming, Matthew Imrie from Hillhead Farm, Torrance, Glasgow, took the much sought-after Scottish Woodlands Trophy and Farm Forestry Award for Young People for some innovative work.
The judges commended the farmer for implementing and encouraging a woodland creation project on a poor part of the farm, improving both the farming activity, the biodiversity value of the farm and the future financial resilience. And they encouraged him to do more: “The applicant should be encouraged to explore other woodland creation projects that might deliver similar synergies.”
Managing existing farm woodlands in an “exemplary” fashion won the Fountains Forestry Award & Lilburn Trophy for Farm/Croft Woodlands for Nicholas Marshall at Baddinsgill Farm, West Linton, Scottish Borders.
The judges said: “Baddinsgill is a fine example of diversified land management in the Pentland Hills … the commitment, enthusiasm, knowledge and experience of the Marshall family give Baddinsgill the best opportunity to thrive into the future.”
Scott and Hannah Farquhar for Constablewood Estate, near Largs, Ayrshire, transformed their traditional sheep farm with planting which complements existing woodland, winning the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods.
The judges were impressed with the owner’s enthusiasm for the project. They added: “Hannah Farquhar accompanied the judges with the agent during the visit and displayed an impressive knowledge of the site and a willingness to learn from her agent.
“In short, a lovely woodland created by passionate people to improve their environment whilst taking advantage of the benefits it provides. An improvement to the livestock on the farm and future integration of woodland grazing in the future.”
Community woodlands are a key part of the Awards and Westmuir Community Development Trust for Westmuir Community Woodland, Angus, was the worthy winner of the Small Community Woodland Group competition.
It might be a small wood but the judges had high praise, calling it “impressive”. They added: “The group’s engagement with its community and the in-kind support it benefits from is impressive.”
The prestigious Tim Stead Trophy for overall Community Woodland Award Winner went to Highland Perthshire Communities Land Trust for Dùn Coillich, Perthshire, who won the Large Community Woodland Group competition.
The Trust bought 423 hectares in 2002. What had been a heavily browsed deer park was transformed to provide public access, increase biodiversity and provide education and training for young people and adults.
The judges said: “Overall, this is an excellent project delivering many benefits for the communities of Highland Perthshire within the local catchment area. In particular, the judges were impressed by the rural skills training being delivered onsite by the project.”
At a time of rising temperatures and threat of environmental catastrophe, the Climate Change Champion Trophy is an important award and this year it went to The Future Forest Company for Carston, Ayrshire.
After extensive public consultation on the 66-hectare site in East Ayrshire, the team designed a new woodland and surrounding habitats that equally addresses climate change and biodiversity collapse while also contributing to local people and communities.
A diverse range of species were used to mitigate the main effects of future climate scenarios in Scotland, including an increased risk of drought, increased frequency of extreme weather events and a higher risk of pests and disease.
The objectives of the woodland are to balance carbon sequestration with creating a habitat that enhances biodiversity, while also ensuring an aesthetically pleasing woodland for local people to use for recreation and education.
The Awards for the Schools and Early Years categories had been announced earlier in the year but both winners were at the ceremony to receive their trophies. The Alba Trees Early Years’ Trophy went to NewCroft Childcare and Forest School near Keith, Moray, and Selkirk High School took the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy.
Emma Harper MSP, member of the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs and Islands Committee and the Awards ceremony’s sponsor MSP, said: “Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate our trees and woodlands, and especially, all the inspiring people who care for them, including from Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders, in my South Scotland Region. I’d like to congratulate the award nominees and everyone involved.
“I am thrilled to be sponsoring the Awards reception in the Parliament and look forward to speaking with, and hearing from everyone who is passionate about Scottish woodlands and the economic and environmental contribution they make to our communities and country as a whole.”
The team of tree champions at Scotland’s Finest Woods has been given a big boost with the appointment of three new trustees.
Alison Chisholm, a chartered landscape architect with Forestry and Land Scotland, Dr Alicja Dzieciol, an entrepreneur and chemist, and Sam Howard, a forestry lecturer at Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), 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.
First on the agenda will be the prestigious Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards which are held each year to celebrate and recognise trees, woodlands and the people caring for them across Scotland, from young children to farmers, communities to professional foresters.
This year the awards ceremony is taking place at the Scottish Parliament during National Tree Week on November 27 and preparations are well under way now the expert group of judges have finished their deliberations.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Ali, Sam and Alicja will really strengthen our work. We are a small charity but have a big impact across Scotland, not least with the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards which we are excited about hosting later this month.
“The new trustees will be at the heart of our organisation, helping to make our promotion of woodland and forestry even more powerful.”
About the new trustees
Alison (Ali) Chisholm is a chartered landscape architect with a professional background that spans 20 years in both private and public sector, delivering projects from small scale local parks and woodlands to large scale urban design.
She currently works for Forestry and Land Scotland developing projects to enhance landscapes and improve access to woodlands and forests, as well as advising on sustainable land management and spatial design of woodlands and forests.
Her work has taken her across the country on a wide range of objectives, including biodiversity, river restoration, flood management, active travel, green space improvements, woodland planting/management and integrated habitat improvements.
She said: “I am passionate about promoting the stewardship of woodlands and forests in ways that enhance their ecological, economic and social functions. I look forward to contributing to Scotland’s Finest Woods, supporting and promoting the best of Scotland’s woodlands and forests.”
Dr Alicja Dzieciol is the founder and director of SilviBio Limited. She founded SilviBio in response to the challenges of tree production at forest nurseries and has advocated for the need to support foresters and the forestry sector as a whole at COP 26 and Future Forest Forum in Germany.
Her company has now created a peat-free growing media to support forest nurseries transition off peat use in line with DEFRA’s peat use ban and is scaling up production in order to support forest nurseries supply the trees needed to reach planting targets and other professional growers.
She has been awarded the Famigro Award for Rural Entrepreneurship and Vodafone Business Woman of the Year in Innovation in recognition of her work and contributions towards helping create a truly sustainable future.
Sam Howard has taught forestry at SRUC in Dumfries and Galloway since 2022. Previously she worked for Savills and then Scottish Woodlands as a forest manager, this provided an opportunity to develop her wide knowledge and skills through the management of properties and forest operations.
Since joining the sector, she has contributed to FISA (Forest Industry Safety Accord) working groups and currently volunteers on the Learning & Behavioural Change Working Group, which has been a great opportunity to contribute to the sector.
Her work has also brought her into contact with winners at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards. She said: “As a young professional I visited Senwick Wood by Kirkcudbright Bay with the Royal Scottish Forestry Society (RSFS) (recipient of the Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence in 2018). It was an excellent opportunity to see different silvicultural systems in practice and to hear about the lessons learned.
“I now take our students to Crofthead (winner of the James Jones Trophy for New Commercial Woods in 2023) and the experience is invaluable as it encourages them to consider the importance of provenance, develops an appreciation of diversification and develops their understanding of species suitability.
“Sharing success stories, which Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is great at, helps others to find solutions and to experience a different way of approaching a problem. I am excited to join Scotland’s Finest Woods as a trustee because I believe it is important to highlight and celebrate woodlands in Scotland.”
About Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards
Scotland’s Finest Woods is a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland (SC294388) and a Scottish Charity (SC039099).
It runs the annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, covering a diverse range of land use. There are 11 trophies on offer in six categories – New Native Woods, Farm Woodland, Quality Timber, Community Woodlands, Climate Change Champion, and Schools and Early Years.
Because of this breadth of awards, anyone with a high-quality project can enter, whether that be a forestry business – small or large – an expert forester, farmer or crofter, or a community woodland group.
Further information about Scotland’s Finest Woods go to www.sfwa.co.uk
ENDS
Here’s your chance to join the dynamic team at Scotland’s Finest Woods – promoting the best of woodland and forestry across the country, from school nursery and community woods to agroforestry and quality timber production.
Scotland’s Finest Woods is seeking up to four new Charity Trustees to bolster the Charity’s governance, due to retirals. The charity runs the prestigious Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards each year to celebrate and recognise trees, woodlands and the people caring for them across Scotland, from young children to farmers, communities to professional foresters.
The charity is particularly welcoming applications from younger people (16 years and over) and those with some knowledge of agriculture including farm woodlands, timber marketing, digital communications, fundraising, or a combination of these. While desirable, a knowledge of woods and forestry is not required.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “We are a small charity with a big impact. This year’s awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament during National Tree Week in November promises a fantastic showcase of all that is great in the world of trees, from the little acorns at nursery school to the major timber producers Scotland has.
“Our new trustees will form part of the bedrock of our organisation, helping to make our promotion of woodland and forestry even more powerful. Applications close on 18th August and we look forward to welcoming successful candidates when they join us.”
About Scotland’s Finest Woods
Scotland’s Finest Woods is a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland (SC294388) and a Scottish Charity (SC039099). The Trustees generally meet once a year in Edinburgh, attend the annual Awards ceremony and otherwise fulfil their responsibilities digitally when required – with an average total of 2 – 4 days per year. Trustees are expected to serve a minimum term of three years, and subject to mutual agreement with the other Trustees. The position of Charity Trustee is voluntary though essential expenses can be reimbursed.
If new to charity governance, this will not be any barrier to becoming a Trustee, though it will be expected that anyone familiarises themselves with the Charity Trustee Responsibilities and Guidance, outlined by the Office of Scotland Charity Regulator (OSCR guidance) and the SCVO Trustee Network.
The awards
The annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards covers a diverse range of land use and has 11 trophies on offer in six categories – New Native Woods, Farm Woodland, Quality Timber, Community Woodlands, Climate Change Champion, and Schools and Early Years.
Because of this breadth of awards, anyone with a high-quality project can enter, whether that be a forestry business – small or large – an expert forester, farmer or crofter, or a community woodland group.
How to apply to be a trustee
About the Role: Charity Trustee – SFW Role 2024.
Email a cover letter stating why you would like to become a Trustee of Scotland’s Finest Woods (SFW), outlining what skills and experience you consider you can bring to the role and SFW’s effective operations in the future. You should also attach a CV.
Send applications by email to: admin@sfwa.co.uk and before the closing date of midnight on Sunday 18 August 2024.
Further information about Scotland’s Finest Woods go to www.sfwa.co.uk
ENDS
Alba trees is the UK’s largest cell grown nursery producing 30 million trees per year across three sites in the beautiful East Lothian countryside. As an industry leader they recognise the importance of cultivating the next generation of foresters to ensure our forests and woodlands are cared for in the future and ultimately safeguarding our planet against climate change.
With the future of forestry being at the heart of Alba’s priorities they have chosen to sponsor the Early Years Award – one of 11 competitions – at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2024.
Sowing new foresters with strong roots
Margaret Allan is the Sales Manager at Alba Trees and understands first-hand the importance of instilling a passion for forestry in young people as early as possible in order to cultivate the next generation of foresters for the industry.
She stated: “We are delighted to deepen our involvement with the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, specifically the Early Years Award.
“It is vital that as an industry we educate young people about what we do, but also create some enthusiasm within them to work in the woodland or forestry environment when they grow up – this will make the sector stronger and also help the environment
“Good woodland and forest management helps reduce the carbon impact on the planet as well as contributing to a vibrant sector – and it all starts with saplings in the ground, or on two little legs at their own nursery.”
Entry to Scotland’s Finest Woods Award open now for all
Last year’s winner of the Early Years Award was Bushcraft Bairns at Comrie Croft, Perthshire, who created a Forest School setting that nurtures connection with nature through play.
The criteria for entries means there is an opportunity for all – the award can be for practical or desk projects involving forestry, woodlands or trees.
This could include a programme of learning in a woodland or forest environment or in a forest industry setting, a classroom-based study of woods and forests or the forest industry, or practical tree planting or woodland improvement projects in school grounds or in the local community.
The entry can also be for an ongoing forestry or tree related project, or one that is already completed. This year, Scottish Forestry – Outdoor Woodland Learning Scotland has created some case studies which may help to inspire you in your own entry. You can download them here.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Alba Trees have supported the Awards programme for many years and we are delighted to have them on board as a full sponsor this year. They do a tremendous amount of work to make sure the stock of saplings available to foresters is healthy and strong. It also shows the importance of linking the young people with the forestry sector – promoting a career for the foresters of the future.”
Discover more
To find out more about Alba Trees go to www.albatrees.co.uk
There are 11 competitions at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards covering Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Woodland, Community Woodland and Schools and Early Years, as well as a Climate Change Champion.
For full details, criteria and entry forms see: www.sfwa.co.uk Note – deadline is March 31.
For more information and all media inquiries please contact Nick Drainey at media@sfwa.co.uk or 07711441707
Climate, Community, Forestry and Farming at the Heart of Scotland’s Finest Woods 2024
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards are back for 2024 after a wonderful celebration in 2023. And this year four key areas form the focus of the prestigious Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards – climate, community, forestry and farming.
The environment is central to everything the awards are about and the competition for the Climate Change Champion Trophy promises a strong field. Last year The Future Forest Company for Dumyat, near Stirling, took the prize with a “multi-use forest for the future”, which saw great examples of carbon sequestration, enhancing biodiversity and providing for communities.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Forestry and agriculture play a vital role in the rural economy of Scotland and we are proud to celebrate that in our awards. But they are also an important player in the nation’s attempts to move to net zero and tackle climate change – helping the environment not only in reducing CO2 but also reducing the risk of flooding and protecting vital peatland habitats, as well as helping agriculture thrive.
“Last year it was great to see lots of community involvement, from both young and old, in the awards and we are expecting for the same again in 2024. It is vital the fight against climate change involves all sectors of society so everyone can help mitigate, educate and adapt to the challenges we face in Scotland and across the globe.
“Across Scotland we know there are inspirational people who are making a difference through their commitment to the woodlands they own, manage and volunteer in. This is the chance to celebrate them.”
The great work of communities was highlighted last year by the winners of the Tim Stead Trophy for the overall Community Woodland Award – Friends of Almondell & Calderwood with West Lothian Council for Almondell Woods.
The winner of the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods was Martyn’s Wood, Crannich, Isle of Mull – which created an area of biodiversity on inhospitable ground and was planted in the memory of the nephew of owner Robin Sedgwick.
Meanwhile, Fordyce Primary School near Portsoy in Aberdeenshire took home the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy.
And the winner of the Scottish Forestry Early Years’ Trophy was Bushcraft Bairns at Comrie Croft, Perthshire who created a Forest School setting that nurtures connection with nature through play.
Forestry and farming form a bedrock for the awards with vital work in integrating trees into the Scottish landscape, to benefit wood production and agriculture, as well as the environment. This year we are excited to announce a new sponsor for one of the 11 competitions – the Farm Woodland Award Whole Farm / Croft, which comes with the magnificent Lilburn Trophy for an active farmer/crofter anywhere in Scotland, will be sponsored by Fountains Forestry UK Ltd. Without sponsors and supporters there would be no annual awards and the organisers are grateful for the new and continued support.
A brilliant example of agroforestry using pigs won David Carruth the Scottish Woodlands Farm Woodland Trophy for Young People in 2023 for his work at Brodoclea, Dalry, North Ayrshire for The Future Forest Company.
And the icing on the cake for the Quality Timber Awards was the highly coveted Dulverton Flagon, an occasional award given at the judges’ discretion for a successful balance between commercial forestry and competing objectives. It was given to Ardachuple, in a National Scenic Area at the Kyles of Bute, Cowal – owned by Bamberg Ltd and managed by Tilhill.
The Scottish Government continues to support ambitious tree planting targets and organisers are hoping for another exceptional set of winners in 2024.
Last year, Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, presented the awards. She said: “The awards are a great opportunity to showcase Scotland’s woodlands and the very people who work tirelessly to manage and care for them.
“There’s a great variety of awards involving best practice in farm woodlands, climate change, community involvement, right through to schools and native woodlands.
“I would certainly welcome and encourage all those to enter the awards and help make the 2024 event another big success.”
The full list of awards are open to anyone with a high-quality project, whether that be a school or pre-school nursery, a forestry business – small or large, an expert forester, farmer or crofter, and a community woodland.
Guy Watt, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, the charity which operates the programme, said: “It was a pleasure to once again be at the Royal Highland Show to celebrate some wonderful work being done across Scotland. This year is already looking set to be a great success.
“It is important we celebrate and champion the environment as well as the community and commercial work which contributes to a wonderful diversity of woodlands in our country.
“Praise should also go to the judges, whose knowledge and guidance are vital to producing an awards programme that is of the highest excellence. We should also thank entrants for taking the time and effort to take part in what is a fantastic celebration of trees, woodland and forestry in all its forms.”
Entries must be submitted by 23:59 on Sunday March 31, 2024. For full details, criteria and entry forms see: www.sfwa.co.uk
For more information and all media inquiries please contact Nick Drainey at media@sfwa.co.uk or 07711441707
CASE STUDY
David Carruth Brodoclea Woodland Farm, near Dalry / The Future Forest Company
An innovative example of agroforestry using pigs to help grow a forest won David Carruth the Scottish Woodlands Farm Woodland – Young People Trophy at the 2023 Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards.
David, from Brodoclea Woodland Farm, near Dalry, in North Ayrshire, which is owned and managed by The Future Forest Company, works with a herd of 163 Mangalitza pigs.
The pigs manage the forest by grazing down the dominant species on the forest floor, allowing other species of plants and young trees to thrive.
To maximise their effectiveness in this role, David uses a system of adaptive “mob” grazing, keeping the pigs in large groups and grazing them through twenty separate 25-acre forest paddocks.
David added: “Pigs are just brilliant for the woodland, they are the ultimate eco-system engineers … it makes your wood more resilient in a changing world.
“I grew up in dairy farming and it was always said that farming was difficult. I am studying environmental science and have found a way back into farming.”
He hopes more young people can enter farming and that his accolade from Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2023 will be an inspiration: “When you get young people on the land with creative ideas you can solve a lot of the problems of our time.
“Winning at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards has helped get me known, boosted my confidence to do more and hopefully made some young folk think about going into agroforestry.”
You can learn more about his work on this video: https://youtu.be/GpG5jeHweBw
David’s early years were spent on two family dairy farms in Renfrewshire. It was his grandfather’s love of nature that led him to volunteering in conservation and habitat creation across the world; from Norway to Canada, Tanzania to the Peruvian Amazon.
This work, and his ongoing degree in environmental science, have allowed David a better understanding of how the global climate and ecological crisis translates down to a local level.
Now, with The Future Forest Company at Brodoclea, he has returned to hills and glens where he grew up.
A forest for the future, designed to help in the fight against climate change, a young farmer mixing trees and pigs, and a community woodland in a country park were all honoured at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2023.
Coupled with a special award for forestry which balanced commercial aims with biodiversity and the wider environment, as well as a woodland planted in memory of a lost family member and some fine examples of schools and early years projects, the ceremony at the Royal Highland Show was a true celebration of all that is good about Scotland’s forests and woodlands.
This year’s winner of the prestigious CarbonStore trophy for Climate Change Champion was The Future Forest Company Ltd for Dumyat, near Stirling.
They have produced a “multi-use forest for the future”, with the main objectives of carbon sequestration, enhancing biodiversity and providing for communities, both now and for years to come.
There is a total planting area of 184 ha with over 340k trees, and an avoidance of monoculture with the use of 18 different species of tree, as well as plans to introduce wildflower meadows to increase biodiversity.
They were told: “The Judges found this to be a well-conceived, innovative, and compelling example of modern woodland creation to address the challenges of climate change. The entire scheme is relatable to other possible woodland creation schemes and appears exemplary in execution to date.”
A brilliant example of agroforestry using pigs won David Carruth the Scottish Woodlands Ltd. Trophy for Young People for his work at at Brodoclea, Dalry, North Ayrshire for The Future Forest Company Ltd.
The judges praised the “innovation being shown in establishing this enterprise” while David told them he works with a herd of 163 Mangalitza pigs on the forest floor. David added: “The local ecology responds well to the pigs as they create opportunities for birds, invertebrates and small mammals. We monitor biodiversity onsite through conducting surveys and recording our observations.
“For the pigs, the constant access to fresh foliage means that I only supply them with 3% of their total diet through summer months. They are healthier and happier because they have large social circles and can constantly engage with the woodland.”
Winner of the Large Community Woodland Group competition and of the Tim Stead Trophy for the overall Community Woodland Award were Friends of Almondell & Calderwood with West Lothian Council for Almondell Woods at Almondell & Calderwood Country Park.
They delivered rejuvenation and restoration projects within the boundaries of the old Almondell Estate, restoring a 19th century walled garden with building work and the planting of fruit trees to demonstrate heritage cultivation methods. There is now also a community heritage trail around 9 historic features dating from 1790’s, as well some great woodland management.
The judges said: “Overall, Almondell Woodlands is exemplary in the partnership which has established between a Local Authority woodland owner and a “Local friends of Group.” And importantly, those involved are still enjoying being involved.”
Winner of the Dulverton Flagon, an occasional award given at the judges’ discretion for a successful balance between commercial forestry and competing objectives was Ardachuple, in a National Scenic Area at the Kyles of Bute, Cowal.
The work saw them establish a productive crop using sound silviculture. At the same time they developed biodiversity for the benefit of wildlife and raptors, and enhanced habitat where possible existing native woodlands.
The judges said: “Ardachuple was an extremely well designed, planned and implemented scheme which showed how commercial woodland can be established in a very sensitive landscape.”
The winner of the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods was Martyn’s Wood, Crannich, Isle of Mull.
It was planted in memory of Martyn Osmond, the nephew of owner Robin Sedgwick, who passed away as a result of a tragic accident on January 1, 2009, at the age of just 21. Robin told the judges: “We felt planting this woodland at a time of great sadness would turn a negative situation into a positive ‘living’ future.”
It was difficult to have a good tree establishment on infertile, exposed, treeless land. Because of that they used Alder and Poplar, both fast growing, to nurse the more tender stems of Oak, Willow, Rowan, Silver Birch and Hazel. The bulk of the Poplar will be removed once the woodland is fully established.
Meanwhile, Fordyce Primary School near Portsoy in Aberdeenshire took home the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy.
The judges summed up the tireless work of the pupils and staff: “The project was multifaceted and included the Fordyce Plantation project where the pupils worked with the local estate in an area of forestry adjacent to the school to identify and map the Badger setts for forest management purposes.
“The pupils also planted a woodland in the school grounds as part of the Queen’s Green Canopy Project. What shone out was the pupils’ voice in driving the school improvement journey and their investment in and enthusiasm for the projects. A well-deserved winner.”
The winner of the Scottish Forestry Early Years’ Trophy was Bushcraft Bairns at Comrie Croft, Perthshire who created a Forest School setting that nurtures connection with nature through play.
The judges praised the use of “waste wood materials from the nearby wedding venue to build structures in the wood, to rooting the entire programme within the curriculum.” They said the result was “a magical woodland space for young people to grow in and learn about trees and woodlands”.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, who presented the Awards, said: “The Awards are a great opportunity to celebrate our trees and woodlands, and especially, all the inspiring people who care for them. I’d like to congratulate the award winners and everyone who took part.
“This year we’ve had some fantastic entries which shows Scotland really does have a vibrant forestry and woodland sector.
“I’m particularly pleased to see so many children and young people involved in award entries. We need to grow and nurture our future foresters from an early age and attract more young people into the world of forestry. This is an important issue that needs collective public and private action and I’m looking forward to discussing this, and finding solutions, at the forthcoming Scottish Forestry Summit later in the year.”
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Once again, Scotland has excelled itself in producing some world-beating examples of forestry and woodland, not least in the important sphere of climate change.
“The awards ceremony is a well-established fixture on the calendar and it is always pleasing to see such a wide range of entries, from early years through to more seasoned foresters, community groups to farmers. I think another benefit of today was that everyone learned something from each other – all doing things differently but with the aim of the environment and trees at the heart of it.”
Images attached to email – for more pictures (including winners receiving their prizes), quotes from the winners and interview requests, contact Nick Drainey on 07711 441707 or nicholasdrainey@gmail.com
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Full list of awarded entries
Climate Change Champion
Winner of the CarbonStore trophy for Climate Change Champion: The Future Forest Company Ltd for Dumyat, near Stirling
Highly commended: Clyde Climate Forest
Early Years Award
Winner of the Scottish Forestry Early Years’ Trophy: Bushcraft Bairns, Comrie Croft, Perthshire
Schools Award
Winners of the Crown Estate Scotland Schools’ Trophy: Fordyce Primary School, near Portsoy, Aberdeenshire
Commended: Banchory Academy
Commended: Linnvale Primary School, Clydebank
Commended: Oakbank Primary School, Perth
Farm Woodland Award
Winner of the Scottish Woodlands Ltd Trophy for Young People: David Carruth at Brodoclea, Dalry, North Ayrshire for The Future Forest Company Ltd
New Native Woods Award
Winner of the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods: Martyn’s Wood, Crannich, Isle of Mull
Highly Commended: Strathvaich New Native Woodland, Garve, Highlands
Commended: Camas Wood, Isle of Mull
Commended: Storakaig Wood, Islay
Quality Timber Awards
New Commercial Woods category
Winner of the James Jones Trophy for New Commercial Woods: Crofthead, Moffat, Borders
Winner of the John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Woodlands for Whole Forest or Estate: Barracks Forest, near Kinloch Rannoch, Perthshire for CCF LLP c/o Fountains Forestry UK Ltd
Commended: Clow and Condie, Bridge of Earn
The Dulverton Flagon
Winner of the Dulverton Flagon as a special prize for the successful balance between commercial forestry and competing objectives: Ardachuple, Kyles of Bute, Cowal
Community Woodlands Award
Winner of the Small Community Woodland Group competition: Doune Community Woodland Group for Doune Ponds, Doune, near Stirling
Winner of the Large Community Woodland Group competition and of the Tim Stead Trophy for overall Community Woodland Award Winner: Friends of Almondell & Calderwood with West Lothian Council for Almondell Woods, Almondell & Calderwood Country Park
Commended: Carron Valley Community Woodland (Valley Renewables Group)
Jean Nairn has been appointed Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, responsible for running Scotland’s ‘Tree Oscars’.
Having spent more than 20 years working in and around the sector, Jean is well qualified to take on the prestigious annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, celebrating all aspects of woodland and forest management, from forestry to farming, community to schools.
Jean said: “We are promoting the work carried out by forestry and farming sectors including the additional Climate Change Champion award which demonstrates best practice and innovation within the sector as well as schools and communities.” She added: “The awards are a fantastic demonstration of the diversity of people we see across the forest and woodland management sector. It is great to see how things are always moving forward with young and old being represented, something I want to continue and build on.
“Climate change is affecting every part of society and we want to promote the fantastic work being done across Scotland’s wonderful forests and woodlands to mitigate, adapt and educate the impact of a warming planet.”
With roots in the heart of ‘Big Tree Country’, Jean entered the forest industry in Scotland after graduating from Bangor University with a degree in Agroforestry. After working with Confor and Scottish Woodlands among others she has trained as a Forest Therapy Guide, certified by the Association of Nature and Forest Therapy.
She believes it is important to recognise the forests, woodlands and managers who create the landscape, managed to industry standards, which also manifest in wellbeing benefits which can be gained by people being among the trees.
Jean added: “If we have great woodlands to enjoy, we feel better because being around trees has the ability to calm and restore us. After all, as human beings we have lived in the woods for most of our lives.
“Managing these trees through multi-purpose forestry is important and vital work in terms of having a thriving industry at the same time as feeling good and saving the planet. That is why I am thrilled and excited to take on this new role.”
Jean replaces Angela Douglas whose eight years in the role have seen the awards grow from strength to strength. Guy Watt, Chair, on behalf of the Trustees said “we would like to thank Angela for her sterling efforts during her term. We are delighted to welcome Jean who will carry on helping the awards to celebrate and recognise some of the great work being carried out across Scotland.”
For more information and interview requests please contact Nick Drainey on 07711 441707 or nicholasdrainey@gmail.com
The attached picture is of Jean Nairn, please credit SFW
Note to editors
Scotland’s Finest Woods is a charity which relies on the generosity of its partners and supporters to provide the resources needed to stage Scotland’s premier woodland awards programme.
Scotland’s Finest Woods’ key delivery partners in 2022 are:
● EGGER
● Outdoor & Woodland Learning Scotland
● Tilhill
Support for the awards programme in 2022 was also provided by:
● Community Woodlands Association
● Confor
● Institute of Chartered Foresters
● Royal Scottish Forestry Society
