Highland woodlands and foresters are big winners in Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards
Woodlands and forestry in the Highlands were among the big winners at Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards.
Despite a bumper year of entries, the region picked up several of the 11 main trophies, and judges were impressed with the overall “excellence in all sectors” among the entries that were showcased during a grand ceremony at the Scottish Parliament.
Forestry balanced with the battle against climate change and community woodland work was recognised at the national event, held by Scotland’s Finest Woods to coincide with National Tree Week.
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 in the hills south of the Beauly Firth into a site growing high quality broadleaf timber within a biologically and structurally diverse native wood.
David Shepherd said: “We are growing high quality timber within a biologically and structurally diverse native woodland.” Put simply, timber production comes from trees planted in the middle of native woodland. Mr Shepherd added: “Getting the award is important for us because it validates that system.”
The judges said: “The owners’ desire to demonstrate that a living income can be made from Craggach is inspiring.”
In the Quality Timber Awards, the James Jones Trophy for New Commercial Woods went to Dalnavie, Alness, 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.
Rob Baker, from Tilhill, said: “We are supporting a huge amount of local employment and we are creating a timber resource for the future. And, we are creating a place for people to enjoy, as well as a habitat for wildlife.”
The judges awarded the John Kennedy Trophy for Multi-purpose Woodlands for Whole Forest or Estate to Cawdor Estates, Nairn.
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.”
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.
Scottish Government minister Mairi Gougeon, who presented many of the awards, and rural affairs and islands committee member Emma Harper, who was the awards ceremony’s sponsor MSP, were both present at the event.
Ms Gougeon 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.”
Emma Harper MSP added: “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.
