Community Forestry Award 2009

First Prize: The Heaton Woods Trust, for Heaton Woods

Richard Walker, left, Director of South Yorkshire Community Forest, presents the RFS Community Forestry Award to Heaton Woods Trust members, Richard and his father Brian Palframan

Heaton Woods was established between Heaton and Shipley, just two miles from the centre of Bradford, with an initial purchase of land in 1977. The woods now attract a wide range of visitors of different ages and ethnic backgrounds, both to enjoy the surroundings and to help manage it for the future.

Judges Rodney Helliwell and Roderick Leslie commented: “It is beautifully designed and well managed, with stunning views over the very pleasant, partly wooded landscape on the northern edge of Bradford. Heaton is bringing people together across income and race in one of England’s most culturally diverse cities.”

Tony Emmott, who is one of the longest standing Trust members, said: “This is a reward for many people for the work and effort they put in. Heaton Woods has brought people together, and it is greatly enjoyed by everyone, from school children to the older generations.”

Second Prize: Sheffield City Council for Ecclesall Woods

Owned by Sheffield City Council, Ecclesall is a 138-ha ancient woodland which is also a local nature reserve and attracts more than 300,000 visitors a year. It includes a former sawmill that has been developed into a ‘gateway’ into the wood and a focus for wood-based businesses and enterprises.

Richard Walker, left, Director of South Yorkshire Community Forest, presents the RFS’s Community Forestry second prize to Sheffield City Council's Woodlands Project Officer John Gilpin and assistant woodland officer Tom Collier

Judges Rodney Helliwell and Roderick Leslie commented: “Ecclesall is a beacon for local authorities, with well-designed and maintained paths and signs. Sheffield City Council has bitten the bullet and worked with the community to explain the need for management and tree felling, and the flagship building of their new woodland products centre, all in wood with a fascinating wavy roof, is quite exceptional.”

Councillor Shaffaq Mohammed, Sheffield Council’s Cabinet member for Climate Change and Local Environment said: “We are extremely proud of Ecclesall Woods and the work of the Parks and Countryside officers, who have worked very hard to make the woods a pleasant and interesting area for all ages to come and visit – from school children to those who simply enjoy a quiet stroll in the woods.

“It has become one of our most popular woodland areas and certainly contributes greatly towards Sheffield’s reputation as the greenest city in the country.”