Farm Woodland Award 2009

First Prize: John Hepworth, Braemar Farm, Rolston, Hornsea, East Riding

Owner John Hepworth started to plant woodlands in 1989 with the help of the Woodland Grant Scheme, filling in an area between a public footpath and a public bridleway. He has now expanded the woodlands to cover around 30 hectares, or about half the farm, establishing a number of different woodland types.

Judges Rodney Helliwell and Roderick Leslie commented: “Owner John Hepworth simply bubbles with enthusiasm for his trees, which range from native broadleaves to Willow and Eucalyptus energy crops, and for the wide range of people he welcomes to his new woods in one of the least-wooded parts of the north east.”

John Hepworth said: “I am growing wood not just as an amenity, but as a future income. It is a delight to see all sorts of people enjoying those woodlands where there is public access, including a group of 120 children brought to the site by the RFS Yorkshire Division’s Teaching Trees project.

“I like to understand how woodlands should grow and develop, and I have taken on several of the points the judges made. The RFS was the first to point out the income potential of thinning the Eucalyptus when the Yorkshire Division visited in 2008, and their suggestions have brought in some welcome additional income.”

Picture caption
Richard Elmhirst, left, President Elect of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society, presents John Hepworth, with the RFS Farm Woodland Award

Second Prize: Woodbottom Farm, Stainburn, Otley, North Yorkshire

Judges Rodney Helliwell and Roderick Leslie commented: “A beautifully designed and executed farm woodland, with a well-thought-out range of native species growing well, and a ride and glade network which made the wood a pleasure to visit.”

Owner Justin Arnold said: “The woodland is on an area that was formerly pasture land. It has brought a wider range of native habitats to the farm and, while it was primarily introduced as part of our commitment to conservation, we are also expecting to grow some valuable timber through appropriate pruning and thinning.

“The award is recognition of the efforts of all involved and the sound establishment and management practices employed by Keith Rawling as forestry adviser.”

Picture caption
Justin Arnold, right, from Woodbottom Farm, Otley, receives his award from Richard Elmhirst, President Elect of the Yorkshire Agricultural Society