Award for Head Forester

A Head Forester who has spent nearly 50 years working in forestry – and 30 years of those with the Ford & Etal Estate in Northumberland – has been honoured with a Long Service Award by the Royal Forestry Society (RFS).

David William’s career began in June 1960 with Lord Derby of Knowsley Park in Liverpool, and he moved to the Ford & Etal Estate in March 1979, where he has remained ever since. Among those attending the event were some who worked with David at Knowsley Park.

Estate owner Lord Joicey said: “Ford & Etal is one of the few estates left which retain their own sawmill. David’s watchword has been to retain the ability to respond flexibly to smaller orders, with judicious and wise investment in appropriate machinery.

“His silvicultural standards have been of the highest order, and we have been extraordinarily fortunate in having him as Head Forester for all these years. Ford & Etal’s excellent reputation for quality and service is a result of his dedication, skill, and leadership of an equally excellent team.”

Situated on the valley of the River Till (the only English tributary of the Tweed), and centred around the villages of Ford and Etal, the estates include around 650 hectares (1600 acres) of commercial forestry and amenity woodland.

The presentation was made to David Williams when the RFS’s North East Division visited the estate on one of a series of woodland visits organised during the year to help share knowledge about woodland management.

The RFS holds more than 100 woodland meetings every year around the country. Click here for details of RFS North East Division.