Foresters of the future land awards

Three foresters of the future have received top awards for their studies from the Royal Forestry Society’s North Wales Division. The RFS Bangor Bursary 2010 went to Marc Brouard (pictured) who has graduated with a first class honours degree in Conservation and Forest Ecosystems from Bangor University

Marc, originally from Guernsey, took top marks for a project which looked at computer-based methods for deciding where new woodlands should be planted to increase the value of woodland habitat in the landscape. His case study was completed on the island of Guernsey, but his results can be applied to other places, including North Wales. He is now hoping to go on and study for a PhD in New Zealand.

The RFS Divisional Award Winner 2010 at Coleg Glynllifon was Tudur Parry from Bryncir, Eifionydd, near Porthmadog. Tudur has completed his National Diploma in Countryside Management, and has achieved NVQ Level 2 in Forestry as well as NPTC Certificates in Chainsaw and Pesticides use. He now intends to study Countryside Management at Aberystwyth, after also winning a scholarship.

Last, but not least, is this year’s winner of the RFS Shield at Llysfasi College, Tom Sanders of Great Sutton, Ellesmere Port. The prize is awarded for Tom’s work on the HND Woodland Management and Arboriculture over the three years of the course. Throughout the course, Tom has produced methodical, well-researched work of very high quality. His main area of expertise is in ecology.

RFS chief executive Dr John Jackson said: “We are delighted to see so much talent coming through from such a variety of courses and we wish all three the very best in their future careers. Forestry is a long-term activity and it's reassuring to think how forests for the future will be in such capable hands.”

The Royal Forestry Society also offers bursaries and sponsorships, and a number of the society’s other Divisions also present student awards. To find out more go to www.rfs.org.uk and follow the ‘About us’ links.