Confor awards 2022 shortlist announced

Drew Easton  Learning & Development Manager at Jas P Wilson 

Drew has worked selflessly for five years since retiring from a distinguished career in education to bridge the gap between education and the forestry industry. His skills and dedication inside and outside work has helped develop skilled careers, apprenticeships programmes, work experience opportunities and site visits for hundreds of school and college pupils.  He has had a remarkable impact.

Laura Jermy, Harvesting Manager and Timber Buyer at TG & DS Norman 

Laura wants women to be acknowledged and recognised in the industry, and is very keen in educating all generations. She is working to set up a forestry school for children in the Carlisle area and is doing so with passion, determination and humour. She is capable of handling anything thrown at her and promotes her passion for forestry and wood via her Tik Tok page (@thelogdaughter) and Facebook. 

Vicky West, Carbon Code Manager at Scottish Forestry 

 “Vicky has been the mastermind transforming the Code from the seed of an idea to the successful, innovative and powerful force. It has firmly imprinted in everyone’s minds the link between planting trees, sequestering carbon dioxide emissions and combating climate change - a connection revolutionising attitudes towards woodland creation.Vicky works tirelessly and is helpful, constructive, patient, diligent, flexible, approachable and receptive.”

Tom Kemp and Nick Jarvis, Working Woodlands Cornwall CIC 

“Tom and Nick have raised the the profile and public understanding of sustainable woodland management in a sparsely-afforested county where woodlands have been under-managed for some time. They have leveraged social media to share images and narrative about sustainable management, demonstrating the benefits to local biodiversity and economy. Passion shines through in the quality of their output, and their strong voice.”

Michael Cresswell, Forest Operations Team Leader at Natural Resources Wales 

Mike is a pleasure to work with - a young  forester who demonstrates a thorough knowledge and application of forest practice and professionalism alongside an ambition and affinity for leadership which extends far beyond the day job. He has personally developed and led the NRW graduate development and placement programme, and brings a clear passion to everything he does.

Alexander Lambton, Mill Manager for James Jones & Sons at Lockerbie 

Alexander went from enthusiastic trainee to managing one of the most modern UK sawlines in just four years. At 28, he is responsible for an operation producing 240,000 cubic metres of sawn timber per year with a turnover of £75 million.  He has a huge appetite to learn, is technically and highly personable with a level-headed, direct approach to communication. He has the qualities, enthusiasm and ambition to become a future Industry leader.

Shona Smyth, Forest Manager at Pryor & Rickett 

Shona has expertise, demonstrates creative thinking and generates entrepreneurial relationships with clients. She values professionalism and her fellow colleagues to such an extent that she volunteers to provide events and learning for others. Shona has shown leadership across a range of different organisations and her hard work, critical thinking and integrity are worthy of this award.

Mike Yerbury Director, EGGER Forestry 

Mike shows passion, initiative and has made a real difference in all the roles he has held. He is well-known for his mentoring skills and has an incredible deep knowledge of all areas of our sector. With his hands-on approach to the operational side of the business, combined with a strong academic background, Mike has all the right qualities and skills to become a future leader.