3 September 2021
Confor is proudly sponsoring the Forest and Woodland category of the Nature of Scotland Awards 2021. Shortlisted entries are now out - the winner will be revealed at the final ceremony in November!
Barrhill Woods: At the heart of the community
The community has taken on a management agreement of this beautiful woodland in SW Scotland and is developing it to its fullest potential. They have created an outdoor classroom and red squirrel hide, begun native planting and developed a wood-lot management plan. All-ability access to the woods has been improved.
Bowshiel - Restoring an ancient woodland sustainably
We think that the work Bowshiel are doing is a brilliant example of how a woodland can be managed sustainably, whilst also producing useful produce and ecosystem services such as timber, charcoal, foraged foods and carbon sequestration. It is also an excellent example of how a Plantation on Ancient Woodland site can be restored and could act as a useful demonstration site for others who wish to do similar work. See more
Forest Direct: Creative, functional woodland - as it should be done!
The creation of an exemplar woodland creation project covering 289ha that builds in all that every Forester has ever wanted to do, as the perfect place to see Forestry as ‘ it should be done, and more’. Pure legacy, pure design.
Dunbar Community Woodland – For Trees, for Wildlife, For People
Managed by local volunteers the urban Lochend Woods is the proud home not only to an abundance of wildlife, but also to a wealth of community activities. It is an invaluable asset for the wellbeing of locals and truly lives up to the Moto: For Tress, For Wildlife, For People. Visit website
Newtonhill School
The project has been to try to increase biodiversity and the range of habitats and species, whilst improving the playground for pupil learning and enjoyability. The aim was to improve it now but also for future generations. We aimed to achieve this by acquiring and planting a range of trees, by allowing large areas to be left to grow naturally and by involving pupils and community groups in the planning, digging/sowing, maintenance and ongoing care. Visit website
Wildland Cairngorms – native forest restoration at landscape-scale
The 15-year transformation of Glen Feshie from over-grazed pinewood Scotland’s most exciting and celebrated forest recovery project, is a profound and spectacular demonstration of restoration potential. It is testament to the commitment of the Wildland Limited team, and the drive and determination of visionary owner, Anders Holch Povlsen. Visit website