Presented to an individual, business or organisation taking action to futureproof the forestry and wood sector through impactful research, innovative technology development, or skills building initiatives.
This award is sponsored by Forestry and Land Scotland & Forestry Commission.
Assistant Regional Manager, Scottish Woodlands Ltd
Byron's research, conducted outside his day job, is extensive and crucial to the future resilience of the forestry and wood industry. He has investigated the likely effects of drought and fire on the UK forest industry by observing forests in drier climates - and identified techniques and practical measures to increase the resilience of young trees at the establishment phase.
He is identifying solutions that could significantly improve survival rates of new planting in drought conditions - including packaging, cold dispatch, use of additives in cell grown stock, careful site and genotype analysis and planting during optimal periods.
His ambition is to enhance public awareness of fire safety messaging, by supporting educational initiatives targeting children, and creating programmes for outdoor enthusiasts, including the use of social media and digital channels.
Institute of Chartered Foresters
Developed in partnership with Clore Social Leadership, the Emerging Leader Programme is a six-month social leadership programme designed to help leaders in the forestry sector build their leadership potential, strengthen their networks and drive social, environmental, and organisational change for the long-term benefit of the forestry sector.
By providing access to an array of impactful leadership development tools, building stronger peer networks and developing skills for continuous learning, the programme aims to act as a catalyst for change. Despite being a relatively recent initiative, the legacy of the Emerging Leader Programme is already substantial, including in the response of the sector coming together to help select candidates.
To date, more than 125 key forestry figures have been involved, either as a participant, mentor or interviewer, shaping the future of leadership in the sector.
Maelor Forest Nurseries is a pioneering leader in the forestry sector, leveraging advanced vegetative propagation techniques to enhance tree stock resilience against climate change, pests, and diseases. As Britain’s largest commercial forestry nursery, they are driving innovation to future-proof the industry through cutting-edge technologies and a commitment to sustainable forestry practices.
Maelor integrates advanced technologies such as DNA barcoding and controlled pollination to capture and accelerate genetic gains. The somatic embryogenesis laboratory significantly reduces the time from seed to saleable plants, fast-tracking the availability of novel and resilient tree stock. This is vital in addressing challenges posed by a changing climate.
The Nurseries’ approach combines advanced innovation with sustainability to set new standards in forestry. Their £4 million investment in a state-of-the-art mini plug facility exemplifies this leadership.
Founder & CEO, Rhizocore Technologies
Rhizocore Technologies produce locally-adapted mycorrhizal fungi to enhance tree planting success. They have worked to troubleshoot the issues seen in similar past applications and tailor solution for each planting site, ensuring the best possible result for customers. As such, they are now beginning to see positive outcomes in terms of sapling mortality and increased first year growth from initial trial sites.
Through their work, they have added new knowledge to the industry's understanding of the benefits of mycorrhiza to forestry, and are actively educating the market through RSFS and ICF events. Rhizocore is enabling foresters to see potential in poorer quality land for tree planting due to the positive impact of their services.
The scientific rigour the company displays is exemplary, driven by literature and data. They do not expect anyone to simply trust that their product will work, but are out there gathering the data which shows that it does.
