The Changing Attitudes Award

Paul’s 2024 book 'Timber! How wood can help save the world from climate breakdown' is a well-researched, well-structured argument for the greater use of timber, and why this means far more wood-producing forests must be planted. He has used his book as a platform to make a detailed case for the industry and communicate effectively with a wide range of interest groups - especially politicians, environmentalists, and the housing and construction sector.

Paul has been vocal and consistent in addressing misconceptions and is excellent at deploying memorable one-liners to challenge lazy prejudice. This was encapsulated at the 2024 Confor Policy Conference when he said demonisation of Sitka spruce must stop and the tree should be recognised for what it is: “a climate champion”.

He realises each audience requires a slightly different approach, and is adept at targeting specific messages and building alliances. As a former politician, he recognises the need for political buy-in and is making progress in his efforts to get the new Government to recognise the significance of embodied carbon in the built environment.

The Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme benefits local communities in Wales by supporting their participation in the opportunities created by afforestation-related land use change. Tilhill Forestry and Foresight Sustainable Forestry Company are working with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi in Ruthin, Wales to deliver the programme.

The programme was launched in the summer of 2022 to help young people within rural Welsh communities gain employment in forestry in their local areas, where forestry and land-use change has previously been viewed negatively locally and in the national press. The training targeted candidates within agriculture, farming or contractor-based roles and looked to empower them to embrace the career opportunities created by afforestation-related land use change.

Given the UK’s ambitious tree planting targets, many young people from farming communities in Wales are becoming increasingly interested and enthusiastic about working in forestry. Initiatives like the Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme are vital for engaging this future workforce, providing an education on the benefits of forestry, and imparting the necessary skills to thrive in the industry.