Members of the forestry and wood-using industry to be recognised at celebration event in Edinburgh 

Confor has announced the shortlisted candidates for the Confor Dinner and Awards 2023. Future Trees Trust is delighted to announce the Head of Research Jo Clark is shortlisted for the Innovation & Research Award sponsored by Forestry & Land Scotland and The Forestry Commission.

These awards champion the efforts of inspirational individuals and organisations going above and beyond. Nominees were put forward by colleagues and peers wishing to recognise and celebrate the people and businesses making strides to improve and elevate the forestry and wood-using industry. 

Confor and partners celebrate achievements in four categories: The Future Leader Award, The Changing Attitudes Award, The Innovation & Research Award, and The Net Zero Award. 

Winners will be announced at the Confor Dinner and Awards on 28 February 2023. The event is being held at Surgeons Quarter, Edinburgh, and is set to host industry leaders from across the UK alongside policymakers and friends of the sector. 

Stuart Goodall, Confor Chief Executive, said: “This event has become a real highlight in the sector’s calendar and represents a chance for members of our industry to celebrate the incredible work being done across the board to further forestry and wood in the UK. 

“We’ve had some outstanding nominations this year and I would like to heartily congratulate everyone who has made the shortlist. 

“Opportunities like this not only allow us to recognise the achievements of our colleagues and peers, but also highlight the positive nature of modern forestry to those outside the industry. The Net Zero Award is being presented for the first time this year and speaks to how we are moving with and meeting the challenges of these times.” 

 

In addition to the four category awards, the winner of the Confor Dedicated Service to Forestry Award will also be presented at the dinner. This title is bestowed on a Confor Member who has made an outstanding positive contribution to the forestry industry over the course of their career. 

The Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF )Professional Forester of the Year and the Scottish Forestry Trust 40th Anniversary Award for Education and Outreach will also be announced at the event. 

 

SHORTLIST IN FULL :

The Future Leader Award – Sponsored by James Jones & Sons Ltd 

Presented to an individual with outstanding skills, who has the potential to be a leader in the forestry and timber sector – someone showing initiative, passion and making a real difference to the sector. 

  • Miriam Jones Walters, Natural Resource Wales 
  • Dr Kate Palmer, Pryor & Rickett Silviculture 
  • Neil White, Scottish Woodlands Ltd 

The Changing Attitudes Award – Sponsored by Scottish Woodlands Ltd 

Presented to an individual, business or organisation promoting the forestry and wood sector in a positive, impactful way – through personal engagement, campaigning or communication, social media, or other ways. 

  • Tom Barnes, Vastern Timber 
  • Katy Davies, Agrecruiting 
  • Liz Sharkey, Sharkey Forestry 

The Innovation & Research Award – Sponsored by Forestry & Land Scotland and Forestry Commission 

Presented to an individual, business or organisation delivering successful innovation and/or research which has clearly demonstrated greater productivity or efficiency in the forestry and wood industry. 

  • BH Wildlife Consultancy / Forestry & Land Scotland 
  • Jo Clark, Future Trees Trust 
  • Vastern Timber 

The Net Zero Award – Sponsored by Tilhill 

Presented to an individual, business or organisation making a specific and measurable contribution to the forestry and wood industry’s efforts to deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions. 

  • Sonichem Technologies (formerly Bio-Sep)  
  • Neil Stoddart, Creel Maritime Ltd 
  • Vicky West, Scottish Forestry 

ICF Professional Forester of the Year 

This award recognises the contributions of Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) members on a community, regional, national, or international level to advance forestry. It may be related to one specific project or a range of activities within the last three years. 

  • Jonathan Callis MICFor, Network Rail 
  • David Hay MICFor, Scottish Forestry 
  • Andrew Heald MICFor, Andrew Heald Consulting 
  • Paul Nolan OBE MICFor, Mersey Forest