They described themselves as custodians of the site for the future – as they look towards a time when timber harvested at Craggach Woods can provide a good living for someone. Owners David Shepherd and Annie Griffiths are trying to break down traditional barriers and show you can have broadleaf native woodland and still grow timber. That three-legged stool of sustainability – the economic, environmental and social benefits of woodlands – is at the heart of everything we are trying to do in our community.”Īnother fascinating winner was Craggach Woods, Kirkhill, near Inverness, in the Quality Timber Small Wood category. They are a valuable asset in terms of shelter for animals and fuel for us – as well as everything they do for biodiversity and soaking up carbon. Lynn highlighted the value of trees to the croft business, saying: “We have tried to achieve full integration of trees and woodland into the business. Evident within the forest area is the full spectrum of challenges faced by forest managers over the last 100 years, along with their efforts, responses and initiatives to overcome those challenges.” David Shepherd and Annie Griffiths in Craggach Wood, winner of the Quality Timber Small Wood categoryĪnother new award for the 2019 was the Farm Woodland Award for Young People, won by Lynn Cassells and Sandra Baer for Lynbreck Croft, near Grantown on Spey. Judges said: “Covering almost 10,000 hectares, these woods are steeped in the history of 20 th century forestry, up to the present day. This was evident across the categories, with the one-off Centenary Award (marking 100 years since the 1919 Forestry Act) presented to Fort Augustus Woodlands, part of which includes the very first site acquired by the Forestry Commission in Scotland after the 1919 Act. What binds the award-winners together is a passion for trees, and a commitment to bring talent and skill to bear to create exceptional results. With 20 different awards presented – to winners ranging from a very large public woodland steeped in forestry history to a nursery where children can spend their entire session in the woods – a huge diversity of excellence was on show.Īs Angela Douglas, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, put it: “We have seen superb entries from right across Scotland, showcasing the wonderful diversity of our forests and woods and the wide-ranging skills of the people managing them.” Jahama Highland Estate, winner of the New Native Woodlands category The 2019 Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards were the biggest-ever celebration of trees, woodland and forests – and arguably the very best.
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