6 February 2025
The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) was founded 140 years ago and has dedicated itself to sharing knowledge on the art and science of woodland management so that the accumulated wisdom and experience of landowners, foresters, arborists and others is transferred from one generation to another.
The RFS’ Excellence in Forestry Awards (EIF) are the premier forestry competition for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Awards celebrate all that is best in woodland management, forestry education and learning.
RFS has just opened applications for its 2025 EIF Awards, offering £3,750 in prizes across five categories, with the Duchy of Cornwall joining as a co-sponsor of the Education and Learning Award for 2025.
This Award is to encourage and reward schools, colleges, universities and other recognised education and training providers who increase awareness, understanding and skills related to the environmental, social and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests, and who may also demonstrate the link between trees and wood products.
The RFS’ Excellence in Forestry Awards (EIF) are the premier forestry competition for England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The Awards celebrate all that is best in woodland management, forestry education and learning.
RFS has just opened applications for its 2025 EIF Awards, offering £3,750 in prizes across five categories, with the Duchy of Cornwall joining as a co-sponsor of the Education and Learning Award for 2025.
This Award is to encourage and reward schools, colleges, universities and other recognised education and training providers who increase awareness, understanding and skills related to the environmental, social and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests, and who may also demonstrate the link between trees and wood products.
Head Forester Geraint Richards at the Duchy of Cornwall said:
"The Duchy of Cornwall is delighted to co-sponsor the Education and Learning Award at the Excellence in Forestry Awards. Access to nature is critical throughout all stages of life and we’re excited to see which schools and education providers enter this year’s award.”
These many and varied aspects of the sector are reflected across five categories and aim to mirror the industry’s response to economic, social and environmental challenges.
• The Duke of Cornwall's Award for Resilient Multi-Purpose Forestry recognises woodlands over 20 hectares that demonstrate outstanding ecological and economic resilience against pests, diseases and climate change. Sponsored by Savills and Trees Please.
• The Bede Howell Award for Excellence in Silviculture celebrates exceptional commercial timber production and forest management. Sponsored by Tilhill.
• The Small and Farm Woodland of the Year Award showcases hands-on management by farmers and woodland owners in areas from 0.2 to 20 hectares. Sponsored by FSC.
• The Education and Learning Award celebrates education and training providers, from forest-based learning to curriculum development in universities and colleges. Sponsored by the Duchy of Cornwall and PEFC.
• The Community Woodland of the Year Award highlights projects that benefit local landscapes, biodiversity and people in both rural and urban settings. Sponsored by the Woodland Trust.
• The Bede Howell Award for Excellence in Silviculture celebrates exceptional commercial timber production and forest management. Sponsored by Tilhill.
• The Small and Farm Woodland of the Year Award showcases hands-on management by farmers and woodland owners in areas from 0.2 to 20 hectares. Sponsored by FSC.
• The Education and Learning Award celebrates education and training providers, from forest-based learning to curriculum development in universities and colleges. Sponsored by the Duchy of Cornwall and PEFC.
• The Community Woodland of the Year Award highlights projects that benefit local landscapes, biodiversity and people in both rural and urban settings. Sponsored by the Woodland Trust.
Winners will be announced at the EIF Awards Ceremony on 25 September 2025.
To apply for one of the five awards, head to the RFS website.
To apply for one of the five awards, head to the RFS website.
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