Children are leading the way in this year's Finest Woods Awards
Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards is once again celebrating excellence in woodlands and forestry across the country, with youngsters leading the way.
Entries have opened for the Schools and Early Years categories in the 2026 Awards, with a deadline of March 31. Entering is straightforward and can be done via the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards website - www.sfwa.co.uk
Entries for all other categories will open shortly, with a deadline of May 31.
In recent years Schools and Early Years winners have had their prizes presented in June in a special day at their school. They also attend the main award ceremony later in the year where the next generation of tree people receiving their trophy has won the hearts of the audience.
Jean Nairn, executive director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “Scotland’s Finest Woods is all about championing outstanding achievement in woodland management and creation across schools, farms, forestry, community and urban woodlands
“Winners enjoy recognition and publicity for their hard work and care of trees and receive a cash prize in addition to the trophies on offer. If they are visited by judges, this is often a very worthwhile and inspiring experience for all involved.”
There are 11 competitions at this year’s awards covering Urban Forestry, Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Wood, Community Woodland, Schools and Early Years, and Climate Change.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, presented many of the Awards last year.
She said: “The Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards provide an outstanding platform to showcase the very best of our woodlands. Each year, the awards celebrate a wide range of achievements - from community and school projects to farming, native woodlands, urban and productive forests.
“This event is a true celebration of the dedication and hard work that goes into managing woodlands across the country. I would encourage all those with a passion for their woodlands to take part and submit an entry.”
Schools and Early Years entries are open and must be made by 11.59pm on Tuesday, March 31. All other entries must be submitted by 11.59 on Sunday, May 31. For full details, criteria and entry forms visit www.sfwa.co.uk.