Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) and its staff have been recognised with multiple awards in 2025 marking the organisation’s professionalism, forest management, technical expertise, innovation and training.
At the recent Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025 – highlighting the best management of woods and forests across Scotland – FLS picked up several awards.
The organisation was announced as the winner of the award for a Single Stand, Compartment or Small Wood and the Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence for its Braeval Forest at Aberfoyle.
The work at the forest was carried out by the Direct Production Harvesting Team in Aberfoyle and was a continues cover thinning site which focuses on maintaining canopy cover while creating small gaps to promote natural regeneration. This method enhances timber quality, supports wildlife habitats, and improves structural diversity, contributing to recreational appeal and public use.
FLS also shared the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods with partner agency Transport Scotland for Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll. More than 400000 native trees with a range of species have been planted to maximise slope stability. This will complement the hard engineering and bring other benefits such as improved water quality and biodiversity.
The work of FLS Community Rangers was celebrated as part of a win for West Johnstone Early Learning and Childcare Centre’s outdoor education programme also at Scotland Finest Woods Awards 2025. The FLS team worked with the group to help demonstrate the importance of urban woodlands to local communities.
Earlier this year, FLS apprentices triumphed at the Lantra Scotland Awards for Land Based and Aquaculture skills. All four FLS apprentices that were in contention for awards – held during Scottish Apprenticeship Week – were recognised as either winners or runners-up in a variety of categories.
Other highlights included several awards for Newton Nursery’s groundbreaking redevelopment.
These included UK Project of the Year at the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) Gala Awards.
The award recognised the transformation of the nursery into the largest and most advanced tree-growing glasshouse in the UK. It also championed the exceptional technical achievement and sustainability credentials required to develop such a major contribution to Scotland’s forestry industry, rural communities and climate ambitions.
The nursery redevelopment also won the Project and Programme Management Award at the 2025 Scottish Public Services Awards.
FLS’ renewables and regional land management teams played a significant role in North Kyle Wind Farm’s recent success at the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2025. The Sustainable Development Award honoured the collaborative work between land managers and the developer to deliver environmental, social and economic benefits through repurposing a former coalfield area into a thriving landscape for clean energy generation, community benefit, and sustainable growth.
FLS Director of Land Management and Regions Graeme Prest said:
“The range of awards received by FLS is an acknowledgement of the skills, expertise, dedication and commitment of FLS staff and the qualities they bring to the organisation.
“From producing high-value sustainable timber, harnessing the benefits of trees and other habitats to mitigate against climate change and biodiversity loss, being at the forefront of innovation and facilitating renewable energy to training the next generation of foresters, FLS and its staff are leaders in professional and industry standards.”
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