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The Confor Dinner & Awards champion the efforts of inspirational individuals and organisations going above and beyond in the forestry and wood-using industry.
The Foresight Sustainable Forestry Skills Training Programme – an exciting partnership between Tilhill Forestry and Foresight Group, was delighted to be recognised at the awards.
Across the BSW Group, two other business areas, The Pallet LOOP and Maelor Forest Nurseries were also shortlisted for awards.
The training programme, which supports the participation of local communities in Wales in opportunities created by afforestation-related land use change, was shortlisted in the ‘Changing Attitudes’ category. This award recognises those in the industry who are promoting the forestry and wood sector in a positive and meaningful way – through personal engagement, campaigning, or communication.
The training initiative directly helps rural farming communities adapt to afforestation-related land use change by providing the local community with the skills, training and qualifications required to seek employment in the forestry sector.
Tilhill Forestry and Foresight work with Coleg Cambria Llysfasi in Ruthin, Wales to deliver the programme, which was launched in 2022.
Local candidates in Wales received fully funded three weekly training sessions in forestry-related activities including tractor driving, pesticides application, chainsaw skills, brushcutter, ATV, first aid training and much more. The training has helped those who would have likely been unable to pursue a career in forestry with the skills to do so.
The skills gained are all certificated and provide the individuals the opportunity to go straight into employment with existing contractors or develop their own businesses in a developing sector which has a shortage of contractors.
Iwan Parry, Regional Manager for Wales said:
“We are thrilled to see the programme recognised for their outstanding contributions to the forestry and timber processing industry. This recognition highlights our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and excellence.”
“Both Tilhill Forestry and Foresight recognise the importance of providing local communities with the necessary skills and opportunity to thrive in the forestry sector”.
Given the UK’s ambitious tree planting targets, many young people from farming communities in Wales are becoming increasingly interested and enthusiastic about working in forestry. The programme is aimed at candidates within agriculture, farming or contractor-based roles who want to start a career locally within the forestry sector.
The training looked to empower rural farming communities to embrace the career opportunities created by afforestation-related land use change. These initiatives may also support the Welsh governments’ annual planting targets, contributing to a more sustainable future for us all.
Robert Guest, Managing Director and Co-Lead of Foresight Natural Capital, commented:
“We are delighted that our Skills Training Programme has been recognised at the Confor Awards. This initiative not only addresses the critical shortage of forestry skills but also empowers members of local communities by equipping them with the essential training and qualifications needed to thrive in the forestry sector as part of a just transition. Our commitment to environmental, economic and societal sustainability is central to this programme, and we are excited to witness its positive impact on both individuals and their communities.”
To date 12 participants have gone through the programme. To see such a successful programme is credit to all those involved, sponsors, managers and participants.
See how Tom has benefited from the programme.
Watch this video, where Richard Kelly, Managing Director and Co-Lead of Foresight Natural Capital, catches up with Tom, one of the programme’s first participants, to hear how it has helped him take his first steps in his forestry career.