Hosted in the Confor tent, this competition represents the highest standards of woodland management in Wales, bringing together the top performing regional Gold Medallists from the past four years.
The awards ceremony coincided with the launch of Wales’s first Timber Industrial Strategy, highlighting the crucial role of sustainable forestry practices in achieving national climate resilience, biodiversity enhancement and economic sustainability.
Tilhill’s nine awards were judged on exemplary woodland management, from innovative woodland creation and skilled restocking to thoughtful thinning and habitat enhancement. The results reflect the team’s deep understanding of site conditions, proactive responses to environmental challenges, and long-term planning tailored to both commercial and ecological objectives.
Outstanding Achievements, Celebrating the Best of the Best:
Arwel Davies:
- Gold – Cwmbran Uchaf (Class 2: 11–50 ha, client: Mrs Regine Seed)
- Silver – Banc Farm (Class 3: 51–200 ha, client: Foresight)
Sonia Winder:
- Gold – Glandwr Woodland (Class A: Broadleaf planting under 10 yrs, clients: The Carbon Community)
- Bronze – Cefn Cerrig (Class 1: 1–10 ha, clients: Mrs J N Binmore & Mrs S J Coombs)
Simon Miller:
- Silver – Coed Llandegla (Class E: Conifer 11–30 yrs)
- Bronze – Coed Llandegla (Class D: Conifer planting under 10 yrs)
Ed Clark:
- Silver – Fennifach (Class C: Broadleaf over 40 yrs, clients: David Jones Powell)
- Bronze – Cwmcringlyn (Class 3: 51–200 ha, clients: Alembic Ltd)
Will Benny:
- Bronze – Hafod Boeth (Class 4: Over 200 ha)
Ricky Dallow:
- Bronze – Maesycilyn Woodlands (Class E: Conifer 11–30 yrs)
Alun Morgan:
- Silver – Taliaris (Class F: Conifer over 30 yrs)
Celebrating Great Forestry:
Sonia Winder, one of Tilhill’s two gold medallists, commented: “Watching Glandwr Woodland develop has been incredibly rewarding. These awards highlight our team’s dedication, teamwork, and the positive impact we’re achieving with local communities and partners like The Carbon Community.”
On the award, Charles Nicholls, Trustee of The Carbon Community, added: “This award highlights the incredible care, skill, and management from Sonia Winder and Tilhill Forestry. Congratulations to everyone involved.”
Arwel Davies, who picked up Tilhill’s other gold award, said: “Receiving recognition for our management practices at Cwmbran Uchaf and Banc Farm is a great honour. These awards confirm the significant benefits that professionally managed woodlands can deliver, from quality timber production to biodiversity improvements.”
Iwan Parry, Regional Manager for Wales and Marches, summarised the significance of all the medals that were awarded. He said: “The success of our team in these prestigious awards clearly demonstrates Tilhill Forestry’s role as a leader and innovator in the sector. Our achievements align directly with the Timber Industrial Strategy’s goals, confirming our commitment to responsible forestry and environmental stewardship across Wales.”
Tilhill Forestry remains dedicated to championing sustainable forestry, contributing positively to the environment, economy, and communities throughout Wales.
