Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) has marked a highly successful 2025, securing a series of prestigious awards that highlight the organisation's expertise in silviculture, community engagement, and sustainable development.

The accolades span various sectors, from traditional woodland management to cutting-edge glasshouse technology and renewable energy partnerships.

At the Scotland's Finest Woods Awards 2025, FLS earned the Hunter Blair Trophy for Silvicultural Excellence and the award for a Single Stand, Compartment or Small Wood for its Braeval Forest in Aberfoyle. This site utilised a continuous cover thinning method designed to promote natural regeneration and enhance timber quality while maintaining the canopy for wildlife and public recreation.

Collaborative efforts were also rewarded, as FLS and Transport Scotland shared the Woodland Trust Scotland Trophy for New Native Woods. Their project at Rest and Be Thankful in Argyll involved planting over 400,000 native trees to improve slope stability, water quality, and biodiversity. Additionally, FLS Community Rangers were part of the winning outdoor education programme at West Johnstone Early Learning and Childcare Centre, which focused on the value of urban woodlands.

-- Advertisement --

The organisation's commitment to future talent was evidenced at the Lantra Scotland Awards, where all four FLS apprentices in contention were recognised as winners or runners-up. Meanwhile, the redevelopment of Newton Nursery into the UK's largest and most advanced tree-growing glasshouse earned "UK Project of the Year" at the Commissioning Specialists Association (CSA) Gala Awards and the Project and Programme Management Award at the 2025 Scottish Public Services Awards.

Further success was found at the Scottish Green Energy Awards 2025, where the North Kyle Wind Farm project won the Sustainable Development Award. This honour recognised the collaboration between FLS teams and developers to transform a former coalfield into a site for clean energy and sustainable growth.

Graeme Prest, FLS Director of Land Management and Regions, 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."