THE winner of Tilhill's Best Dissertation Award 2020 has been announced.

James William Burnett, from Bedfordshire, has won the 2020 Award for best dissertation on the BSc (Hons) Forestry and Woodland Management course at the University of Cumbria.

The Award was presented to James via an online public webinar by Stuart Pearson, Tilhill’s north and central England regional manager.

Tilhill awarded James with a specially carved wooden trophy in the shape of an acorn along with £250 prize money which was virtually gifted by Stuart, who is also a past student of the National School of Forestry.

Presenting the award, Stuart commented: “James’ dissertation clearly demonstrates the broader thinking and skills required in a modern forester. The role trees and timber will play in all our futures is now finally being recognised by the politicians and public alike, it is therefore a great time to be coming into forestry as a career and I wish James well for the future.” 

Upon receiving the award, James said: “It feels brilliant! I feel really proud to have been given this recognition by a company as renowned as Tilhill. Winning this award has given me lots of confidence as I take my next steps after graduation. Completing my course and dissertation was a challenge so being awarded this prize really lets me see the benefits of being challenged and supported in this way.” 

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