SCOTLAND’S ‘Tree Oscars’ will return in 2021 to reward those who create and manage the country’s finest forests and woodlands.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the cancellation of Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2020, but the programme will resume this year, subject to health and safety protocols.

“We are very keen to press ahead with the awards and have had a very enthusiastic response to our plans from everyone involved with the programme,” said Angela Douglas, executive director of organiser Scotland’s Finest Woods.

“We will ensure the Awards go ahead in a way that guarantees the quality of our winners – and protects the safety of our respected judges and all those who enter. Keeping people safe will be a top priority.”

All entries received for the 2020 programme are to be carried forward for 2021, with the opportunity for entries to be updated.

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New entrants will also be welcomed for all categories: Community Woodlands (large and small); Farm Woodland (an open award and one for those aged 40 or under); New Native Woods; and Quality Timber (three awards for newly-planted commercial woods: a single stand, compartment or small wood; and an award for whole estates or multi-purpose forests).

The ever-popular Schools Award also returns, while Awards trustees are also considering an exciting and topical new award for 2021.

Guy Watt has taken on the role of chair of the board of charity trustees of Scotland’s Finest Woods, succeeding Chris Inglis who has been involved in the programme for more than 20 years.

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