A MAN who began his career as a teenage chainsaw operator has been given a British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to forestry. 

Martin Colledge has risen through the ranks of Forestry England and now oversees forests stretching from north Lancashire to south Cumbria, including two AONBs and a number of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). 

In his time, the beat manager has changed the way they are managed from purely commercial conifer plantations to multi-purpose, sustainably-managed woodlands, still producing timber for industry, while benefiting biodiversity and providing recreation, health and wellbeing benefits.

READ MORE: The Queen's Birthday Honours: Forestry figures recognised with MBE and BEMs

Martin, who joined the Forestry Commission in 1980 as a 19-year-old, said: “I am super-thrilled to be awarded a British Empire Medal.

Forestry Journal: FE's Bridgette Angell was also made an MBE in the honours listFE's Bridgette Angell was also made an MBE in the honours list

“During my working life my greatest joy, pride and success has been gained through collaborations with others.

"I would like to share the credit for this award with the many wonderful people that I have had the pleasure to work with." 

During his career, Martin’s partnership with the Butterfly Conservation charity has helped support populations of nationally scarce and threatened butterflies. He also recognised the new trend of mounting biking and led the building of the first ever purpose-built mountain bike trails in the north of England in Gisburn Forest during the mid-1990s.

His trail building techniques are now used nationally. 

Martin has been a volunteer in the UK with the Cave Rescue Organisation for some 27 years, saving lives and has taken his expertise abroad to Vietnam.

He added: “I would like to acknowledge Graeme Prest for opening the door to an adventurous approach to work and extend my thanks to John Bruce and Dave Lowe for their stalwart support. My award recognises my achievements both with Forestry England and those outside of work.

“In this context, my greatest appreciation is for the boundless encouragement and love given by my family - Jo, Hannah and Lizzie. Thank you.”