Five students from colleges in North Wales have won awards from the Royal Forestry Society’s North Wales Division for their excellence during forestry and woodland management studies.
RFS Education Manager Phil Tanner said: “Many congratulations to all the students. The awards are a recognition that they have gone above and beyond in their studies, and will give them an early boost as they start their careers or go on to further studies. A special thank you goes to Silky Fox Handsaws who have partnered with us to provide two of the awards. They are much appreciated by colleges and students alike!”
Tim Peters from Newborough, Gwynedd, has won the 2014 RFS Bangor Bursary for his dissertation, which looked at the possible effects of climate change on hawthorn. He has graduated with a first class honours degree in forestry from Bangor University.
Two students from Coleg Cambria (Coleg Llysfasi) were the first ever to achieve Distinction grades in every unit of their forestry course: Michael Garrett, from Condover, Shrewsbury, won the RFS Silky Fox Handsaw Award after a change of career which saw him leave work with a Funeral Director and move from East Anglia to do the Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture; and Peter Mills of Rhossett near Wrexham won the RFS Shield for outstanding work on the same course. Michael hopes to continue his education on the forestry degree programme at University of Cumbria while Peter, who has achieved outstanding reports from his work placement provider, Coedcelyn Tree Services, is aiming to complete the RFS Certificate in Arboriculture.
Two students from Coleg Meirion Dwyfor – Glynllifon also received awards: Jack Regan of Deiniolen,Caernarfon, won the RFS Shield after completing a two-year National Diploma in Countryside Management and Gethin Rhys Rowlands (pictured above) from Llangefni won the RFS Silky Fox Handsaw Award after demonstrating excellent practical skills while completing his Level 3 Extended Diploma Countryside Management (Forestry). Gethin has secured work with a firm of utility arboriculture contractors.
