Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards returns for 2025, marking four decades of recognising outstanding contributions to woodlands and forestry.
The 2025 awards introduce a new Urban Forestry Award, sponsored by Future Woodlands Scotland, celebrating projects that make urban spaces greener, healthier, and more sustainable.
This milestone year highlights the importance of woodlands to Scotland’s environment, economy, and communities.
Entries are now open, with deadlines of March 31 for Schools and Early Years categories and May 31 for all other awards.
A special awards ceremony will be held in November, coinciding with National Tree Week.
Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, expressed excitement about the anniversary and the new award, emphasising the role of urban woodlands.
“Scotland’s Finest Woods showcases exceptional work from farms, forests, local woods, and schools,” said Ms Nairn.
Winners receive trophies, cash prizes, and valuable recognition, with site visits from judges often providing inspiring experiences.
The new Urban Forestry Award reflects the reality that 80% of Scotland’s population lives in urban areas, highlighting the role of trees in enhancing urban environments.
This year’s awards cover 11 competitions, including categories for Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Wood, Community Woodland, Schools and Early Years, Climate Change, and the new Urban Forestry category.
Mairi Gougeon MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform & Islands, praised the awards as a showcase for Scotland’s diverse woodlands and welcomed the new urban category.
In 2024, winners ranged from biologically diverse native woods to community groups enhancing biodiversity in local parks.
Guy Watt, Chair of Scotland’s Finest Woods, reflected on 40 years of celebrating forestry achievements and welcomed the addition of the Urban Forestry Award.
“Adding urban forestry as a standalone award is a fitting tribute to four decades of woodland excellence,” said Mr Watt.
Since its inception in 1985, the awards have highlighted the vital role of woodlands in supporting Scotland’s environment and economy.
Originally a partnership between forestry organisations, the awards evolved into an independent charity in 2005.
Entries for Schools and Early Years close on March 31, 2025, with all other categories closing on May 31, 2025.
Full details and entry forms are available at www.sfwa.co.uk