Future forestry leaders, great communicators and inspiring innovators were honoured alongside a dedicated servant of the industry at Confor’s event, a highlight of the annual industry calendar.
Speaking ahead of the Awards, Confor chief executive Stuart Goodall said that the organisation is proud to promote the voices driving the industry towards the future with new technologies, ways of working, ambitions for environmental change, and a higher profile for forestry and timber in the public sphere.
Welcoming guests, he commented on the constant progress being made and highlighted the good messages for forestry shared in the First Minister John Swinney’s climate change speech at the Glasgow Botanic Gardens earlier that day.
Attendees at the awards dinner also heard from Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Land Reform and Islands Mairi Gougeon MSP.
“Forestry is a green powerhouse,” said Ms Gougeon. “It drives progress towards net zero in all forms, it tackles biodiversity loss, it supports our communities, but it’s also so vital for our wider economy in Scotland.
“We need a vibrant industry that has that confidence and is continuing to invest, building on its reputation for innovation and adding value; an industry that’s adaptable and one that is prepared to explore opportunities to compete on a global stage too.
“I want to offer congratulations to all of those who have been nominated for an award tonight and recognise the work that all of you do. Those showing leadership, driving innovation, conducting research and developing skills are really leading the way for the wider industry. A massive well done to all of you.”
Ms Gougeon also touched on the Woodland Creation Route Map published by Scottish Government earlier this month and announced her intention to host a Forestry Strategy Summit later in 2025. Seven other MSPs were also in attendance, including Arianne Burgess MSP, Finlay Carson MSP, Rhoda Grant MSP, Daniel Johnson MSP, Edward Mountain MSP, Colin Smyth MSP and Brian Whittle MSP.
Confor’s Dedicated Service to Forestry Award was bestowed upon John Paterson, manager at EGGER Group UK. Mr Paterson has held numerous roles within the forestry arm of EGGER over the last 37 years and his name has long been synonymous with the brand, the panel board sector, and the wider timber processing and UK forestry industry as a whole.
Confor chair Lord Duncan of Springbank applauded Mr Paterson’s contribution to the industry, from being a founding member of the Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA) and supporting both the Wood Panel Industry Federation and the Timber Transport Forum (TTF), to constant advocacy in regulatory and political circles.
The Building Industry Resilience Award was presented for the first time this year to recognise the need for the industry to futureproof itself through innovation, education and collaboration. This award was sponsored by Forestry Commission and Forestry & Land Scotland.
The winner was the ICF Emerging Leader Programme, which has been developed by the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) in partnership with Clore Social Leadership. It is designed to help leaders in the forestry sector build their potential, strengthen their networks and drive social, environmental, and organisational change for the long-term benefit of the forestry sector.
Now in its fifth year, the Changing Attitudes Award is sponsored by Scottish Woodlands Ltd and is given to an organisation or individual going above and beyond to promote forestry and wood beyond the bounds of the industry.
Paul Brannen, director of public affairs for CEI-Bois & EOS, received the accolade in recognition of his efforts to get the new Government to recognise the significance of embodied carbon in the built environment. The judges drew special attention to his 2024 book (Timber! How wood can help save the world from climate breakdown) as a well-researched, well-structured argument for the greater use of timber, and why this means far more wood-producing forests must be planted.
The Tom A Bruce-Jones Memorial Award for Future Leader in the Forest Industry was awarded to Cora Pfarre MICFor, head forester at Maydencroft Ltd, by sponsors James Jones & Sons.
Since joining Maydencroft, one of Ms Pfarre’s great achievements has been to develop and deliver forestry training courses on behalf of the Greenskills Training Academy, for internal staff and external candidates. She is passionate about education and mentorship, and is known for taking a huge amount of pride in her team.
CarbonStore Ltd sponsor the Net Zero Award, which is presented to an individual or organisation making a specific and measurable contribution to the forestry and wood industry’s efforts to deliver the UK’s net zero ambitions.
It was received by NexGen Tree Shelters Ltd, whose tree guards ensure wool is used sustainably in a circular economy model for broadleaf trees grown in perpetuity, improving biodiversity, water quality and landscape value.
The title of ICF Professional Forester of the Year 2025 was also awarded on the night, recognising the contributions made by Chartered Arboriculturists or Chartered Foresters to the betterment of forestry on a community, regional, national or international level.
Winner Peter Wharton MICFor, director of Wharton Natural Infrastructure Consultants, has championed inclusivity within the profession and challenged stigmas around neurodiversity. He has raised awareness and fostered a culture of acceptance through advocacy and sharing his own experiences.
