Launch of the Esmond Harris Award 2023

6 Apr 2023

Small Woods is proud to announce the launch of the Esmond Harris Award 2023.   

Now in its second year, the annual competition seeks to celebrate the innovation that is making a difference in small woodlands across the UK.  

Our aim is to recognise small woodland owners and managers who are trying something new to address the challenges they face in managing or using their woodlands. It could be a new idea, or simply applying ideas from the past in a new context. How are you using your brash, what have you done to maintain your rides, how have you improved your wood for nature or for people? The award has a broad scope so entries can be about management, products, conservation, etc.  

The winner of the inaugural award in 2022 was Hugh Dorrington, whose Nursery Wood was selected for successfully being managed to deal with ash dieback. His management approach also increased biodiversity and he welcomed public enjoyment of his wood in Lincolnshire. You can view details about last year's winner and entries here >

The award has been named in honour of Esmond Harris (pictured), a long-standing SWA member, author and retired director of the Royal Forestry Society.   

Esmond Harris

If you would like to enter the Esmond Harris Award for 2023, please complete the entry form here >

The closing date for entries is September 1, 2023, and the winner will be announced at the Small Woods AGM and Skills Share in the following month.