Future Woodlands Scotland

Future Woodlands Scotland has been announced as sponsors of a new Urban Forestry Award at the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards 2025.

The new award is all about celebrating the projects that are turning towns and cities into greener, healthier, and more sustainable places to live. With entries opening in February 2025, Future Woodlands Scotland see the new award as a perfect match for its vision of a Scotland where trees and native woodlands thrive – helping wildlife, people, and the climate all at once.

With 80% of Scotland’s population living in towns and cities, urban forestry is more important than ever. This award will highlight how trees can create resilient, connected communities while enriching urban life.

Shireen Chambers, Chief Executive of Future Woodlands Scotland, said:

“At Future Woodlands Scotland, we believe trees matter. Urban forestry plays a critical role in tackling climate change, improving air quality, and boosting biodiversity. This award will shine a light on the inspiring work of individuals and groups who are transforming our cities and communities for the better.

“We’re excited to support the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards. The addition of this new category is a well-deserved recognition of the growing impact of urban forestry on our environment and quality of life.”

Protecting and enriching Scotland’s environment

The Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards have been called Scotland’s “Tree Oscars”, celebrating the people and projects making a real difference in nature conservation and woodland management. Now in their 40th year, the awards continue to honour the incredible efforts that help protect and enrich Scotland’s environment.

Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said:

“It is great to have a new award showcasing some excellent work in urban forestry which is taking place across Scotland.

“And, it is fantastic to have Future Woodlands Scotland on board as a sponsor. They do wonderful work to restore and protect native woodland, as well as bringing environmental and social benefits to cities and towns with the promotion of urban tree planting, biodiversity, education, community engagement, and green job creation.”

Who can apply?

The Urban Forestry Award will be open to projects of all sizes, from small, local initiatives to large-scale urban transformations. Individuals, communities, and organisations are encouraged to apply.

Applications open February 2025

There are now 12 competitions at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards covering the new category of Urban Forestry, Quality Timber, Farm Woodland, New Native Woodland, Community Woodland and Schools and Early Years, as well as a Climate Change Champion. Details about the Urban Forestry Award will be available soon as well as full details, criteria and entry forms for all the awards. For updates, visit the Scotland’s Finest Woods website at www.sfwa.co.uk

And to find out more about Future Woodlands Scotland’s Urban Forestry Programme visit www.futurewoodlands.org.uk 

Pic credit - Shireen Chambers. Image by Stewart Attwood