Scotland’s Finest Woods seek trustees

Here's your chance to join the dynamic team at Scotland’s Finest Woods – promoting the best of woodland and forestry across the country, from school nursery and community woods to agroforestry and quality timber production!

Scotland’s Finest Woods is seeking up to four new Charity Trustees to bolster the Charity’s governance, due to retirals.  The charity runs the prestigious Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards each year to celebrate and recognise trees, woodlands and the people caring for them across Scotland, from young children to farmers, communities to professional foresters.

The charity is particularly welcoming applications from younger people (16 years and over) and those with some knowledge of agriculture including farm woodlands, timber marketing, digital communications, fundraising, or a combination of these. While desirable, a knowledge of woods and forestry is not required.

Jean Nairn, Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, said: “We are a small charity with a big impact. This year’s awards ceremony at the Scottish Parliament during National Tree Week in November promises a fantastic showcase of all that is great in the world of trees, from the little acorns at nursery school to the major timber producers Scotland has.

“Our new trustees will form part of the bedrock of our organisation, helping to make our promotion of woodland and forestry even more powerful. Applications close on 18^th August and we look forward to welcoming successful candidates when they join us.”

About Scotland’s Finest Woods

Scotland’s Finest Woods is a company limited by guarantee registered in Scotland (SC294388) and a Scottish Charity (SC039099). The Trustees generally meet once a year in Edinburgh, attend the annual Awards ceremony and otherwise fulfil their responsibilities digitally when required – with an average total of 2 - 4 days per year. Trustees are expected to serve a minimum term of three years, and subject to mutual agreement with the other Trustees. The position of Charity Trustee is voluntary though essential expenses can be reimbursed. 

If new to charity governance, this will not be any barrier to becoming a Trustee, though it will be expected that anyone familiarises themselves with the Charity Trustee Responsibilities and Guidance, outlined by the Office of Scotland Charity Regulator (OSCR guidance) and the SCVO Trustee Network.

John MacGregor and Andy Maclachlan won the Scottish Woodlands Trophy for Young People - Farm Woodland in 2022 for Allanfauld Kilsyth

The awards

The annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards covers a diverse range of land use and has 11 trophies on offer in six categories – New Native Woods, Farm Woodland, Quality Timber, Community Woodlands, Climate Change Champion, and Schools and Early Years.

Because of this breadth of awards, anyone with a high-quality project can enter, whether that be a forestry business – small or large – an expert forester, farmer or crofter, or a community woodland group.

How to apply to be a trustee

Email a cover letter stating why you would like to become a Trustee of Scotland’s Finest Woods (SFW), outlining what skills and experience you consider you can bring to the role and SFW’s effective operations in the future.  You should also attach a CV. 

Send applications by email to: admin@sfwa.co.uk and before the closing date of midnight on Sunday 18 August 2024.

Further information about Scotland’s Finest Woods go to www.sfwa.co.uk