Tomorrow's Forests - Winners of the Changing Attitudes award. From L-R: Toby Brusey, Elaine Hobbs, Elisabeth Boivin, Simone Webber, Nick Hollingworth, Ian Robinson (Scottish Woodlands). Photo credit: Confor
This week the Tomorrow’s Forests team were fortunate enough to attend the Confor Awards dinner in Edinburgh, a celebration of the expertise of the forestry industry. Tomorrow’s Forests was shortlisted for the Changing Attitudes award, a recognition of excellent communication of key themes to promote the forestry sector. In a category of outstanding communicators, we were absolutely delighted to win.
The evening began with a drinks reception hosted by Green-tech, which was a chance to catch up with industry colleagues, and then a video address by Cabinet Secretary for Rural Affairs, Mairi Gougeon MSP, and a live speech from Jim Fairlie MSP, Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity. The ministers highlighted the challenges facing the industry including a 40% reduction in the Scottish woodland creation budget, and the unique role that forestry can play in fighting climate change and biodiversity loss. Awards were given for six different categories, Dedicated Service to Forestry, Forester of the Year, Science & Technology, Future Leader, Net-Zero, and Changing Attitudes. These awards are designed to reward exceptional contributions to driving progress and excellence in the forestry industry, and the evening was a fantastic celebration of the innovation and expertise within the sector.
Tomorrow’s Forests won the Changing Attitudes Award, which was given for our work in using our channels to communicate positive messages on key forestry topics. Through our blog posts, videos, and social posts, we identified four themes to highlight the enormous benefits provided by the forestry industry. These included the contribution of forestry plantations to ecosystem services and biodiversity, sustainability and innovation within the forestry sector, and the future of forestry. Our overriding inspiration was to illustrate that productive forestry can play a significant role in carbon sequestration for net-zero goals and increasing biodiversity, through the use of innovative techniques and sustainable circular economy principles. For examples of our communications work we recommend our articles on the global timber shortage crisis and how timber can contribute to climate goals, and our YouTube video channel.
Tomorrow's Forests and finalists from the Changing Attitudes award. From L-R: Ian Robinson (Scottish Woodlands), Jillian Kennedy (Scottish Woodlands), Tomorrow's Forests team, Harry Stevens (Tilhill), Emyr Parker (Tilhill). Photo credit: Confor
After a year in which we have worked hard to increase our reach across social channels, we were absolutely delighted to have our efforts and achievement recognised in a top industry prize. Dr Simone Webber, Senior Ecologist and Content Manager said “We prioritise communication across all functions of the business, and it is fantastic to be acknowledged as being instrumental in changing attitudes about forestry. We strongly believe that the forestry sector can make a positive difference to climate change and biodiversity goals through sensitive design and management, and that effective communication is the best way of highlighting the amazing work done within the industry.” Managing Director Elisabeth Boivin said “It was such an honour to receive this award, particularly as we are celebrating our tenth year as a business in 2024. We are incredibly proud to be part of the forestry industry and we always work to represent this diverse and dedicated sector in all our communications. Particular mention should go to our marketing team who have done a brilliant job this year of expanding our reach and creating some amazing content.”
We would like to thank Confor for arranging such an inspirational evening and Scottish Woodlands for sponsoring our award, and we congratulate all the fellow winners and nominees for their brilliant work. We look forward to seeing everyone again next year!
