A WOOD in the Forest of Dean has been judged ‘tree-mendous’, winning a gold medal in a national competition.

Broomhill Wood near Huntley took the top honour in the Farm and Small Woods category in the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Excellence in Forestry Awards.

Judges awarded Broomhill, owned and managed by Will and Sam Wilkinson, the gold award for its“ truly holistic, multi-purpose woodland management of exceptionally high quality.”

The Wilkinson family has owned the wood since 1983. It includes a stand of Coast redwoods, produces hardwood and softwood timber and understorey coppice and provides high quality woodfuel. It is also used for educational and charity events.

Paying tribute to the two foresters who had owned and managed the woodland before him, Will said : “Continuous work and dedication were required over the years to maintain and enhance the quality of Broomhill Wood, building on the work of the two previous esteemed owners, CP Ackers and C Hart.

“Winning this competition is a fitting reward to the many people who have contributed to achieve this.”

Presenting the awards at Westonbirt Aroboretum, Royal Forestry Society president Andrew Woods said: “The Excellence in Forestry Awards have once again revealed a rich seam of excellence in woodland management – from some of the most prestigious estates in the country to some of the smallest of woodlands.

“As landowners and woodland managers look to an uncertain future with increasing climate and environmental challenges, these are all woodlands we can learn from.

“It is also uplifting to see the fantastic work that is being carried out in primary schools, among communities and at Masters level to encourage forestry and woodland skills.

“These projects tap into the enthusiasm of those who will be planning, planting and managing our woodlands in the future as well as looking at how timber can be used in construction for generations to come and deserve the recognition they receive.”