RFS - Alec Pyman Award

Alec G. Pyman, NDF, MBE Pioneer in Professional Forestry Education

The Award is named after the late Alec George Pyman, MBE, a leader in forestry education and a former RFS member. 

In recognition of his tremendous contribution to forestry, and specifically forestry education, the Royal Forestry Society recognises the student who achieves the highest grade while studying on the Forestry Foundation Degree at the National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria with the Alec Pyman Award.

In 1947 Alec Pyman began his forestry training when he was accepted by the Forestry Commission. He went on to enrol at Lynford Hall Forestry Training School. From 1949-55 Alec worked as forester and forester-in-charge at Andover, Liminge, Mardon, Alton and Micheldever Forests. In 1955 Alec enrolled on the National Diploma in Forestry (NDF) and become the first Forestry Commission employee to achieve this qualification.

In 1962 Alec embarked on a new career when he successfully applied to work as Lecturer in Forestry at Newton Rigg College, Penrith. Over the following years Alec built up the Department of Forestry, overseeing the development several important programmes: the National Diploma in Forestry; short courses in forestry; a series of practical certificates of competence.

Alec was involved in every aspect of professional forestry education up until his sudden and sad death in September 1982. 

2020 Alec Pyman Award

Name: Henry Samuels

Course: Forestry Foundation Degree 

University: National School of Forestry, University of Cumbria

Henry Samuels recieves the 2020 Alec Pyman Award From RFS North West Divisional Secretary Ian Jack

Henry is currently a final year forestry student at Cumbria University, but has always been interested in trees and their part in the countryside. He grew up in the Peak District. His first part-time work was in a garden nursery. After a period working with tree surgeons in Cheshire, he attended college to study forestry and arboriculture, then moved to the University of Highlands and Islands in Inverness where he gained a HNC in Forestry & worked on the west coast of Scotland. His final move was to complete his degree in Cumbria. 

He now hopes to gain further experience in forestry as part of countryside management.

2018 Alec Pyman Award

The 2018 Alec Pyeman Award was presented to Charlie Cade by RFS North West Division chairman Eddie Cruickshank at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

Name: Charlie Cade

Course: Foundation Degree (FDSc), Forest Management.

University: University of Cumbria

Since qualifying, Charlie has been travelling in India and SE Asia, and has now returned to startworking with Aspect Forestry based in West Yorkshire.

The 2017 Alec Pyman Award was presented to Barbara Brown-Villedieu by RFS North West Divisional Secretary Ian Jack

 2017 Alec Pyman Award

Name: Barbara Brown-Villedieu

Course: Foundation degree (FDSc) in Forestry 

University: University of Cumbria

Barbara’s first degree was in illustration, but she made the decision soon after completing it to pursue a career in forestry through enrolling on the Foundation degree in Forestry at the University of Cumbria.

Barbara proved to be an exceptional student, producing consistently excellent work, engaging in her learning and showing real enthusiasm for forestry.  Barbara undertook a mid-year placement with Forestry Commission Scotland at Huntly and after graduating successfully applied for a job with the same team. 

Details of earlier winners of the RFS Alec Pyman Award are available on request from rfshq@rfs.org.uk

Oak tree planted in memory of Alec Pyman at Newton Rigg College, Penrith, Cumbria.  Photo: E. R. Wilson 2016