Entries are now open for the Royal Forestry Society’s Excellence in Forestry (EIF) Awards, widely regarded as one of the sector’s highest marks of achievement and an opportunity to spotlight the people and places shaping UK forestry.  

As the forestry sector collectively tackles threats of pests, diseases, biodiversity loss and climate change, the awards highlight the importance of good woodland management in securing the future of the UK’s woods and trees.  

This year, projects across the South and South East of England are invited to put forward innovative work that exhibits excellence across resilience, silviculture, education and community engagement. This includes local landowners and managers, small woods, farms, community organisations, schools and colleges.  

RFS Chief Executive Christopher Williams commented: “The Excellence in Forestry Awards is always a highlight in the RFS calendar. I am continuously inspired by the passion and exceptional work among RFS members and the wider forestry sector. These awards give us the chance to celebrate that dedication and innovation. I’m very much looking forward to seeing this year’s entries and celebrating the achievements of our winners at Sheepdrove Farm in October.” 

Introducing the five award categories

The five award categories reflect the full breadth of modern forestry and the many benefits that well‑managed woods provide. 

Duke of Cornwall’s Award for Resilient Multi-Purpose Forestry 

Sponsored by Savills and TreesPlease, this award recognises woodlands over 20 hectares with wide‑ranging management objectives. Judges are looking for woods with long-term vision that showcase how productive, biodiverse and climate‑resilient forestry can be achieved in practice.  

Recent winners include The Perridge Estate (2025), owned by former Forestry Commission Chair Sir Harry Studholme, and Moreton Hall Estate (2024), celebrated for its early adoption of Continuous Cover Forestry by the late Bill Mason.  

Bede Howell Award for Excellence in Silviculture

Sponsored by Tilhill, this award celebrates innovation in silviculture and recognises woods that produce the highest quality timber using sustainable and innovative methods.  Last year, Buckland Wood won Gold for its impressive transformation of 40 hectares of arable land into exceptional timber stands.  

Small and Farm Woodland of the Year Award

This FSC-sponsored award celebrates woodland managers working on smaller scales (under 20 hectares). Judges are looking for owners and managers that show skill, creativity and commitment. Previous winners include the zero-waste, self-sufficient woodland enterprise, Moreton Wood (2025), and Hole Farm (2024), where integrating woodland has improved the farm’s soils and biodiversity.  

Education and Learning Award

Sponsored by the Duchy of Cornwall and PEFC, this award is open to all forestry-related education and training providers, from forest schools to universities and colleges. Last year, Children of the Forest was commended for its original approach to education and efforts to employ sound management practices in its woodland ‘classroom’.  

Community Woodland of the Year Award

Sponsored by the Woodland Trust, this award recognises woodlands managed with and for local communities. Judges look for projects with strong engagement, environmental impact and long‑term ambition. Great Avon Wood, part of the wider Forest of Avon community forest, won Gold last year for its impressive impact and growth over just 18 months.   

How to Apply for the 2026 EIF Awards

Applications are open now, closing on 30 April.  

The competition is open to RFS members and non-members. Both the Education & Learning Award and the Community Woodland of the Year Award accept nominations as well as self‑entries from RFS members and non-members.  

Depending on the category, applicants will be asked to submit either a 500‑word statement outlining management objectives and methods or responses to a series of project‑specific questions. 

Shortlisted applicants will be visited by independent judges appointed by the RFS. Winners will be announced at a ceremonial event on 15 October at the award-winning Sheepdrove Organic Farm in Berkshire.