John Morris wins Sylva Trophy for devotion to Chiltern’s woodland management
Congratulations to Mr John Morris, devoted forester for many Chiltern Woodlands, who wins this year’s Sylva Trophy.
The Royal Forestry Society congratulates John Morris as the winner of the Sylva Trophy at this year’s Excellence in Forestry awards. John Morris is recognised for his long-term dedication to forestry across the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire division and for supporting the conservation and management of many Chiltern woodlands.
“John’s breadth of knowledge in botanical, zoological, and silvicultural has allowed him to develop a uniquely well-round approach to his work. As his professional career begins to close, we thank him for his commitment to all his woodland projects.”
John is an active and influential member of his local RFS Division, serving as Divisional Chair between 2013-2015 and remains a division representative to this day. His association with forestry stretches back to the 1980’s where he served as a project manager for the Chiltern Society’s Small Woodland Project. This initiative later evolved into the Chiltern Woodlands Project, where John continued as director as the scheme gained charitable status in 1989.
Much of John’s impact can be seen across Chiltern Woodlands but is particularly highlighted through the improved management of small, neglected, or less economic woodlands. Over 46 years of dedication, John has ensured areas of Chiltern Woodlands received the attention and management they deserve to retain their unique biodiversity and public value.
John’s work across the Chilterns has increased the understanding of ecology and wildlife within the area, teaching and inspiring others about the woodlands and how to actively protect the area. Through his work, John developed an interest in woodland archaeology and has become the leading expert on the Chilterns archaeological history. He has also published several books on the topic, including: The Cultural Heritage of Chiltern Woods: An Illustrated Guide to Archaeological Features and History in Chiltern Woods: A Guide to the Identification and Management of Woodland Archaeological Features.
The RFS owned woodland in the Chilterns, Hockeridge and Pancake Woods, has also benefitted from John’s expertise. He has overseen silvicultural operations within the woodland and managed a busy volunteer engagement schedule.
The Royal Forestry Society presents the Sylva Trophy annually to honour those who have made significant contributions to forestry in its broadest sense. The award was donated to the RFS by the late Patrick Evelyn, a direct descendant of John Evelyn, author of the seminal 17th century ‘Sylva or a Discourse of Forest-trees and the propagation of Timber’.
To learn more about the Sylva Trophy, read about our previous recipients here.
I feel honoured to have worked with John for many years when he looked after our Royal Forestry Society Hockeridge and Pancake Woods in the Chilterns. He’s taught me so much. This is a very well deserved award.
Congratulations John. I was so pleased you received this recognition for the many, many years supporting woodland management across the Chilterns and beyond.
