Raby Estate forester receives RFS long service award after 50 years of dedication
Congratulations to Peter Archer of Raby Estate
Peter Archer has been awarded the long service award for his 50 years of service to the Raby Estate in County Durham. Owner of the estate, Lord Barnard, presented Peter his award at the recent APF show in September 2026.
After retiring in June 2026, Peter has been recognised for working for the Raby Estate over 50 years. His interest in working outdoors led him to a work experience scheme at the Estate in 1976, and after leaving school he joined the land management team as a trainee woodman.
Peter began his time on the estate yard, learning basic forestry skills in the plantations before moving onto snedding in the wood. He progressed to a supervisor role, learning more on specialised equipment as it became available.
Peter Archer, Raby Estate
Peter has become an expert in felling operations around the Estate and has worked with several felling contractors in the precise care of thinning and taking down higher value stems. In more recent years, Peter has taken an active role in guiding new forestry team members, teaching them essential skills and helping them progress.
While Peter’s professional career on the Estate has come to an end, he still enjoys visiting the woods and occasionally helping in the Parkland and Home Farm.
Geoff Turnball, Head Forester at Raby Estate said: “I have worked with Peter for 17 years and he always took great pride in his work. Lord Barnard and all of the forestry team congratulate him on his achievements and wish him well in retirement.”
