Sawmill Manager and former Head Forester celebrate 100 years
Congratulations to Brian Reece and Steven Harrison of Lydney Park Estate, Gloucestershire. The pair received the Long Service Award in recognition of a combined 103 years of service.
Two long-standing members of Lydney Park Estate’s forestry and sawmill team, Brian Reece and Steven Harrison have been recognised for more than 100 years’ service between them.
Lydney Park Estate, owned by the Bathurst Family (Viscount Bledisloe), is situated to the south of the Forest of Dean. The Estate includes a large dairy farm with an extensive milking herd and around 446 hectares of woodland, the majority of which is dedicated to commercial forestry with a composition of 40% hardwood and 60% conifer.
Brian Reece was born on the Estate when his Father was the Head Woodman. Fifteen years later, when he finished school, Brian joined the forestry team of 7 alongside his Father in 1965 as a forestry labourer.
Steven started working at Lydney Park in 1981 aged 16 years old as part of the Youth Training Scheme. He was employed by the estate full-time as a Woodman in 1982. Steven gained a Forestry qualification and spent many years working alongside Brian, maintaining and harvesting the Lydney Park Woodlands.
Brian was promoted to Head Forester in 1971 at just 21 years old.
In the late 1990s, when timber prices were at a historic low, Brian proposed a strategy to the Estate to add value to their timber. After some initial discussions, the Estate launched a small sawmill to process their own timber, which saw Steven progressing from forester to Sawmill Manager. This venture proved successful and has grown into a thriving business that continues to contribute to the Estate’s operations today.
After completing 50 years of service in January 2015, Brian decided to take a step back from the Head Forester role and reduced his hours. He still works alongside the Forestry team with various projects as well as assisting with other tasks across the Estate.
“I still very much miss my time in the woods,” said Brian “I love the smell of freshly cut conifer when walking through the woods, which I am fortunate enough to do regularly. In my head, mу mind is willing, but my body isn’t.”
Steven is still employed as Sawmill Manager and oversees the production of a variety of timber and timber products such as fence panels and gates. He also introduced a firewood enterprise into the sawmill business, which has successfully expanded into the local market.
With a combined 103 years of service, Brian has worked for three generations of the Bathurst family and Steven has worked for two.
“After years of working within the forestry and our sawmill, the greatest reward isn’t just about watching things grow but knowing we’re conserving woodlands for future generations,” said Steven. “There’s a real joy and pride using our harvested timber, both milled for construction and to fuel local homes sustainably along with the seasonal selling of Christmas trees planted and established on the Estate. Working alongside fellow members of staff with the same ethos has been developmental and rewarding. I wouldn’t swap the fresh air for anything”.
Viscount Bledisloe paid tribute to both men, saying: “I am deeply grateful for their loyal dedication, enthusiasm, knowledge and expertise. There is something rare and magical about being at the start of a new plantation and then harvesting it in its full maturity, and there cannot be many today who can say this, who have watched over and looked after such an expanse of time and change.
“My heartfelt thanks to them both.”
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