Students of the Year 2024
Read about this year's RFS Students of the Year. Congratulations to students from the Universities of Bangor and Cumbria, Coleg Gynliffon, Coleg Cambria, Plumpton College, Sparsholt College and Hill Holt Wood.
Bangor University
Jamie Pengilley, BSc Woodland Management and Conservation
“Jamie has been a very active member of Bangor Forestry Students Association (BFSA) and also volunteered to be a peer guide on behalf of the Forestry Students. Peer guides are a critical part of welcoming new students to the University and Jamie made a great impression on the new students during welcome week. Jamie has had a challenging year but has overcome this with great spirit and good humour.” Dr Ashley Hardaker, Bangor University.
Hill Holt Wood
Tom Bacon & Kale Reynolds
“Tom Bacon and Kale Reynolds both began their academic year with Hill Holt Wood in September of 2023 and were initially, as one would expect, quiet and uncertain. However, over time, they both began to demonstrate a good knowledge and understanding of the subjects being covered, growing both in confidence and in ability. Both Tom and Kale are capable and willing workers, regularly displaying a good work ethic and attention to detail. They are both always keen to learn and develop themselves further and are never afraid to ask for help or advice if they are ever unsure or uncertain about what to do. Tom and Kale both want to progress within Horticulture and Forestry as a career and have repeatedly stated that their time at Hill Holt Wood has given them a good grounding for the future, especially enjoying working outdoors and in the woodland.”
Will Russell, Hill Holt Wood.
Coleg Glynllifon
Keelan MacIver, Level 2 Diploma in Countryside & Environment
“Keelan has had a very successful year on the Level 2 Diploma in Countryside & Environment. He has worked extremely hard in the classroom to complete work to a high standard. Keelan has very little practical experience, but because of his attitude and willingness to learn he has really excelled in this element of the course.
“He has a really positive attitude towards everything that he does and is always the first to get stuck in. He has undertaken all practical aspects – such as cutting small trees, brashing, tree planting, fencing, and dry stone walling – with increasing confidence. He always asks sensible questions and is careful and conscientious when completing tasks. As part of the course, he has completed strimmer/brushcutter and First Aid & Forestry courses. Keelan is on track to achieving a Distinction overall grade for the L2 course and has been accepted onto the Level 3 Advanced Technical Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture, also at Glynllifon, starting in September.”
Jeff Jones, Coleg Glynllifon.
Coleg Cambria
Armon Edwards, Level 3 Extended Diploma in Forestry and Arboriculture
“Armon has consistently produced work to the highest standards throughout his level 3 course in Forestry and Arboriculture. His performance in both practical skills and academic achievement has been outstanding, particularly as he has had to balance college work with work experience and acting as a carer.
“Armon is very considerate and has shown great care, respect, and patience in supporting and encouraging other students, both on his course and more generally across the campus. He serves as a student representative and campus council representative for the college and attends various meetings in this role. He has gained respect from other students and staff as a result. He has volunteered on several occasions to help out with open days and demonstrations at weekends and has been a great help to staff.
“Aromn has also volunteered for North Wales Wildlife Trust, where he completed his work experience placement. Armon has made good use of his previous engineering qualifications in applying this to his investigative project, looking at the potential to power forest machinery with batteries and other alternative fuels. This was the best project report of the year. He hopes to go into forest and woodland management as a career and is currently looking for a suitable opportunity.”
Andy White, Coleg Cambria.
Plumpton College
Jacob Brown, Level 1 Forestry & Arboriculture (BTEC Level 1 Award in Land-Based Studies)
“Jacob joined our Level 1 programme from Foundation Learning this year and has found the transition challenging at times. However, he has developed a huge amount of confidence and independence throughout the year, becoming a confident and active member of the group, able to speak confidently both with students and staff. Jacob’s digital skills and practical ability have improved significantly throughout the year, and he has been a dedicated learner, meeting academic deadlines and with excellent attendance. We have really enjoyed working with Jacob this year and wish him the best of luck as he moves on to a Supported Internship next year.”
Hilary Brown, Plumpton College.
Sparsholt College Hampshire
Benjamin Thompson, Level 3 Advance Technical Extended Diploma (ATED) in Forestry.
“Ben is a determined, ambitious, and highly conscious individual who is always willing to help others and go the extra mile. Ben has faced some personal challenges along the way however, these have never impacted his performance and commitment to completing his studies to a high standard. Ben is working within the Forestry industry outside of college and making the most of opportunities to gain wider knowledge and skills from his peers and lecturers. Ben is also progressing well with gaining his industry competency tickets and is currently working towards his CS32. Ben is hoping to achieve a Merit this year and has completed all his course assessments within the given time frame if not before. He is keen to seek constructive feedback during practicals and takes on board this feedback for continuous development. Ben has always been involved with college events ranging from our ‘Futures Day’, the annual college Pride event, and in August the Forestry department’s exhibition at The New Forest Show.”
Richard Rex, Sparsholt College.
