Willey Estate Forester receives Long Service Award
Mike Hayward, 67, has worked at the estate since the age of 14.
Congratulations to Mike Hayward, 67, for receiving the RFS Long Service Award. Mike was celebrated by his employer, Willey Estates (Shropshire) for his dedicated service to the estates’ 1500 ha mixed conifer and broadleaf woodland.
Mike spent the first 12 years or so in production, then hauling out, peeling and sawing for 12 years. He planted the Ash at Atterley and Padge Knoll and Oak at Bluebell cottage and many smaller areas. Most of Mike’s contribution has been to the maintenance in younger plantations and thinning in the older, hard-to-access woods in recent years.
Mike’s family has worked at the estates for three generations. His grandfather on his mother’s side worked at the Home Farm and his grandfather on his father’s side worked in the gardens at Willey. His father worked in the woods for 40 years as a gardener before retiring. His mother also worked in the woods and latterly in the mansion house. Mike started mowing the lawns with his father and the agent John Benson offered him a job in the woods when he was 14.
Mike commented: “I’ve enjoyed everything about the job. I’ve always liked being outside; I’m not a desk person. I like the peace, but in recent years I’ve really liked passing on my knowledge to the apprentices who have worked with me”
Selina Graham, CEO of Willey Estates, added: “Mike has been an invaluable member of the team. He has ditched, thinned, pruned and planted – and everything in between. He is an excellent mechanic, conscientious and careful and has also become a great teacher. His only failing is never throwing anything away!”
