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This is a very special year for the woodlands competition at the Royal Welsh Show. After four years of regional awards, 2025 is the Welsh National Competition in which gold medallists from 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 compete for the ‘best of the best’ in Wales.
We are bursting with pride that in Broadleaf Planting or Restocking under Ten Years Old (Class A), a Gold Medal was awarded to Tilhill Forestry and The Carbon Community for Glandwr Woodland.
This prestigious competition has seen a growing number of entries over the last four years, and with all this year’s competitors being previous winners, it was a tough task for judges Chris Jones and Alan Hubbuck.
“I had the pleasure of taking the judges around Glandwr Woodland this summer. During their visit, we looked at the mixture of species that had been planted, the growth of the trees, their care and their overall health. We are delighted to receive this award; the trees are growing incredibly well, and Glandwr now looks and feels very much like a woodland.”
Sonia Winder, Tilhill Forestry.
“The trees in Glandwr Woodland were planted in 2021 with a vision to create a thriving broadleaf woodland, with a field-trial facility at its heart. We’re deeply honoured to receive this award - it’s a reflection of everyone who has been part of our community and the trees which continue to grow and inspire.”
Heather Allen, The Carbon Community
In their report, the judges highlighted the impressive performance of younger woodland stands. They also acknowledged how woodland planning and management are increasingly addressing environmental challenges, including the role that woodlands play in climate change mitigation, and the need to adapt them to ensure future resilience.
It was wonderful to be part of this award ceremony, surrounded by so many foresters looking towards the future, a future that needs us all to be Going for Gold.
Cover photo left to right:
Elaine Heckley from Confor,
Heather Allen from The Carbon Community
Sonia Winder from Tilhill
