Scottish School of Forestry student wins Savills Forestry and Sustainability Award

Jonathan Hawick (31), who is in the third year of the University of the Highlands and Islands’ BSc (Hons) in Forest Management, won the Savills Forestry and Sustainability Award after producing an outstanding land management plan as part of his degree.

Jonathan, who combines study whilst working part-time for Forestry Commission Scotland, proposed a strategy for the future management of a mixed-use rural estate outside of Inverness, providing an integrated land use framework for sustainable development. His land management plan included the creation of habitat networks, new areas of woodland and housing.

Jonathan, who is originally from Shetland but lives in Inverness, said: “I put a lot of work into this land management plan so I am absolutely delighted to win this award. The Scottish School of Forestry has strong connections with industry and many students from this degree have gone on to work for Savills, so it’s really quite special to have my work recognised in this way.

“The opportunities at the Scottish School of Forestry make its graduates highly employable. All students on the BSc (Hons) in Forest Management spend their second year working in industry. I was very lucky to work at the Forestry Commission and when my placement finished they kept me on part-time. It’s wonderful to be getting industry experience like that, whilst studying at the same time and being recognised for my coursework by a highly regarded company like Savills.”

Savills’ forestry experts provide consultancy advice on commercial forestry and woodland management. The company awarded its inaugural prize last year to reward high-achieving students after forming a close industry partnership with the Scottish School of Forestry.

Tom Black, Savills forestry manager, said: “This type of critical analysis is central to modern forestry. Our clients, from community groups to private landowners, need to be able to optimise the benefits derived from their properties. As our forestry business continues to grow within a highly dynamic sector, Savills is encouraged to see talented graduates like Jonathan tackling the question of holistic land-use.”

Forestry policy lecturer Amanda Bryan, programme leader for the BSc in Forest Management, Forestry Commissioner for Scotland and chair of Crown Estate Scotland, said: “Jonathan’s critical analysis in his land management plan was particularly strong – he looked at the current uses, everything from housing to timber and food production, and identified ways of making the land more productive and sustainable for all users, whilst recognising the challenges. It’s wonderful to see Jonathan rewarded in this way because he’s a talented future forester whose incredibly passionate about the natural environment. I’m very proud Scottish School of Forestry can work with businesses like Savills to provide these opportunities for our students.” The Scottish School of Forestry at Inverness College UHI is the principal institution for forestry and arboriculture training and education in Scotland and offers a range of qualifications up to honours degree level.