British Horse Loggers Woodland Management Award

2008 - 2010 applications invited now - see below for more information

An award has been launched by the British Horse Loggers. A recent piece of work which has included the use of horses to extract the timber will be nominated. Judging will be stringent and will evaluate the job as a whole, from planning to finish. The BHLWMA will highlight the quality of woodland care and woodland management that can be achieved by the use of horses and there will be a prestigious and coveted prize for the winner, the 'Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy for Woodland Management', as well as prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed.

The Judges have visited all the sites and decided upon the awards.

2009 BHL Woodland Management Award

Judging was by Judith Webb on behalf of senior Judge Geraint Richards due to a conflict of interest in the entries.

Results:

1st; Kate Mobbs-Morgan for Cherry Wood.

2nd; Doug Joiner for Aconbury Woods

3rd; Chris Wadsworth for Whistle Crag

4th; Simon Lenihan for Settrington Estate Woods

Judith wrote: "A challenging task for the judge as very varied and good entries but with the winner what impressed was the quality of application - well presented with all relevant information and description of the work, issues on the site and why horses were used. From visiting the site and speaking with client it was a well conducted contract that met the owner's objectives and was conducted in a professional and efficient manner, such that the owner will use horses again. Overall a great example of effective horselogging."

Results 2007

First place is awarded to Simon Lenihan for his work at Tarn Hows.

Second place is awarded to Frankie Woodgate for her high quality work in Wooton Coppice.

Third place is awarded to Doug Joiner for his long term involvement in the privately owned Childer Wood and Meephill Coppice.

The closing date for the next Award is the end of September 2010 and will consider work undertaken between 1st October 2008 and 31 September 2010. This Award will be announced in 2011.

For an application form <<click here>>

Rules and additional information

1. The applicant and the woodland owner must both sign the application form to notify their consent, acceptance of the rules and judging process and to give permission for the Judge(s) to enter the woodland for the purposes of judging. The applicant can be the contractor, the owner or agent acting on behalf of the owner. The horse logging contractor must be a BHL member.

2. The correct fee must accompany each application (more than one woodland may be applied for). A separate entry form, fully completed, to accompany each application. There is no restriction on the number of separate entries an applicant may make. A whole wood, a series of small woods or a parcel within a larger wood may be entered.

3. The application is to be made within the stipulated timescale and as indicated. Printed paper copies to be posted to the address on the application form. Proof of posting prior to 30th September is required for any entries received after that date.

All information requested below may be sent in with the application or made available to the judge(s) at the time of inspection.

4. Maps. A location map, (OS 1:25,000) and a woodland map of suitable scale showing the area of the woodland to be entered clearly marked, to be included.

5. Photocopies of valid insurance documents, felling licence, relevant certification, risk assessments and emergency plan with copies of other relevant and/or statutory documents relating to all involved in the work to be included. The Judge(s) may ask to see originals.

6. The aims and objectives of the woodland work. Short, middle and long term plans, a woodland management plan. Description of the work undertaken and timescale and how that fits into the woodland management plan. Who was involved in the work and how.

7. A photographic record, as full as possible showing a record of before, during and after the work.

8. An explanation of the end use of the timber, how that conforms to sustainability and value addition (if applicable)

9. Costings - cost of work and incomes derived from it.

10. Justification of the use of horses over other means.

11. Any other supporting information that will be useful to the Judge(s). The information required to be as good, as full and as useful as possible.

12. Scoring. Woodland plan, 1 - 10. Application and supporting information, 1 - 10. Work, as seen by the Judg(e) on the date(s) of visit including, 1 - 30. Total maximum of 50 points.

13. Judges' decision to be final. Each applicant will receive written feedback on their application.

14. Prizes. The Prince of Wales Perpetual Trophy to be awarded to the winner. Individual prizes and certificates to be awarded to first, second and third placed.

15. If the number of applications warrant such a decision, regional Judges will be appointed by the Senior Judge to make up a shortlist in their area. The Senior Judge will visit either all applications or all those shortlisted, whichever applies.

Geraint Richards,

Head Forester of the Duchy of Cornwall Woodlands;

Senior Judge for the BHLWMA.