Scotland’s Finest Woods has strengthened its board with the appointment of three new trustees to help promote woodland creation, sustainable forestry and the charity’s annual awards programme.
Joining the charity are Neil Crookston, head of estate and programmes for Scotland at the Woodland Trust; Sam Malpass, director of policy and practice at Scottish Forestry; and Michael Roe, an experienced environmental charity trustee and former technology sector director.
The trio will support the charity’s work in championing woodlands across Scotland, from school nurseries and community forests to agroforestry and commercial timber production.
Chair Wilma Harper welcomed the appointments.
“We may be a small charity, but we make a significant impact across Scotland, particularly through the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, which we are delighted to be hosting later this year,” she said. “Our new trustees will play a key role in helping us grow our voice for woodlands and forestry, ensuring our work to celebrate and promote Scotland’s trees becomes even more influential.”
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Harper also thanked retiring chair Guy Watt and outgoing trustees John Paterson and Alicja Dzieciol for their contribution to the charity.
Crookston said the awards reflected the wide‑ranging benefits that well‑managed woodlands deliver.
“The Awards celebrate the contribution of woodlands to people, the environment and economic prosperity, while recognising those who support their local communities, economy and environment,” he said. “My career has been dedicated to these outcomes through sustainable woodland creation, forest management, and conservation benefit.”
Malpass said attending last year’s awards had inspired her to become involved with the charity.
“I arrived at the Scottish Parliament tired after a long day, and left feeling utterly proud and energised – reminded of just why we all do what we do,” she said. “I feel passionately about championing good forestry and celebrating what’s special about our woodlands.”
Roe said he hoped to use his charity governance experience to support the organisation’s future development.
“Since stepping away from full-time work in industry, I regard my second career as being a champion and ambassador for environmental and climate change work,” he said.
With the new trustees in place, Scotland’s Finest Woods aims to further raise the profile of Scotland’s trees and forests.
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