Student trio at the top of the tree

A trio of top students from North Wales has received awards from the Royal Forestry Society’s North Wales Division.

Simon Morath, who is graduating from Bangor University with a first class honours degree in Conservation and Forest Ecosystems, was awarded the RFS Bangor Bursary worth £100. Simon, originally from Frome in Somerset, but who has been living in Menai Bridge during his course, had achieved the highest marks for his forestry project looking at the spread of invasive Rhododendron in the Snowdonia National Park.

Dafydd Elfyn Owen from Llanddoged, Llanrswt won the RFS Best Forestry Student at Glynllifon College, part of Coleg Meirion Dwyfor, having completed his National Diploma in Countryside Management, an NVC Level 2 in Forestry and Chainsaw and Pesticide Certificates of Competence. Dayfydd is moving on to Aberystwyth to study for a degree in Countryside Management.

Jack Wright of Pen Coed, Corwen, won the RFS Shield at Llysfasi Collage after switching from an art and design course in Wrexham to a National Diploma in Forestry. He is currently working at Ty Mawr Country Park for Wrexham Borough Council Countrside Services, assisting the Rangers with their work before completing his course next year

North Wales RFS Divisional Chairman Chris Griffiths said: “These three young people have shown immense enthusiasm and energy in their studies and we wish them well in their future careers. Their courses and studies mean they will be well equipped to help manage the current and future challenges of forestry and woodland management in the UK."

“The North Wales Division has made these awards over a number of years and it is encouraging that Bangor University and the two colleges have such excellent facilities for forestry students in North Wales.”