Posted on 25 January 2012
David Davenport of Silky Fox Handsaws and RFS Education Officer Debbie Cotton, launch the RFS Silky Fox Handsaws Awards
Merrist Wood College, will be amongst the first colleges to launch The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Silky Fox Handsaws Awards to recognise outstanding students on courses with a strong practical arboriculture or woodland management element.
The winner will receive a Silky Gomtaro 300mm pruning saw together with a year’s membership to the RFS. The award will be presented by the RFS South Eastern division and Silky fox handsaws in the summer.
RFS Education Officer Debbie Cotton explained: “The annual award is for students on Further Education courses that meet the practical skills criteria.
“It recognises the increasing value of Level 2 & 3 Diploma courses in Forestry and Arboriculture in delivering the essential skills to open doors into careers in both the private and public sector.
“As an education charity promoting the wise management of trees and woods, the RFS is delighted to recognise the excellent work of colleges up and down the country, and to give recognition to students who have gone the extra mile in their learning.”
For Merrist Wood, Zak Walker, Forestry and Arboriculture Diploma Course Manager, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this worthwhile award for our students. It’s great that our students can gain recognition for their hard work and show off the practical skills that they have learnt at college.”
David Davenport of Silky Fox Handsaws said: “The practical skills learned through these courses help ensure we have a skilled workforce to maintain and enhance the country’s trees and woodlands. The successful students form the backbone of the country’s tree experts in the future.
“Silky saws enjoy a worldwide reputation for quality, and we hope these will become treasured – and useful – reminders for the students of the valuable time that they spent in college.”
The RFS South Eastern Division organises woodland visits and activities, and welcomes new members. For further information please contact Divisional Secretary Julie Bolton on 01243 756 888, email julie.bolton@westsussex.gov.uk| or visit www.rfs.org.uk|.