A WOODLAND project in the Lake District, that makes use of horses in the logging process, won a gold in the Royal Forestry Society's awards.

Sawrey Ground Plantation, near Hawkshead, won the Small and Farm Woodland Award after the judges were left 'extremely impressed by this example of a genuinely multi-purpose woodland.’

"At Sawrey Ground Plantation we have tried to show that it is possible to increase biodiversity, enhance the local landscape within the Lake District National Park, maintain public access and promote forest education as well as having a productive wood that is able to meet its costs," said owner Gary Primrose. "It is also a living testament to the value of using horses for extraction on difficult sites such as ours."

Gold in the Education and Learning Awards was won by Bill Hogarth MBE, of Memorial Apprenticeship Trust (BHMAT), based in Carnforth.

BHMAT runs an apprenticeship scheme in coppice skills, impressing judges with how the ‘overall vision for the scheme is being realised through outstanding leadership’.

Kath Morgan, BHMAT co-ordinator, said: "This award is a wonderful acknowledgement of coppicing and its importance in woodland management, the apprenticeship scheme which has been thoughtfully developed to be the best it can be, the people who work with and support the Trust, and Bill Hogarth, who dedicated his life to coppicing and sharing his skills and knowledge."

Silver in the same category went to the Full Cycle project, led by the Campaign for National Parks in partnership with the Lake District National Park Authority and Woodmatters.

Woodmatters has worked with 16 disadvantaged young people, helping them develop new skills and self-confidence, impressing judges with ‘the passion and enthusiasm of all involved.’