The new Urban Forestry Award, sponsored by Future Woodlands Scotland, is all about celebrating the projects that are turning towns and cities into greener, healthier and more sustainable places to live.

Helping wildlife, communities and the climate through great woodland is not just happening in rural settings. The new award reflects the fact that 80% of Scotland’s population live in towns and cities, making urban forestry a vital element to create a greener environment, literally and environmentally.

There are 11 competitions at this year’s Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards including the new category of Urban Forestry, alongside existing prizes for Community Woodland, Schools and Early Years, and Climate Change.

Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony in November, which will also showcase 40 years of Scotland’s Finest Woods promoting the great work taking place each year across the country.

A partnership to run an annual awards programme was first established in 1985 by the Forestry Commission, Scottish Woodland Owners’ Association and the Royal Scottish Forestry Society with the Royal Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland joining later. An independent charity was established in 2005 to run the awards.

Schools and Early Years entries must be made before 31 March 2025, while all other entries must be submitted by 31 May 2025.

Find out more, including how to submit a nomination, on the Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards website.