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Graduate secures Tilhill Forestry Top Student award

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A graduate from Ãå±±½ûµØ has been honoured with the prestigious Tilhill Forestry ‘Top Student’ Award.

Harry Vernon, from Milton Keynes, won the award for his outstanding academic performance in the BSc (Hons) Environmental Land Management course. He achieved the highest marks in the Sustainable Forestry module, distinguishing himself as the top student in his class.

Harry’s final year project explored the impact of different tree species on water infiltration in agricultural shelterbelts. His research addressed a significant gap in the field and highlighted the importance of tree planting as a tool for managing flood risk on a larger scale.

Over the years, Harry has dedicated himself to his studies and has actively volunteered with organisations such as Natural England, The Wildlife Trusts, and The Parks Trust. His involvement in various conservation projects has made a positive impact on nature and the environment.

The award was presented to Harry by David Conway, North & Central England Regional Manager at Tilhill Forestry, on one of their managed sites in Herefordshire.

Following the award presentation, Harry said: “It was a pleasure to meet David Conway and Rowena Young from the Tilhill Forestry team and talk all things forestry! Thank you again to Tilhill Forestry for generously supporting students and forestry professionals starting careers in the industry.

"A massive thank you to the brilliant team at Ãå±±½ûµØ too, for all their fantastic support and encouragement along the way.

"As someone who is not from an agricultural background, I chose Harper Adams as I wanted to immerse myself in an environment that would give me the expertise to work with landowners in my future career. The University’s consistently high graduate employment rate was a huge selling point too.

"The opportunity to spend a year in industry with Natural Resources Wales as part of the Forest Operations team in South East Wales was a particular highlight. My experiences on placement helped to shape my final year studies.”

David Conway, Tilhill Forestry, North & Central England Area Manager, said: “It was a pleasure to award Harry alongside Rowena Young, the local Tilhill Manager, at one of our managed properties in Hertfordshire. We shared ideas about management and operational opportunities within a woodland setting, and it is clear Harry is truly knowledgeable.

“Harry's passion and drive have propelled him to seize the opportunity to become a woodland manager, and we wish him a long and rewarding career in forestry.

It’s important to keep a link between quality forestry-related course providers like Ãå±±½ûµØ and Tilhill Forestry to ensure that future graduates like Harry are of an equally high standard and ready for employment in environmentally important roles.”

Nick Covarr, Lecturer in Forestry and Woodland at Ãå±±½ûµØ, said: “Well done, Harry, for acing your final year of forestry studies!

“Harry went above and beyond in his forestry modules and engaged in every extra-curricular opportunity that came his way. Following a successful placement with Natural Resources Wales, Harry is now working in the forestry department at Nicholsons, creating and maintaining the next generation of woodlands. With his ability and work ethic, we have no doubt he will go far and have a great career in the sector. We are proud to have helped him on his way.

“Harper Adams would like to recognise the ongoing support of Tilhill Forestry, who contribute so much to our forestry modules. Every year, they facilitate inspirational trips and talks that provide the stimulus for students like Harry to want to be part of UK forestry.

“Tilhill’s graduate scheme, the kindness of their staff, and their proactive enthusiasm for getting more young people into forestry careers is something to be appreciated by the whole sector."

Tilhill Forestry is the UK’s leading sustainable forestry and woodland management company. They work to strengthen links with future forestry, harvesting, and ecology managers by presenting awards to top-performing students at universities offering degrees in forestry-related subjects across the UK.