AN article on tree-risk management described by judges as “a must-read for any woodland/tree owner” has won the prestigious James Cup for best original article in the Quarterly Journal of Forestry (QJF).

In the article, Nick Bolton explains landowners’ responsibilities concerning potential risks posed by the trees on their property.

Judges described the article as “very accessible and clearly presented,” with one judge saying: “Set within a professional context this was one of the best articles I have read on this increasingly important subject. It is a critical topic for woodland owners, land agents and foresters to understand in an age of increasing liability, and Nick explains everything clearly with pragmatic solutions. His suggested management strategy balances risk against benefit well. I have circulated the article to my wider team of agents.”

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Nick, who wrote the article while a director at Lockhart Garratt, has now set up his own consultancy business, Tree Frontiers. He commented: “I am very proud of the fact that the judges considered my article to be worthy of this award and that it was felt to have helped landowners in gaining a better understanding of what is needed in this complex area.”

The full article along with other recent award-winning articles can be read by following the James Cup link at www.rfs.org.uk/about/rfs-awards.

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