THE Nuffield Farming Scholarships Trust (NFST) has announced the appointment of the 2023 Nuffield Farming Scholars, two of whom are involved in the forestry industry. 

Byron Braithwaite from Lanark works as an area manager for Tilhill where he is responsible for both large upland spruce plantations and smaller farm woodlands. With UK forests facing a number of risks due to climate change, his scholarship will focus on how to create forests that thrive in a changing climate. Byron will investigate what the risk factors are, the changes the industry will need to make and what pace of change is needed to achieve this.

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Byron will study ‘Creating forests that thrive in a changing climate’ for his scholarship, sponsored by the John Oldacre Foundation.

Luke Breedon runs the Wiltshire-based Slate Hill Charcoal alongside his wife, producing sustainable British charcoal and biochar. As there is already an international market for biochar, he believes that it also has the potential to be a valuable product for British agriculture and forestry. His study will see him explore how biochar can help to improve agricultural efficiency, productivity, and carbon sequestration in the UK. During his travels he will also explore production methods for biochar and whether there should be a certified standard for the product in the UK. 

Luke will study ‘The new black gold: can biochar help to improve agricultural efficiency, productivity and carbon sequestration in the UK?’ for his scholarship, which is sponsored by Alan and Anne Beckett NSchs.

The 19 scholars, who come from across UK farming and rural industries, will seek inspiration and guidance from industry leaders, experts and pioneers as they undertake their studies.