Andrew Sharman has become the first student at Riseholme College to win the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Silky Fox Handsaws Awards.

Andrew is studying for a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Arboriculture, and has won the award as best student. The awards, which will be held annually, recognise outstanding performance on forestry and arboriculture courses and have been introduced at 21 colleges throughout Wales and England.

Presenting Andrew with a Silky Gomtaro 300mm pruning saw and a year’s RFS membership as well as the Joseph Nickerson Cup, RFS Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Division chairman Andy Reynolds said: “ As a graduate I found that membership of the local RFS Division invaluable. The friendly and open structure created an ideal atmosphere, where theories and practical experience can merge to the benefit of all.

“The Joseph Nickerson cup will stay at Riseholme and sustain the ties between the Lincs and Notts Division and the college, and I am sure the Silky saw will provide sturdy service. We welcome Andrew to the division, and wish him well in his future career.”

“Understanding good woodland management is a continuous process as new techniques are developed, new threats and diseases appear and new tree species are introduced. The RFS promotes continuous learning through its many woodland events, allowing those interested in all forms of woodland management to discuss a broad range of issues and exchange experiences whilst seeing examples of practical woodland management in action.

“We look forward to seeing Andrew at our meetings, and wish him well in his future career.”

The RFS Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire Division organises woodland visits and activities, and welcomes new members. For further information please contact Divisional Secretary William Price on 01507 588 489 or email wjep@aol.com or visit www.rfs.org.uk