Deadline extended for farmers and forest owners to enter €16k awards
The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) has extended the deadline for entries to the 2027 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards which are worth €16,000 to farmers or forest owners.
It is Ireland's longest-running forestry award programme and celebrates 40 years of recognising excellence in forestry and woodland management.
Entries are open and the deadline has been extended to Friday, October 23, 2026.
The awards recognise the farmers, woodland owners, forestry professionals, community groups and conservation champions whose work is helping to shape the future of Ireland's forests and woodlands.
Almost 300 years of support for forestry
The awards form part of a much longer RDS commitment to forestry and land stewardship.
Since its foundation in 1731, the RDS has aimed to encourage innovation and sustainable development across Irish agriculture and rural life.
During the 18th century, the society facilitated the planting of approximately 55 million trees in Ireland, while the National Botanic Gardens, founded by the RDS in 1795, played an important role in the study and cultivation of tree species.
The RDS established its forestry awards programme in 1987.
For four decades, the awards have celebrated those demonstrating excellence in forestry and woodland management and promoted best practice across the sector.
Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Niall Collins said: "My department is delighted to support the RDS Forest & Woodland Awards, which for 40 years have been showcasing the people doing excellent work in forests and woodlands across the country.
"It is great to have role models to inspire others and to demonstrate the many ways that trees can benefit landowners, communities, the environment, and our rural economy.
"These awards are a wonderful opportunity to showcase the diversity and value of forestry in Ireland and to celebrate the people who are helping to shape its future.”
President of the RDS, Hilary Hough added: "Behind every successful woodland, forest or conservation project are people making decisions that will benefit communities, biodiversity and future generations.
"These awards are an opportunity to celebrate those achievements and to showcase excellence across the sector."
Categories
The 2027 RDS Forest and Woodland Awards recognise achievement in four categories:
- Silvicultural Excellence & Innovation Award - recognising excellence and innovation in the management of productive forests;
- Community Woodland Award - celebrating sustainably managed woodlands that are accessible, inclusive and connected to their communities;
- Teagasc Farm Forestry Award - recognising farmers successfully integrating forestry into their wider farm enterprise;
- Native Woodland Establishment Award - celebrating the protection and enhancement of Ireland's native woodland heritage and biodiversity.
The winners will be announced at the RDS Agriculture & Forestry Awards ceremony at the RDS Concert Hall in April next year.
