A University of Cumbria student, Laura Elizabeth-Sleep (Lulu), has won the Tilhill Forestry Award for the Best Dissertation on her BSc (Hons) Forest Management course.
Tilhill Forestry presents awards to the top-performing forestry students at leading universities across the UK, as a part of the company’s work to strengthen links with students and bridge the skills gap within the industry.
Originally from Wiltshire but now based in Kendal, Cumbria, Lulu said, “I am delighted to receive this recognition and award from Tilhill Forestry for my dissertation project – a reflection of my hard work throughout my Forest Management degree.
“I chose to study the effects of wildfire severity on forest recovery in British Columbia whilst on a voluntary internship at The Alex Fraser Research Forest in 2023.
“I was keen for my dissertation to contribute to research on current threats to forestry from climate change. Wildfires are a threat to forests worldwide and wildfire size and intensity throughout British Columbia is increasing and worsening with climate change.
“Within B.C. there is an urgent need to reassess postfire forest management techniques which are costly and can cause negative ecological impacts. My dissertation compared the differences in forest recovery following three different severities of wildfire.”
Lulu was presented with a specially carved oak trophy by James Harrison-Moore, Forest Manager at Tilhill Forestry, and also received a £250 gift card.
Tilhill Forestry – a member of BSW Group, the UK’s largest timber and forestry business – also runs a prestigious graduate scheme dedicated to fostering the growth and development of forestry graduates, emphasising advanced management and forestry skills.
James Harrison-Moore, Forest Manager, said, “At Tilhill Forestry, we are proud to partner with universities across the UK through our sponsored awards programme. Recognising the dedication, hard work and achievements of students like Lulu, who have demonstrated exceptional commitment and talent in their studies, is a true honour.
“We are particularly delighted to continue our support for the University of Cumbria, an organisation that consistently prepares students who excel in our graduate trainee programme.”
Asked about Lulu’s achievements, Matt Robson, Associate Professor at the University of Cumbria, said, “Lulu devised an original dissertation project considering the effectiveness of forest regeneration following wildfires of differing intensity in British Columbia, Canada, for which she won an RFS bursary. This is important research with the potential to guide future silvicultural practices.
“Lulu has shown exceptional dedication to her degree studies and this endeavour has been reflected in her outstanding dissertation and overall grade in her B.Sc. (Hons) in Forest Management. She will be huge asset, entering the workforce as a leader of a cohort of bright inquisitive young foresters, armed with the knowledge and ability to tackle the twin challenges to forestry of climate change and timber supply.”
Tilhill Forestry has a long association with the University of Cumbria as many of its past and present employees have studied there. The university’s location is ideal for studying forests and woodlands, and its degree has a strong, professional focus. From the university’s Lake District campus, students have access to ancient woodlands, mixed woodlands and plantations. The increasing environmental, social and economic importance of forests leads to exciting opportunities for graduates worldwide.