by Bill Heaney
Nick Drainey, pictured above, has been appointed Executive Director of Scotland’s Finest Woods, responsible for running the prestigious annual Awards programme.
Having already been involved in the charity’s work in a PR and marketing capacity, Nick is well qualified to take on the prestigious annual Scotland’s Finest Woods Awards, championing all aspects of woodland and forest management, from forestry to farming, community to schools.
Nick said: “The charity promotes work across the country, from some of the remotest communities to urban settings, where trees play a vital role. The awards are also a fantastic demonstration of the diversity of people we see across the forest and woodland management sector. And it is great to see how things are always moving forward with young and old being represented, something I am looking forward to being part of and building on.
“Climate change and the work to mitigate, adapt and educate the impact of a warming planet is behind everything that is being done, from fruit and nut trees in the gardens of Stirling to farm woodlands designed to reduce flooding. But there are also great stories to celebrate in the production of timber, creation of community spaces and school projects inspiring the next generation.”
Nick has more than 30 years’ experience in journalism and public relations, spanning senior editorial management, freelance consultancy and voluntary leadership.
He said: “Good forestry is about striking the right balance – producing timber, supporting jobs and the wider economy, protecting the environment and creating places where people can thrive. That is why I am delighted to be taking on this role and playing my part in that work.”
Nick replaces Jeannie Nairn, whose four years in the role have seen the awards grow from strength to strength. Wilma Harper, Chair, on behalf of the Trustees, said: “We are hugely grateful to Jeannie for the commitment and contribution she has made during her time with the charity. We are equally pleased to welcome Nick, who will build on that work and help ensure the awards continue to shine a light on the outstanding people, projects and achievements taking place across Scotland.”
For more information about Scotland’s Finest Woods, visit www.sfwa.co.uk.