The 2027 RDS Forest & Woodland Awards celebrate 40 years of recognising excellence in forestry and woodland management.
Officially launched at the RDS by Niall Collins TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, the Awards recognise the farmers, woodland owners, forestry professionals, community groups and conservation champions helping to shape the future of Irish forests and woodlands.
The Awards are proudly delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, and Woodlands of Ireland.
Learn More & ApplyEmail [email protected]
Four Award Categories
Silvicultural Excellence & Innovation
Recognises excellence in the management of a forest (broadleaf, conifer, mixed or coppice) where timber production is the main objective.
Community Woodland
Celebrates sustainably managed woodlands that are accessible, inclusive and connected to their communities. Open to community voluntary groups, NeighbourWoods Scheme participants and privately owned public amenity forestry projects.
Teagasc Farm Forestry
Recognises farmers who have integrated forestry into a diverse, sustainable farm enterprise. Eligible forests are 5 to 30 years old, with a minimum planted area of two hectares and no upper limit.
Native Woodland Establishment
Recognises woodlands that contribute to biodiversity, the local economy and Irish native woodland heritage, while allowing for timber use. New or re-established native semi-natural woodlands 5 to 30 years old are eligible. The award alternates with Ancient and Long-Established Woodland on a bi-annual basis.
Key Dates
Entries close: 9 October 2026
Winners announced: April 2027, at the RDS Agriculture & Forestry Awards Ceremony, RDS Concert Hall
Prizes
Winner: €3,000, an RDS Silver Medal and a commissioned trophy
Runner-up: €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit
How to Apply
To enter, download the relevant application form from the RDS website and email your completed entry to [email protected] before 9 October 2026. If you know someone whose work deserves to be celebrated, please share this opportunity with them.
Meet the 2026 Winners
Nearly 300 Years of RDS Support for Forestry
Since its foundation in 1731, the RDS has encouraged innovation and sustainable development across Irish agriculture and rural life. During the eighteenth century it facilitated the planting of around 55 million trees in Ireland, and the National Botanic Gardens, founded by the RDS in 1795, played an important role in the study and cultivation of trees. The RDS established its forestry awards programme in 1987, and for four decades the Awards have celebrated excellence in forestry and woodland management.
To hear more about the near 300-year story of the RDS and Irish forestry, listen to the RDS podcast, Bearing Fruit: Tales from the RDS Archives, featuring Natasha Serne (Head of the RDS Library & Archives) and Dr Mick Keane (Head of the RDS Forest & Woodland Awards judging panel).