UK Conservation Project of the Year 1991
 Cornelia Fellner, Alan Watson and Louise Walsh with David Bellamy after receiving the awards on behalf of Trees for Life. |
From our February 1992 newsletter:
In November 1991, Trees for Life received significant national recognition and media coverage for its work to regenerate the Caledonian Forest when it was declared the UK Conservation Project of the Year in the annual Ford Conservation Awards Competition. Selected from over 150 projects which entered the competition, we were delighted and honoured by this accolade, and the publicity which it has given us. For me personally, it's very fulfilling to see the dream I have been carrying in my heart for so many years, of returning the native forests to Scotland, touching and inspiring others in this way as it becomes a practical reality.
The competition is organised by the Conservation Foundation, which was set up by David Bellamy to help channel money from the business world into conservation activities, and is funded by the Ford Motor Company. Trees for Life was chosen as joint prize winner in the Natural Environment Category, one of four categories in the competition, and was also declared the overall winner in a special ceremony attended by the UK Government Minister for the Environment. For this, we received two trophies and cheques for £6,500, while we were featured in many newspapers, and on television and radio in Scotland. In addition, the competition organisers sent a film crew to Glen Affric to make a 3 minute film about the project, which was shown at the ceremony itself.
Cornelia Fellner, Louise Walsh and I flew down to London on the 11th of November, and made rather a dramatic entry to Lancaster House where the ceremony took place. Our plane hit some seagulls as it was taking off from Inverness, and although no one was hurt, we had to wait for a replacement aircraft, which delayed our arrival by 3 hours. The ceremony was extended especially for us, and we arrived, literally breathless from running through the streets of London, to be declared the overall UK Conservation Project of the Year!
For me, the achievement and recognition for Trees for Life in winning this award is a reflection of both the cooperation we have developed with the Forestry Commission and the Nature Conservancy Council (Martin Rodgers of the Forestry Commission flew to London with us for the ceremony) and especially the support we receive from all the individuals who participate in our work weeks, and who send us money etc. The spirit and inspiration which fills our work is nourished by each of you who hold us in your hearts or write us enthusiastic letters, and it's that which enables the project to grow and flourish. Thank you all for making this possible!
Alan Watson
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Published: 20 May 2003
Last updated: 26 January 2010