The Royal Dublin Society (RDS) today launched the 2027 RDS Forest & Woodland Awards, opening entries for one of Ireland's longest-running forestry award programme as it celebrates 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 whose work is helping to shape the future of Ireland's forests and woodlands. Entries are now open and will close on 9 October 2026.
The launch brought together representatives from across Ireland's forestry, farming and environmental sectors to celebrate four decades of the Awards and to highlight the vital contribution forests and woodlands make to biodiversity, climate action, rural economies and sustainable farming. The Awards are proudly delivered in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Teagasc, and Woodlands of Ireland.
Nearly 300 Years of RDS 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 encouraged innovation and sustainable development across Irish agriculture and rural life. During the eighteenth 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.
Building on that legacy, 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.
Niall Collins TD, Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, said:
My Department is delighted to support the RDS Forest & Woodland Awards, which for forty 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.”
Hilary Hough, President of the RDS, said:
"For 40 years, the RDS Forest & Woodland Awards have recognised the commitment, expertise and innovation of those managing Ireland's forests and woodlands. 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."
Recognising Excellence Across Four Categories
The 2027 RDS Forest & 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.
Entries Now Open
The RDS is encouraging farmers, woodland owners, forestry practitioners, community groups and conservation organisations from across Ireland to enter the Awards.
Key dates:
· Entries open: 25 August 2026
· Entries close: 9 October 2026
· Winners announced: April 2027 at the RDS Agriculture & Forestry Awards Ceremony in the RDS Concert Hall.
For entry information and application details, visit www.rds.ie.
Exploring the RDS and Irish Forestry
To mark the 40th anniversary of the Awards, the RDS has released a special discussion on its long-standing relationship with Irish forestry featuring Natasha Serne, Head of RDS Library & Archives, and Dr Mick Keane, Chair of the Awards Judging Panel.