Oliver Mackay, a graduate from Harper Adams University and now a head ranger at Rothiemurchus estate, has won Tilhill's ‘Top Student’ Award for 2021.

As part of Tilhill's work to strengthen links with future foresters, it gives awards to top performing students at universities offering degrees in forestry-related subjects across the UK – including £250 prize money and a wooden carved trophy.

Oliver, a final year student studying Sustainable Forestry and Forestry Products on the BSC (Hons) in Countryside and Environmental Management course, said: "Many thanks for awarding this prize to me. I am grateful for the opportunities I have enjoyed as a student, and I am very happy in my role as a head ranger at Rothiemurchus. A special thank you to Tilhill for the prizes.

Lecturer in Forestry and Woodland at Harper Adams, Nick Covarr, said: “At a time when we need young foresters more than ever, it is the relationship between universities and industry like that between Harper Adams and Tilhill which provide the knowledge, inspiration and opportunities to make it happen.”

Oliver spent his 2015 placement at Rothiemurchus, an estate in the Cairngorms National Park, and subsequently secured a job there as Head Ranger.

Tilhill’s Forestry Director, David Edwards, said: “There has never been a more exciting time for graduates to be starting a career in forestry. The industry is, after all, a part of the solution to mitigate the impact of climate change. Congratulations to Oliver, I wish him every success for the future.

“Harper Adams graduates have been particularly successful in obtaining places on Tilhill’s popular graduate training programme," added Mr Edwards. "Within Wales we have had more Harper Adams graduates than any other university and we think that is a great reflection on the courses taught there.

“It is therefore most timely to announce that our 2022 Graduate Scheme is open for applications. Just visit our website for details on how to apply.”