EXPERTS are looking to find the best woodlands, large or small, in a region which includes the Ludlow and Tenbury areas to act as local beacons of good practice.

At stake are £1,000 top prizes and £500 second prizes in each of five different categories.

Also being sought are the most inspirational projects involving nurseries, schools or other educational organisations which increase young people's understanding and appreciation of the environmental, social and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests and of the link between trees and everyday wood products.

The Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Excellence in Forestry Awards rotate around the country.

For 2013 the RFS has linked up with Forestry Commission England to offer an urban forestry category for the first time, alongside four other woodland awards – multipurpose (Duke of Cornwall Award), community, silviculture and small woodlands (up to 20ha).

Keith Jones, Forestry Commission area director for the north west and West Midlands, said: “There are some outstanding woodlands which deserve wider recognition.

"Trees and woods are vital in shaping a more sustainable future and in particular we have seen some really innovative schemes in our towns and cities.

“Urban trees help cool and clean the air, create attractive settings for business and investment, improve the quality of life for people and provide places to exercise."

Woodland owners and managers (private and public), community groups, local authorities, housing developers, planners and farmers, schools and others throughout an area stretching from Worcestershire through the west and north west to Cumbria are invited to take part.

Entries must be received by March 4 and judging will be held in May and June. The awards will be presented in July.

Further details and entry forms are available at www.rfs.org.uk or by emailing competition coordinator Trefor Thompson at rfscompetition@ boyns.net or calling 01824 704230.