Man from Coventry to receive an MBE
Gareth Hopkins is on the New Years Honours List for his service to forestry
Gareth Hopkins, from Coventry, is to receive an MBE for his service to forestry.
Over the years, Gareth has worked tirelessly to develop a new generation of foresters and professionalise the industry after a decades long decline in forestry education.
Gareth’s passion for teaching led him to becoming a highly respected manager in Technical Training with the Forestry Commission.
Since, Gareth has gone on to develop a ground-breaking Forestry Apprenticeship Programme in partnership with University of Cumbria where he devised, designed and launched the first ever degree-level Professional Forester apprenticeship scheme in England.
Gareth shared his feelings on being recognised by the New Years Honours List for his service to forestry.
Gareth said: “I feel absolutely amazing.
"You spend all your time doing what you think is the best, and it's great to be recognised for that.
“There's been some very long hours, but I have great support from a family and the team around me.
“It is amazing that people are seeing what I'm doing and believe it's something that's worthwhile.”
Gareth also shared how he will continue his service to forestry in the new year.
Gareth said: “Recognition from the New Years Honours List is helping us to actually do more in the future.
“It's needed at the moment. Forestry can help with the climate crisis - it can also just be a very nice place to go and visit and we need to be promoting forestry.
“I think this could spur me on to promote forestry even more. We're looking at extending the programme past the degree level apprenticeship and looking at supporting more entry level apprenticeships as well.”
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