Two forestry@bangor alumni recognised in Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to forestry

Two forestry@bangor alumni, Graham Taylor (BSc Forestry and Soil Science 1990), and Geraint Richards (BSc Forestry 1992), have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to forestry in the 2017 Queen’s Birthday Honours. Graham has been awarded an MBE for service to forestry, whilst Geraint has been awarded the MVO (Member of The Royal Victorian Order).

Graham and Geraint have carved our very successful careers in forestry.  Graham is director of the leading forestry consultancy Pryor and Rickett Silviculture whilst Geraint is Head Forester for the Duchy of Cornwall.  Since graduating, they have not only excelled in their ‘day jobs’, but have also notched up a huge range of other achievements, working tirelessly on a range of important initiatives, including the Future Trees Trust, Woodland Heritage, European Squirrel Initiative and, more recently, they have been instrumental in setting up the National Tree Improvement Strategy.

They have also maintained close links with their alma mater during this time, including hosting regular forest visits, giving guest lectures in Bangor, and, most importantly, inspiring numerous forestry@bangor students.

John Healey (Professor of Forest Sciences) commented “Bangor University is very proud to learn of this deserved recognition for Graham and Geraint, marking the great success they have achieved in their careers.  As the leading educator of senior forestry professionals in the UK over recent decades, we are very pleased with this evidence of how well our alumni are contributing to society, the economy and the environment through the sustainable management of woodlands, forests and their products both in Britain and around the world.”

About the awardees:

Geraint Richards. Head Forester, Duchy of Cornwall

Geraint studied at Bangor University from 1988-1992, including a year out with the FC in Thetford Forest and graduated with BSc Forestry (First Class Honours). He subsequently spent four years working for the Forestry Commission in Kent and Sussex and was then delighted to be appointed as Head Forester for the Duchy of Cornwall in 1996.  He is now responsible for the management of the woodlands and forests across the Duchy of Cornwall’s landholding, some 5,000 acres of woodland altogether from shelterbelts on the Isles of Scilly to coniferous stands in Cornwall and high quality ancient semi-natural woodlands in Herefordshire.  He is currently involved with a wide range of U.K. and international forestry organisations and initiatives including Woodland Heritage (trustee), Future Trees Trust (co-chairman with Graham Taylor) and the UK Squirrel Accord plus on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Institute of Forestry.  Geraint is particularly keen to see more young people enter and enjoy the forestry profession.  Geraint lives in Cornwall and is married to Anne with five children.  He is a passionate follower of the Welsh rugby team!

Graham Taylor. Director, Pryor and Rickett Silviculture

Graham studied at Bangor University from 1986-1990 and graduated with a Joint Honours in Forestry & Soil Science (making him one of those rare foresters who understands the medium that trees grow in). During his time at Bangor, he was instrumental in lobbying for the Forestry@Bangor degrees to include an optional year-long placement, which have remained ever since as a vital component of these degree programmes.  Graham spent his year with the Forestry Commission. After graduating, he initially worked for Fountain Forestry in Hay-on-Wye.  He then joined Pryor & Rickett Silviculture (PRS) in 1993 as Assistant Forest Manager, becoming director in 1998 and have helping steer growth from a base of 2,500 hectares to about 20,000 ha of privately owned forestry which PRS manage / advise  on behalf of some 350 private clients.  Graham is a Trustee of Woodland Heritage, Co-Chairman of Future Trees Trust (with Geraint Richards). He is also on the management committee of European Squirrel Initiative (ESI) who are working on improving the extent and efficacy of grey squirrel control measures.  Graham is regularly invited to speak at regional and national conferences and events.  As well as the above he aims to spend time with family, keep fit (running / cycling) and is also involved in church work, running a youth group and other responsibilities. Three words sum Graham up in a nutshell: ‘Family, Faith & Forestry’.

Publication date: 4 July 2017