AN estate has won a coveted award for its forestry management.

Swinton Estate, near Masham, has been declared this year's winner of the John Boddy Rose Bowl by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society.

The accolade salutes excellence in woodland management.

It is judged by the Forestry Commission and The Royal Forestry Society.

Swinton head forester Norman Hutchinson will receive the prize at the forestry pavilion at the Great Yorkshire Show on Wednesday.

The estate manages nearly 2,000 acres of mixed woodland.

Judges praised efforts to restore remnants of ancient woodland, where old oak trees are being given a new lease of life by removing conifers.

Among the areas being revitalised is Grimesgill, a site of special scientific interest, where work has been funded by the Forestry Commission.

The estate has also been praised for replacing oil boilers with a wood-chip furnace to provide heat and hot water, using fuel supplied from the surrounding woodland.

Mick Hoban, Forestry Commission regional development manager, said: "Swinton Park has created a virtuous circle that warms a forester's heart.

"Developing a wood fuel system is a local but significant response to issues like climate change and renewable energy."

Mr Hutchinson said: "The accolade is a reward for a lot of hard work by the estate team."