John Hepworth scholarships: Ruaridh Maxwell and Kate Spottiswood

Posted 18 February 2016

Two second year students have been awarded John Hepworth Scholarships at Harper Adams University. 

Ruaridh Maxwell, from Brig O’ Turk, Perthshire, and Kate Spottiswood, 20, from Greenhaugh, Northumberland will each receive £1,000 from the forestry-related award.  

Countryside and Environmental Management student, Ruaridh, 19, said: “Having grown up in the Trossachs, an area surrounded by Forestry Commission and Woodland Trust land, I have an interest in the close relationship and mutual benefits that Forestry and Agriculture can provide each other. I am really excited to accept the award, which will enable me to gain practical skills needed for my future career.

“I have secured a placement for my sandwich year with the Field Studies Council at Preston Montford, Shropshire, where I hope to greater understand the uses and value of outdoor learning. After graduation, I would like to work in outdoor education, encouraging others to get outside and value the natural environment.”

Rural Enterprise and Land Management (REALM) student, Kate, 20, added: “I applied for the award as it covered an area which I have a keen interest in. I find the Woodland and Field Sports module which I have started this year interesting, and the task which the scholarship entailed related to some work that we had recently been covering therefore I felt I could excel myself and compose a strong contending piece of work. 

I am proud that I have been awarded this scholarship due to the amount of work I put into researching the subject.

“I have broadened my knowledge of the forestry industry by completing a weeks’ worth of work experience with the Forestry Commission in Northumberland and expect forestry work itself will play a part in my placement year.

“My ambitions are to obtain a strong degree in Rural Enterprise and Land Management and go on to have a successful career. Hopefully throughout my placement year the path I wish to take when finishing University will become clearer, due to the knowledge and experience I will gain”