A Trowbridge secondary school is one of two Wiltshire schools to make it on to an eight-strong shortlist for the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Excellence in Forestry Schools Award.

Judges were impressed by an outstanding level of entries from across the South West, including from John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge.

The award looks for inspirational projects that increase children or young people's understanding and appreciation of the environmental, social and economic potential of trees, woodlands and forests, and/or the link between trees and everyday wood products.

There is a £1,000 first prize and a £500 second prize.

Judges will John of Gaunt, which has worked with The Woodland Trust, owners of Clanger Wood and another voluntary group on a woodland management plan which has seen pupils taking part in coppicing and other activities to increase their understanding of woodland management and the value of natural environments.

RFS Education Officer Debbie Cotton said: "What was most impressive this year was the depth of knowledge being covered with some schools going into quite detailed study of woodland management (being involved directly with woodland management plans) and of the species within the woodland (showing great care and concern for locally important threatened species).

"Many of the school were also liaising widely and regularly with supporting organisations such as national parks, wildlife trusts, local specialists and their community which added real strength to their projects."

Schools have also involved themselves with both traditional and modern wood products - ranging from wood craft, coppice, charcoal, papermaking and willow work through to wood pellet boilers, sawmills, fruit harvesting and even making wooden furniture and toys for the classroom.