The Silviculture Prize is presented to what is judged by the editors to be the best paper featured in Forestry during the year. The winning paper, published in July 2009, was entitled "Modelling the anchorage of shallow rooted trees". The editors were particularly impressed by the clarity of the model that predicts the anchorage strength of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis), as well as giving useful results for policy and practice.

The pair collected their award at the ICF National Conference dinner in Newcastle Upon Tyne on April 28th.

Receiving the award, Dr Nicoll said: “It’s quite an honour to receive such a prestigious award. This particular piece of work took a few years to finish off but it was well worth the struggle. It’s very gratifying that our research has received this attention.”

Commenting on the achievement, ICF Executive Director, Shireen Chambers MICFor said: "We were very happy that Bruce and Alexis were able to join us at our National Conference and receive their award in person. As Sitka spruce makes up such a high proportion of our economic tree crop, it's important that we're able to accurately model tree strength and reduce the potential economic impact of climate change. We’re proud to recognise such a vital contribution to our profession.”