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Alumnus' generous philanthropy helps forestry stars of the future take root

Posted 8 April

Forestry stars of the future have been given the chance to take root in their careers thanks to the generosity of a Harper Adams alumnus. 

John Hepworth studied for a National Diploma in Agriculture at Harper Adams before going on to build an award-winning career in forestry. His studies at Harper Adams in the 1950s had such an impact on him that he later decided to fund a scholarship in conjunction with the University’s Development Trust – which has now shaped students’ forestry careers for more than a decade and a half.  

John said: “I have won Yorkshire and National competitions in Forestry - as there is nowhere better to be happy than with nature in woodland. 

“The best thing that ever happened to me was to go to Harper between ’57 and ’59, as this set my path to be successful in my career. 
“As a thank you, I started the John Hepworth Scholarship - now 23 students have left to be Stars of the Future in Forestry.” 

Each year, two students receive a scholarship of £2,000, which they can use to fund their studies, to cover the cost of educational equipment – or even, as one recipient has done, to buy their own trees. 

Among those who have received a scholarship is third-year BSc (Hons) Rural Enterprise and Land Management student, Stephen Dale-Sunley, who is currently on his year-long industry placement. 

He said: “I was very excited and grateful for receiving the scholarship - and it gave me the opportunity to purchase several forestry-based books, as well as 100 saplings. 

“I planted these strategically on my home farm, with the aim of creating shelter belts and areas that our grazed livestock could benefit from, offering protection from extreme weather which is becoming more common and promote the sustainability of our livestock operation.” 

The John Hepworth Scholarship was one of several awards that Stephen has secured during his time at Harper Adams – where he also gained a CLA Scholarship and support from the Dick Harrison Trust. 

For the Hepworth Scholarship, Stephen was supported by Lecturer in Forestry and Woodland, Nick Covarr, who said: “Stephen was an enthusiastic and engaging presence in our forestry classes throughout the year and it was no surprise to see him putting in such a good bid for the John Hepworth scholarship.  

“He has a wide range of interests, which will no doubt serve him well in his career, starting with his placement followed by his dissertation year in the 2024/25 academic year. 

“Harper Adams would also like to recognise the ongoing support and encouragement of our students from John, who has contributed so much to our forestry students over the years. 

“His scholarship has provided not only a very generous bursary but also a great role model in the Harper Adams community, connecting Harper alumni with future graduates through kindness and generosity.” 

Harper Adams Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Doris Taylor, said: “John’s selfless philanthropy has helped shape the lives of more than 20 students since he first worked with us to set up his scholarship; and their successes are a testament not only to their work, but also of what a difference the support of a benefactor can make. 

“John’s enthusiasm for forestry comes through in everything he does.. He takes a great personal interest in each of the students who receive a scholarship, the letters which he receives from them, and the progression of their careers.

“He continues to speak of them as ‘Stars of the Future’ and we have been very lucky to have worked alongside him to provide these scholarships” 
Harper Adams Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ken Sloan, added his own thanks, and said: “Our scholarships at Harper Adams regularly change the lives of the students who receive them – but scholarships such as John’s, which have a deeply personal connection, are something truly special. 

“Through his philanthropy, John’s gratitude for his studies at Harper Adams several decades ago is still shaping careers – and the natural environment which he loves so much – in the 21^st century.”