Eight young people will kickstart their forestry careers through the Royal Forestry Society (RFS) programme. The UK forestry sector is facing a skills crisis that puts woodlands and the industry itself at risk. With the Government pledging to increasing woodland cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050, there has never been a more important time to create clear pathways for people starting out in the profession.
The RFS received 270 applications, a 40% increase on 2024 figures. Now in its eighth iteration, Forestry Roots has established itself as a vital pipeline for bringing new talent into the sector. Since its beginnings in 2018, 93% of Forestry Roots trainees have progressed into forestry or arboriculture roles or further training. The programme pairs 18-30-year-olds with employers across England and Wales for a year of paid work experience and training.
The programme is funded by The ALA Green Charitable Trust and supported by the trainees’ employers and The Forestry Commission. Placements are provided by RFS members. One candidate was Leah Winstanley (pictured), that has joined Harewood Estate as Estate Forestry Assistant. Leah is particularly interested in working within woodlands for their carbon sequestration potential and is excited to work within the estate’s 800 acres of ancient woodlands. “I applied to Forestry Roots as they offer support to those who have faced barriers trying to gain employment within the sector,” Leah said. “Forestry is an essential industry for mitigating the effects of climate change and I am glad the RFS is making it more accessible to those who cannot afford training courses or who are unable to spend time volunteering before employment.”
Others include Samuel Birch and Jack Priestly, joining Chatsworth House as Trainee Forestry Workers. At Hill Holt Wood, Joe Cole has taken on the role of Forestry Trainee, Jesse Atkinson begins her traineeship at Maydencroft. Gethin Thomas has joined Bodnant Estate as Trainee Estate Forester, Lois Raines has taken on the role of Trainee Assistant Woodland Manager and Sawyer at The Hillyfield and Tom Bryant has joined City of Trees as Trainee Urban Forester. Having lived in Sheffield for university and now living in Greater Manchester, Tom realised just how much of a difference trees make to urban centres, he is passionate about seeing more trees integrated into local urban areas. “This traineeship is the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into something practical,” said Tom. “The best part is knowing I’ll be helping the environment close to home and hopefully making the world just that little bit better.”
