September 3, 2025, 5:00 pm - September 4, 2025, 4:00 pm

Women in Forestry

Proudly sponsored by PEFC UK Ltd

Shining Cliff Hostel, DE56 2HG

PEFC UK Ltd are proud sponsors of the RFS Women in Forestry Network.

As part of our Early Career Foresters Network we are excited to host our next Women in Forestry gathering at Shining Cliff Hostel. The hostel is situated in Shining Cliff woods, an ancient woodland and designated Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Who is this for?

Our intention is to bring people together for a day of networking with others within the early stages of their forestry career. It is a chance to meet others who are taking a similar career path to you, share your achievements, hopes and aspirations. Find a compassionate space to ask questions, overcome barriers and build supportive new connections.

A chance to come together with others in the forestry sector who may not always see themselves represented and who want to change that.

  • Women, trans women, and non-binary people working in or studying forestry
  • Anyone from underrepresented gender identities in the sector

We hope that by coming together you can find ways to improve things for yourselves and those that will follow in your footsteps.

Our Time Together

Wednesday 3rd September: The gathering begins at 4pm on Wednesday afternoon where we will take time to get to know each other and set the tone of our time together. Should you not be able to join us on Wednesday evening then you are welcome to just come for the day on Thursday.

Thursday 4th September: We will start at 9am and enjoy an inspirational talk before taking time to wander around the beautiful woods and then we will gather around to experience a women’s sharing circle.

During the sharing circle you are welcome to voice your challenges, frustrations, and triumphs of working in the industry. You will be encouraged to consider what could be improved in the industry and imagine all the ways we can help bring that to life.

Feedback from previous attendees

“I had an absolutely brilliant day with the Women in Forestry group from the RFS at Voltaire Wood.

I’m deeply grateful for the openness, empathy, and genuine interest fostered by the RFS and embraced by the group. The warmth and respect shared among us created a really special atmosphere. I hope to cross paths with this community again soon and I’m excited to see what lies ahead for the incredible individuals I met.”

“It was such a joy to connect with other women working in a traditionally male-dominated profession, sharing stories, experiences, and encouragement.”

“I thought the Women in Forestry day was fantastic and really helped me to slow down in the woods. It felt very inclusive which was a lovely environment to chat and share. Thank you for creating the event for women in the industry to come together, I would absolutely attend another of these again.”

Accommodation

We will be staying at Shining Cliff Hostel and shared accommodation is included in the ticket price, more details on the rooms can be found on the Shining Cliff Website.

Ticket Booking

Please be aware ticket prices will be going up to £40 and £35 from 5th August.

Early Bird Standard Tickets: £25

These are available for those further on in their career and able to afford £25 for a ticket.

Early Bird Concession Tickets: £20

These are available for those that hold RFS student membership.

If you’re struggling to pay full price for a ticket or have any other questions, please contact Ali on Careers@rfs.org.uk

Becky Wilkinson

Learning and Outreach Manager

Becky is part of the senior leadership team at the RFS and Becky has a particular interest in supporting and uplifting the next generation of foresters.

As a qualified coach and experienced training facilitator she is passionate about creating non-hierarchical spaces for people to learn, share and grow. One area Becky is keen to engage with during her role is ensuring that all people, regardless of background, have the opportunities to succeed within the industry.

Alison Dinnie

Forestry Careers Advisor

Alison is relatively new to the RFS but she brings with her a huge passion for supporting women to unlock their unique gifts.

Alison is also a qualified coach and women's circle facilitator, she believes strongly in the transformation that can occur when people are able to share their stories in a judgement free space and realise they are not alone.