The Goodhart Bursary

Zed Esmail

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2026

"I am a student at Harper Adams University with a strong interest in forestry and sustainable land use, supported by practical work experience with Tilhill Forestry and Landmarc.

I applied for the RFS Annual Study Tour to build on both my academic learning at Harper Adams and industry experience, to gain first-hand exposure to a range of woodland management systems, including continuous cover forestry, ancient woodland management, and multi-purpose forest landscapes. Being selected for this opportunity means a great deal to me, as it offers the chance to learn directly from professionals across the sector, broaden my understanding of how biodiversity, timber production, and long-term sustainability are balanced in practice, and develop the knowledge and confidence needed for a future career in forestry and the wider land-based sector. I am honoured to have received the Goodhart Bursary and look forward to gaining more knowledge through the annual study tour."

Alec Robinson

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2026

"I am currently studying for a BSc Rural Property Management in at Harper Adams University and am undertaking a forestry placement at Norbury Park in Staffordshire.

I am very grateful to the Royal Forestry Society for awarding me the Goodhart Bursary, which will enable me to take part in the Annual Forestry Tour.

I see this study tour as an excellent opportunity to further my knowledge of forestry, learn about different forest management techniques, and gain insight into how these are applied in practice. It will also allow me to meet and learn from people currently working in the industry, helping to prepare me for a career in Forestry after University."

Lois Raines

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2026

“The RFS annual study tour is an excellent opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of diverse silvicultural systems and to make professional connections. I am grateful to the RFS for granting me the Goodhart Bursary, which provides the financial support to enable me to attend such a significant event which would otherwise be inaccessible to me.

As a Forestry Roots trainee at the start of my Forestry career, I am keen to gain a breadth of perspectives from experienced people across the industry. I am excited to have the chance to visit a range of woodlands on the tour, to see different management plans and silvicultural systems in practice, and to learn directly from the people managing them, as well as other RFS members. I hope that attending the annual study tour will benefit my learning, professional development, and enthusiasm for Forestry.”

Lulu Sleep

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2026

"I’m delighted to receive the Goodhart Bursary to attend the Royal Forestry Society’s 2026 Annual Study Tour. As a developing forestry professional, I’m passionate about building my practical understanding of forest management, and I particularly value opportunities to visit new sites and learn directly from woodland owners and forest managers. The chance to see what has and hasn’t worked for others is invaluable in a sector where the outcomes of decisions unfold over many years.

The Study Tour will deepen my insight into forest management, silvicultural practices, and forest health—areas that are directly relevant to my work at Forest Research and my long-term interests. It also offers an opportunity to connect with others across the industry who share a commitment to sustainable forest management and building resilient woodlands. I’m extremely grateful to the RFS for this support, and I’m very much looking forward to taking part."