The Goodhart Bursary

A bursary for Early Career Foresters to support them with the cost of attending the RFS Whole Society Meeting.

Applications are now closed for 2024.

The RFS offers up to 5 Goodhart Bursaries each year to the value of £500 each. The bursary can only be used towards the cost of attending our Whole Society Meeting.

Costs

All inclusive: £860

Day Tickets Only: £250 (Arrange own accommodation)

Criteria

At the time of your application you must:

Be under the age of 30 OR have left College or University within the past 5 years

Be an RFS individual member or employed by an RFS Corporate member

After attending the Whole Society Meeting you agree to submit information on your experience to the RFS in the form of a report, blog or photo diary.

All applications will be treated with strictest confidence. A committee will be appointed by RFS to review all applications. No other information will be used to assess each application. Successful bursary recipients will be notified by the end of February.

If you have any questions about making an application, please email careers@rfs.org.uk

Goodhart Recipients 2024

Holly Whitehouse

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2024

"I would like to extend my gratitude to the RFS and the Goodhart bursary, being a recipient of this funding has enabled me to partake in an experience that would have otherwise been financially out of reach for me. I am a career change forestry apprentice and this support serves as a tremendous confidence boost and greatly enhances my industry experience.

I’m very much looking forward to exploring a diverse range of woodlands beyond my usual working areas, observing various management techniques and gaining valuable insights into current environmental, ecological and economic movements in forestry. Having attended previous RFS events I can attest to their immense value as platforms for exchanging knowledge and engaging in meaningful conversations among individuals with diverse backgrounds and expertise. I am looking forward to attending the whole society meeting immensely."

Pádraic O'Leary

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2024

"As a passionate and dedicated individual committed to advancing my career in Forestry, I applied for the Goodhart Bursary with the sincere desire to enhance my knowledge and contribute meaningfully to the field of forestry. This bursary represents more than just financial support; it symbolizes an invaluable opportunity to delve deeper into my studies, attend crucial events, and connect with influential professionals in the industry.

Receiving the Goodhart Bursary is a profound honour and a testament to the alignment of my goals with the mission of the Royal Forestry Society. It signifies not only a recognition of my dedication but also an endorsement of the potential impact my work can have on the broader forestry community. This bursary is not just an investment in my education; it's a vote of confidence that inspires me to strive for excellence, contribute meaningfully to the field, and pay it forward by sharing the knowledge and experiences gained through this transformative opportunity.

I am profoundly grateful for the support provided by the Goodhart Bursary and am eager to make the most of this chance to further my education, deepen my understanding of forestry practices, and build lasting connections within the professional community. This bursary isn't just financial aid; it's a catalyst for my growth, and I am committed to leveraging this support to make a positive and lasting impact on the future of forestry."

Clare O'Reilly

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2024

“I’m delighted to receive the Goodhart Bursary to attend the RFS Whole Society Meeting 2024. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about a wide variety of forestry management techniques alongside real examples of best practice in climate change resilience, deer control, and various other areas related to forestry work. Plus an unrivalled opportunity for networking with peers and experts.

Thank you to the RFS!”

Catherine Noble

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2024

"As a recent graduate, I am eager to develop my knowledge in areas of forestry I don't often encounter, such as estate forestry and wood pasture. Attending the Whole Society Meeting is an excellent opportunity to visit such diverse woodlands and discuss their management with a passionate and knowledgeable group of professionals and enthusiasts, an opportunity that I would not have been able to afford without the Goodhart Bursary.

I am grateful to the RFS for giving me the chance to attend and I am very much looking forward to meeting the other attendees and participating in this valuable learning experience."

Max Battison

Goodhart Bursary Recipient 2024

"Having the opportunity to apply for the Goodhart Bursary is great way to launch myself further into my early career in forestry. Getting more involved with the RFS will allow me to create and develop professional networks.

I’m honoured to be successful in receiving the Goodhart Bursary as it makes attending the Whole Society Meeting more accessible and I am excited to see what I learn."