Forestry Roots 2023

Alice Wilson

Forestry Assistant, Harewood Estate, West Yorkshire

“This has been an amazing experience, it's been so helpful and is a really good foundation for people that haven’t been able to get into forestry and need more support.”

Amy Harrington

Woodsperson, Tregothnan Estate, Cornwall

“Forestry Roots gave me the opportunity to bridge the gap between academic qualifications and apply them to a work environment. The Tregothnan team have been fantastic, so welcoming and supportive .I am looking forward to developing my practical skillset as well as build my knowledge and confidence, to grow my career in Forestry.”

Harriet Jenkins

Forestry Practitioner, Broadleaf Wales, Conwy

"I have loved my Forestry Roots placement and feel immensely grateful for both the experience that my traineeship has given me over the past year, as well as the doors its opened up for me in terms of pursuing my career in forestry going forward. As a result of the RFS programme and the funding from ALA Green Charitable Trust I’ve been able to retrain and achieve life goals I may have otherwise struggled with.

I am very excited about what lays ahead for me and I hope that in some way, little or large, I can help positively inform the future of UK forestry. Thank you for your all of your support, it’s highly appreciated."

James Dallavalle

Forestry Assistant, Harewood Estate, West Yorkshire

"A huge thank you for making an accessible program for aspiring foresters, 12 months ago I knew nothing about forestry and I now feel knowledgeable and that is testament to how useful this placement has been for me."

Jared Whitehouse

Woodland Operations Trainee, North York Moors National Parks

"The highlight of the last 12 months has been being able to spend the whole year outside, getting to learn from people who really know their stuff and being with people who are passionate about similar things."

Joseph Wood

Woodland Operations Trainee North York Moors National Parks

"I'm so appreciative of the opportunity to be able to move into this sector, the brilliant training that we’ve received and I found tree planting work very rewarding."

Karle Collins

Assistant Woodland Manager, Moreton Wood, Herefordshire

"I applied to Forestry Roots because I get so much joy out of being & working in woodlands, so an opportunity to learn & develop a raft of new, traditional skills whilst earning a living, was not to be missed. Having no formal qualifications, the traineeship is a chance to build upon the skills & experiences I have gained myself & to have them formally recognised."

Paul Humphries

Assistant Parks and Woodland Ranger, North Northamptonshire Council

"Thank you to ALA Green Charitable Trust for funding the chance to change my career path and improve my skills, and thank you investing into the younger generation and thanks to the RFS for the support and advice."

Seb Ricketts

Forestry Roots Trainee, Say it With Wood, Herefordshire

"Being part of Forestry Roots has been huge for me. I've been able to get my foot in the forestry sector, move away from home for work, it is the next biggest chapter of my life and I wouldn’t have been able to do that without all the support from the RFS and funding from The ALA Green Charitable Trust."

Tom Lake

Trainee Arborist, Sir Harold Hiller Gardens, Hampshire

"Forestry Roots has given me a start in a career I would have otherwise never been able to get into, there aren’t many opportunities to get in to these careers and things like Forestry Roots are really needed. I really appreciate all the hard work from everyone behind the scenes and the funding. Trees are a crucial part of our future and we need more people getting involved."