Forestry Roots 2024

Rohan Holmes

Forestry Trainee, Hill Holt Wood

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks for your generous support, which enabled me to undertake the traineeship at Hill Holt Wood. The experience was incredibly valuable, equipping me with practical skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of sustainable woodland management.

I'm delighted to share that, as a direct result of this traineeship, I have now secured a role with North Lincolnshire Council as a Woodland Creation Officer — an exciting step forward in my career that would not have been possible without your support.

I would also like to give special thanks to Alison for her continued and committed support throughout the traineeship. Her guidance and encouragement made a lasting impact on my learning and development.

Thank you once again for making this opportunity possible and for investing in the future of people like me.

Hugh Cresswell

Trainee Forestry Worker, Chatsworth House

Forestry Roots has been the perfect path for my career change into Forestry. Thanks to the support of the RFS and the funding of ALA Green Charitable trust, I have acquired a solid set of practical qualifications and a forestry CV with which to launch my career. I have had the privilege of working with industry experts at Chatsworth Estate, gaining friends as well as valuable work experience.

This, along with studying a Forestry MSc part time, has successfully given me a foothold in the industry, as I start a field research role with Forestry England in September.

Thank you to all the organisations mentioned above, and the individuals who have supported me personally this year.

Charlotte Moss

Assistant Forester, Englefield Estate

“I’d like to give a massive thank you to ALA Green Charitable Trust. When I think about where I was this time a year ago I never could have imagined that I’d be able to get the job I’m now moving into. I had minimal experience and no clear pathway to the career I wanted but this opportunity has given me the practical experience and knowledge of the industry to allow me to gain employment in the forestry sector and I really didn’t think that was going to be possible. It’s really amazing and I’m so grateful to everyone involved.”

Sam Peace

Trainee Forester, Burghley

I want to say an immense thank you to the funders for giving us all this opportunity, their money has gone to an excellent place because it has started my forestry career which 12 months ago I didn’t think was possible. Without this support and funding I wouldn’t have been granted access to the industry and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity it has given me.

Edward Caush

Forestry Trainee. Hill Holt Wood

"Throughout my traineeship, I’ve gained invaluable skills and insights that extend far beyond forestry. This experience has broadened my perspective on future career pathways and deepened my appreciation for collaborative, community-driven work. I am profoundly grateful to The Royal Forestry Society and ALA Green charitable Trust for making this opportunity possible. I also extend my heartfelt thanks to the incredible team at Hill Holt Wood, whose warmth and support made me feel like a true part of the family. The communal spirit here, where everyone pitches in to support one another, is truly special, and I’m honoured to have been a part of it."

Bolaji Lemboye

Urban Forest Trainee, Trees For Cities

Thank you for opening up the opportunity to so many people that otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to enter the sector. I hope that this can continue to show people in society that there is a real importance in looking after our environment and they can get involved with it too.

Ben Throssell

Trainee Coppice Worker, Leeds Coppice Workers

"Thank you deeply to the ALA Charitable Trust and the RFS for funding and running the Forestry Roots scheme, as it has enabled me to enter the industry and learn a huge amount over the past year.

Working for Leeds Coppice Workers has been a perfect fit for me, and I am glad to say I will be continuing with them following the end of my traineeship. I am therefore very grateful to the scheme for giving me the opportunity to develop my skills and knowledge of woodland management, and successfully enter the world of sustainable forestry."

Assistant Woodland Manager

“I’m very grateful to the funders because without this opportunity, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to do this job and to have the mentorship that I've received. I wouldn’t have had access to the woodland that I'm working in in a paid role. Being able to earn as I train has meant I’ve been able to buy tools and kit to help me prepare for my future roles, and I would have struggled to get the training any other way, and I would have been clueless without the support I’ve received as part of this traineeship.”