Forestry Roots 2025

Samuel Birch

Trainee Forestry Worker, Chatsworth House

"I applied for the Forestry Roots Traineeship because of my strong passion for trees, the environment, and working outdoors. I’m eager to gain hands on experience and learn directly from professionals who are already established in the forestry industry. This traineeship offers the ideal opportunity to build practical skills, gain essential qualifications, and develop a deeper understanding of sustainable woodland management.

The chance to work on the Chatsworth Estate makes this opportunity even more exciting. It’s a place I’ve always enjoyed visiting, so the prospect of working with their forestry team and contributing to the care of such a well-respected estate is something I will find incredibly rewarding. I see this traineeship as a key step toward building a long-term, meaningful career in forestry."

Leah Winstanley

Estate Forestry Assistant, Harewood Estate

"I applied to forestry roots as they offer support to those who have faced barriers trying to gain employment within the sector. Forestry is an essential industry for mitigating the effects of climate change, therefore I am glad RFS are making it more accessible to those who cannot afford training courses or who are unable to spend time volunteering to gain experience before employment.

I am interested in working within woodlands for their carbon sequestration/storage potential, renewable energy supply to divert from fossil fuels and the importance trees have for the ecosystems they support. I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to work within 800 acres of ancient woodlands this year, while improving my understanding and knowledge to better protect these essential habitats for the future."

Joe Cole

Forestry Trainee, Hill Holt Wood

"I applied for the Forestry Roots traineeship in order to gain practical skills and experience within the industry, I'm very passionate about the sustainable management of our woodlands and I am extremely grateful to have the opportunity to apply my knowledge gained through study whilst diversifying my skill base. The tickets I have the chance to gain are invaluable to the career path I intend to take.

This is truly life changing and would not be possible without the generosity of the ALA Green Charitable Trust and the RFS."

Jesse Atkinson

Trainee Forester

"Growing up forestry and arboriculture didn't feel like a place for me but the RFS and the LWA have shown me that women and diverse genders thrive in the woodland. Having spent a season with part time mentorship from a previous Forestry Roots trainee and trainer I realised this is where I belong.

Forestry Roots is a gateway into a new chapter in my life and I can’t wait to show the world what I’m capable of. I believe that forestry is a solution and I’m excited to be part of turning it into a long term sustainable UK industry."

Gethin Thomas

Trainee Estate Forester, Bodnant Estate

“The reason I applied for Forestry Roots is that I’ve always been a fan of the outdoors ever since I was a little kid. Going on hikes and climbing trees when I was a little more youthful.

I take pride in being able to make a difference no matter how little in the world and I’ve always felt that Forestry work is an important part in this.

I’m grateful for this opportunity because it gives me a platform to learn and to be confident that I’m being taught thoroughly. I’m also being given a chance in the Forestry industry to learn and work at the same time which is the best form of learning, in my opinion.”

Lois Raines

Trainee Assistant Woodland Manager and Sawyer, The Hillyfield

"I applied to Forestry Roots in search of a rewarding career that suits my love of working outdoors and caring for the environment. I am excited to work in a profession that has huge potential to make a positive impact and to help reshape our relationship to land and natural resources in the UK. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to spend a year skilling up and working in the woods, and to have the support of the RFS in furthering my career in the sector."

Jack Priestly

Trainee Forestry Worker, Chatsworth House

“I come from a farming background and I did a 2 year agricultural engineering course. I decided I wanted to work in Forestry after watching it on TV and YouTube, I thought it looked interesting and would be a change from what I’m used to doing.

My interest grew after doing a 2 month work placement at Chatsworth, where I am now working, and I have already passed my forwarder test after 4 days of being here. I hope this traineeship will help me learn more about caring for woodlands.”

Tom Bryant

Trainee Urban Forester, City of Trees

"I’ve always loved being outdoors – whether that’s hiking, climbing or camping – and that connection with nature has been a big part of my life. Living in Sheffield for university, the city with the highest ratio of trees per person in Europe, I realised just how much of a difference they make to our surroundings and how much they can improve mental wellbeing.

I’m a huge advocate for the wildlife of my home in Greater Manchester, and I’d love to see more trees and green spaces integrated into our urban areas – something Manchester city centre could certainly learn from Sheffield.
This Forestry Roots traineeship is the perfect opportunity to turn that passion into something practical.

I’m excited to learn the many aspects of forestry, to work alongside like-minded, eco-conscious people, and to begin building a career in the forestry industry. The best part is knowing I’ll be helping the environment close to home, and hopefully making the world just that little bit better."