Forestry Roots 2026 Cohort

Jess Rolfe

Trainee Woodland Manager, Moreton Wood

"I developed a passion for forestry over a few years while volunteering, studying coppicing, and doing my own research into woodland restoration. I got to the point where I knew I wanted to access mentorship and training to turn this passion into my career, but was disheartened by the barriers I faced to entering the industry.

I believe we need the next generation of foresters to be forward thinking, diverse, and more caring, and with our warming climate the work of foresters is only going to become more important. I'm thankful that Forestry Roots is providing accessible opportunities for young people to start careers and make a positive impact in this sector."

Beth Irving

Trainee Coppice Worker, Leeds Coppice Workers

"I am excited to be part of Forestry Roots because working in woodlands is crucial for ecological restoration and improving our relationships with the land. I'm looking forward to developing my own skills and confidence for practical work by working to manage woodlands around Leeds using traditional coppice techniques to provide work and woodland products to the local area."

Douglas Richards

Trainee Forester, The Bedford Estates

"I applied to the Forestry Roots Traineeship as I’m passionate about creating healthy, productive woodlands. I am very interested in woodland ecology and look forward to gaining the practical skills required to manage forests while working with people who are experts in the creation and commercial side of woodlands.

I look forward to working on a thriving and respected estate. I envisage the training and experience I’ll gain as a jump start to a long career in forestry."

Somer Taylor-Haines

Trainee Woodland Creation Officer, Avon Needs Trees

"My interest in forestry came from a meandering path. I was a chef, then worked in food growing and teaching horticultural skills. As I became more interested in wild food and foraging, I started learning about plants' relationships to trees, and their importance became more and more apparent to me. Trees and healthy soil are our anchor, and the forestry sector is crucial in creating resilient landscapes in the face of climate change. We can slow runoff, improve soil health, increase resilience to heat, all while creating spaces people connect with.

The Forestry Roots traineeship will enable me to move into paid work in the sector after years of volunteering, and to be supported in developing crucial skills. I wasn’t sure of my place in the forestry sector, but I was reassured by the people I met through the Landworkers’ Alliance Women and Diverse Genders in Forestry group that I have one; I was just yet to find it. I am looking forward to working in woodland creation with Avon Needs Trees, and am grateful for the opportunity to connect with the land and volunteers to make an impact in my community."

Arthur Reynolds-Brown

Trainee Forestry Worker, Chatsworth House

"I chose to apply to the RFS traineeship, Forestry Roots, because they give young people more of a chance in Forestry. I wanted to further my experience in this practical field as well as broaden my knowledge of how to cater to and look after an environment."

Josh Laverty

Forestry Roots Trainee, Coppice Co-Operative

"I've always felt at home in wild spaces. Over time I've realised that both working outdoors and being active is very important to me.

I had been waiting for an opportunity to get into Arboriculture or Forestry for a number of years. The Forestry Roots traineeship removed the barriers to entering the industry and is providing me with a structured pathway into Forestry as well as support for equipment and training.

I can't wait to start my new career and I'm very grateful for such an amazing opportunity."

Anna Tring

Trainee Forester, Burghley Estate

“I applied for the Forestry Roots Traineeship as I’ve always loved trees, working outdoors, and conservation. Most of my childhood was spent climbing trees, camping, exploring Wakerley Woods with my family and planting hedges with my Grandpa, so being outside and surrounded by nature has always been a big part of my life. As I’ve got older, I’ve wanted to turn that passion into something I can build a career around. My family has a farming background so taking care of land and trees has always been a priority to me. Caring for the environment is also something I am very passionate about and learning about carbon sequestration and how trees can have such a huge impact on the climate has been fascinating."

The Forestry Roots scheme felt like the perfect opportunity to expand my understanding of woodland and how we can preserve and restore them for future generations. I’m gaining hands-on experience, learning from people already working in forestry and developing practical skills and qualifications I need for the future.

I’m incredibly excited to be spending my year at Burghley Estate. It’s a beautiful and historic landscape, and I feel very fortunate to be able to play a small part in looking after it.”

Eve Watson

Trainee Forestry Worker, Chatsworth House

I applied for the Forestry Roots Traineeship since I enjoy working outdoors and I am enthusiastic about being involved in the sustainable management of woodland. I am excited about the traineeship and hope it is my first step into a rewarding career.

I am eager to gain hands on experience, learning on the go alongside the amazing team at Chatsworth. The training opportunities offered through Forestry Roots are career building and I could not have gained these skills on my own. I am so thankful to be working with a friendly and knowledgeable team in such a special place."