Forestry Roots: “It’s been a real turning point for me”
Forestry Roots trainee, Charlotte Moss talks about her experience on the programme and aspirations for her career. Applications for Forestry Roots 2025/26 close on 16 June.
Did you have any experience before joining the traineeship?
I’d recently completed a Level 2 certificate in arboriculture and worked as a forest school assistant, so I was comfortable working outdoors and had a basic understanding of trees. But in terms of practical forestry experience, I was starting from scratch.
That’s exactly what appealed to me about the Forestry Roots programme. It’s designed for people who are passionate about the environment but haven’t yet had the opportunity to break into the industry. It’s an ideal first step.
What led you to forestry as a career?
After finishing my degree in International Development, I knew I wanted to work in sustainability and have a positive impact, but I wasn’t sure what that would look like in practice. Climate change is an urgent issue, and so I wanted to contribute to the solution in a practical, hands-on way.
The summer after graduating, I met an arboricultural consultant who introduced me to the industry. That conversation opened my eyes to forestry as a career, and it felt like a natural fit for me.
What does a typical day look like during your traineeship?
To be honest, there’s no such thing as a typical day. I’ve been involved in everything from felling and tree planting to maintaining woodland access and conducting deer and squirrel surveys. Forestry is very much a seasonal industry, so your tasks change throughout the year. The variety is great, though. It keeps things really interesting.
What’s been the highlight of your traineeship so far?
Tree planting has definitely been one of the most memorable parts. There’s something really special about knowing the trees you plant will one day become woodlands.
I’ve also really enjoyed carrying out tree surveys. I have a real interest in understanding how trees function, so getting into the science of tree health and structural stability has been fascinating.
What’s been the biggest challenge?
Learning to take initiative and make decisions in unfamiliar situations has probably been my biggest challenge. Coming into the traineeship without much experience, I found myself second-guessing whether I was doing things ‘right.’ It took time to build confidence and trust in my own judgement.
But over time, I’ve realised that being proactive and asking questions is part of the learning process. The team at Englefield has been really encouraging, and that’s helped me to step up and take ownership of tasks more comfortably.
What has this opportunity meant to you?
It’s been a real turning point for me. Before the traineeship, I was struggling to find a way into the sector. I’ve built practical skills, discovered the areas I enjoy most, and connected with others who share my passion for forestry. I now feel so much more confident about building a long-term career in this sector.
What are your aspirations going forward?
I’m still exploring my next steps, but I’m eager to continue expanding my knowledge and eventually move into a management role. The practical experience I’ve gained during the traineeship has given me a solid foundation, not only in day-to-day forestry tasks but also in understanding how larger estate operations are planned and managed. This has made me feel ready to take on greater responsibility and explore new career opportunities within the sector.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about applying for the Forestry Roots traineeship or starting a career in forestry?
I would just say apply. You don’t need a degree in forestry or loads of experience. All you need is passion. There’s space in the sector for so many different skills and interests and the Forestry Roots traineeship is a brilliant way to find your place in it.
The final three opportunities for for Forestry Roots 2025/26 are open for applications until 16th June.
Apply now.
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