Eight young people kickstart forestry careers through Royal Forestry Society programme
Forestry Roots received a record number of applications with 270 candidates across eight traineeships.
“Growing up, forestry and arboriculture didn’t feel like a place for me,” says Jesse Atkinson, one of eight young people starting their forestry careers this year through the Royal Forestry Society’s Forestry Roots programme.
Jessie’s experience reflects a common challenge: breaking into forestry without the right qualifications, connections or opportunities. But Forestry Roots is changing that, helping remove these barriers and giving early-career professionals the training, support and real-world experience they need to build successful careers in the sector.
The UK forestry sector is facing a skills crisis that puts woodlands and the industry itself at risk. With the Government pledging to increasing woodland cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050, there has never been a more important time to create clear pathways for people starting out in the profession.
The challenge isn’t a lack of interest. This is reflected in the record number of candidates for this year’s Forestry Roots programme. The RFS received 270 applications, a 40% increase on 2024 figures. Now in its eighth iteration, Forestry Roots has established itself as a vital pipeline for bringing new talent into the sector. Since its beginnings in 2018, 93% of Forestry Roots trainees have progressed into forestry or arboriculture roles or further training.
The programme pairs 18-30-year-olds with employers across England and Wales for a year of paid work experience and training. The programme is funded by The ALA Green Charitable Trust and supported by the trainees’ employers and The Forestry Commission. Placements are provided by RFS members.
Meet the 2025/26 cohort
Chatsworth House has employed two trainees this year. Samuel Birch has joined as a Trainee Forestry Worker, driven by his 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,” Samuel said. “The chance to work on the Chatsworth Estate makes this opportunity even more exciting. 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.”
His new colleague, Jack Priestly, also a Trainee Forestry Worker, comes from a farming background and completed a two-year agricultural engineering course before discovering his passion for forestry. “My interest grew after doing a two-month work placement at Chatsworth, where I am now working and I have already passed my forwarder test after four days of being here,” Jack said. “I hope this traineeship will help me learn more about caring for woodlands.”
Leah Winstanley has joined Harewood Estate as Estate Forestry Assistant. Leah is particularly interested in working within woodlands for their carbon sequestration potential and is excited to work within the estate’s 800 acres of ancient woodlands. “I applied to Forestry Roots as they offer support to those who have faced barriers trying to gain employment within the sector,” Leah said. “Forestry is an essential industry for mitigating the effects of climate change and I am glad the RFS is making it more accessible to those who cannot afford training courses or who are unable to spend time volunteering before employment.”
At Hill Holt Wood, Joe Cole has taken on the role of Forestry Trainee. Joe is passionate about the sustainable management of woodlands and is looking forward to applying the knowledge he gains through study while diversifying his skill base. “This is truly life changing and would not be possible without the generosity of the ALA Green Charitable Trust and the RFS,” Joe commented.
As Jesse Atkinson begins her traineeship at Maydencroft, she reflected on how the programme has changed her perspective on the industry. “The RFS and the Landworkers’ Alliance have shown me that women and diverse genders thrive in the woodland,” Jesse said. “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.”
Gethin Thomas has joined Bodnant Estate as Trainee Estate Forester. A lifelong fan of the outdoors, Gethin believes that forestry plays an important part in making a difference in the world. “I’m grateful for this opportunity because it gives me a platform to learn and to be confident that I’m being taught thoroughly,” Gethin said. “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 has taken on the role of Trainee Assistant Woodland Manager and Sawyer at 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,” Lois said. “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.”
