TREE improvement charity Future Trees Trust is working with the Royal Forestry Society and funding from the Patsy Wood Trust to engage young foresters with the Patsy Wood Scholarship.

The scholarship was launched last year to provide a key career stepping stone for new entrants into the forestry sector and the first position was awarded to Jonas Brandl, a graduate of Bangor University.

The second Patsy Wood scholar is James Cryer, who will be working with independent forestry consultant William Hamer, working mainly in Hampshire and Berkshire. James will be undertaking a range of forestry activities to provide him with a broad experience on which to build his forestry career. These will include all aspects of advising forest owners, preparing management plans, organizing contractors and marking, measuring and selling timber as well as plantation establishment and maintenance.

READ MORE: Scottish Forestry produces tree pest fact sheets for young people

 The post also comes with specialist CPD training with the RFS and through Future Tree Trust, looking at the critical role of forest genetic resources in tree improvement, sound seed sourcing and planning future plant selections to deliver resilient plantations.

James Cryer said: “I am thrilled to have been offered the position of Patsy Wood scholar. It is promising to see that despite the current pandemic, the forestry sector remains strong and I feel privileged to be able to continue learning my craft. This position provides a unique opportunity to learn about all aspects of life as a modern forest manager and I am fortunate to be working under an experienced professional in William.

“My first month has seen me learn about the wood fuel business, ancient woodland surveys, timber harvesting and measurement to name a few.

“Additionally, I will be learning from Dr Jo Clark at Future Trees Trust, acquiring knowledge of forest genetic resources – an application of forestry that will become increasingly important, as future foresters are presented with novel management challenges that require productive and resilient planting stock.”

Tim Rowland, CEO at Future Trees Trust, said: “It’s really important to us that young foresters are encouraged and helped early in their careers to understand the importance of tree improvement as well as all the other aspects of forest management and silviculture.”

Forestry Journal remains dedicated to bringing you all the latest news and views from across our industry, plus up-to-date information on the impacts of COVID-19.

Please support us by subscribing to our print edition, delivered direct to your door, from as little at £69 for 1 year – or consider a digital subscription from just £1 for 3 months.

To arrange, follow this link: https://www.forestryjournal.co.uk/subscribe/

Thanks – and stay safe.