A RECORD seven successful Royal Forestry Society (RFS) Forestry Roots applicants have embarked on their careers, thanks to generous funding from the ALA Green Charitable Trust.

The scheme matches those looking for their first paid employment after college or university with employers from among the RFS membership offering roles which will help build skills and careers.

RFS development manager Jen Turner said: “The forestry sector is facing a severe shortage of skilled workers at all levels. We have a responsibility to ensure that we create simple pathways for people to enter the sector.

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“Our trainees are supported to overcome barriers they’ve faced to get their first step up onto the career ladder. We are proud to be able to offer more young people than ever the chance to get involved and kick-start their forestry career.

“Together we can help to build the skilled workforce we need for today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.”

This year’s successful Forestry Roots applicants were:

• Max Battison, graduate forestry consultant, Oakbank Game and Conservation, Cambridgeshire (BSc (Hons) Forestry with placement year, Bangor University)
• Dylan Hardy, forestry practitioner, Broadleaf Wales, North Wales (Level 3 extended diploma in Countryside Management, Brooksby Melton College)
• Hannah Holden, forestry assistant, Harewood Estate, West Yorkshire (BA Geography, University of Sheffield)

• Gregory Roberts, trainee forester, Eaton Estate, Cheshire (FdSc Environmental and Land Management, Reaseheath College)
• Thomas Smith, forestry assistant, Harewood Estate, West Yorkshire (Level 3 extended diploma level 3 Countryside Land and Wildlife Management, Reaseheath College)
• Will Swift, trainee forestry consultant, Dunnewoods, Cumbria (BSc (Hons) Forest Management, University of Cumbria)
• Joe Western, assistant forest worker, Englefield Estate, Berkshire (BSc Countryside Management, Harper Adams University).

 

Find out more about the Forestry Roots programme at www.rfs.org.uk/learning/colleges-and-universities/forestry-roots/