I am 25 and currently live in Banchory, Aberdeenshire, known for its beautiful views of rolling countryside and river walks along the Dee. Since March of 2021, I have worked as a Trees and Timber Apprentice with Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) at the Durris office. Here, I help maintain woodland sites that stretch from the River Dee to the River Don and from the coast to the eastern edge of the Cairngorms. My job consists of an interdisciplinary set of skills and responsibilities such as regular trail inspections, chainsaw operation, removal of tree guards and fixing entry and access points such as gates. On a national scale, FLS manages forestry sites for recreation use, timber production, conservation and biodiversity creation and works with communities to encourage engagement with nature.
Before joining FLS, I completed a Bdes (Hons) in Textile design followed by a master’s degree studying Sustainability, climate change, and the green economy. Like many people, forests and woodlands have always been a place of refuge to me throughout my life, where I have found inspiration and comfort spending time under their leafy canopies. However, it wasn’t until I completed an i-Tree Eco Survey as part of my master’s thesis did I consider Forestry as a possible career path. Undertaking the Survey gave me a greater understanding of the ecosystem services trees provide and inspired me to learn more about them. Therefore, engaging with this research was the catalyst in turning my place of refuge into my place of work.
Since securing the Trees and Timber Apprenticeship, I have increased my understanding of woodland creation and management within a practical setting. The apprenticeship has allowed me to develop new abilities practically, such as using a chainsaw to fell trees, and academically, to improve my knowledge of native flora and fauna. Cultivating these skills and becoming confident in them is where I find my job satisfaction. Here, I am creating a foundation of knowledge I can apply across many different roles within forestry and can continue to build upon as my career progresses. Along with learning, working outdoors in beautiful locations with supportive and helpful colleagues is very rewarding. Another great addition to the apprenticeship is that you receive a wage while you learn. As the apprenticeship is full-time, I would not be able to maintain financial stability and freedom to immerse myself in the learning process offered if I did not receive a wage.
Before attaining the Trees and Timber Apprenticeship I had a desk-based background with a different set of skills. Therefore, my greatest achievement has been my ability to adapt to change and push myself out of my comfort zone. Since starting the apprenticeship, I have gained many skills that were nerve-racking to attempt at first, such as using a brush cutter, chainsaw, or something simple such as planting trees. However, by persevering through each challenge with patience, I realise I am capable of learning new skills I once thought to be unattainable.
Looking to the future, I hope to complete my Trees and Timber qualification and move into a ‘forest and land craft person’ position where I can retain my practical and hands-on role undertaking forest maintenance.
This job can be physically and mentally challenging at times, but my positive experiences have outweighed any negatives. To anyone looking to pursue a career in forestry, whether you are leaving school or looking for a career change, I would wholeheartedly recommend it, as it is a wonderful industry for self and career growth. If working outdoors is calling you, always wear suncream - you want to work with trees, not look like them. Lastly, carry a surplus of snacks - that extra chocolate biscuit will get you through the rainiest of days! :)