Lucy Phillips might be one of just three commercially-focused foresters in the second year of the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship at the National School of Forestry (NSF), but that has only helped broaden her horizons (and those of her classmates).

WHAT happens when you put a trio of commercially-focused foresters in a room with conservationists and mention Sitka spruce? A mild mannered, intellectually-considered discussion, of course. 

At least that’s usually the case when students on the Professional Forester Degree Apprenticeship at the National School of Forestry (NSF) broach a topic that so often leads to pitchforks and holy water; but there’s no need for either of them at the University of Cumbria as its learners embrace their difference of opinion. 

That’s one of the main selling points of a course that’s training the UK’s future foresters while broadening the horizons of those already in the industry. Launched in 2022, the degree is predominantly made up of a yearly crop of Forestry Commission apprentices and industry professionals from organisations like the National Trust. But crucially, it also features students like Lucy Phillips. 

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As the sole Scottish Woodlands representative in the 2023 cohort and one of three foresters belonging to commercial forestry (the other two coming from Euroforest), Lucy has embraced the opportunity to push beyond her comfort zone and challenge others’ views (and her own). But whether it’s ecology, silvicultural systems or, of course, Sitka and if it’s the devil incarnate or not, there is always a sense that the apprentices are learning from one another as much as their lecturers. 

“I am loving it,” the Northumberland-based forest manager said. “It’s really challenging, but I really enjoy it and I am learning so much from doing it. When the company came and asked me if I’d like to do it, I was a bit like: ‘Okay, I might as well’. But the degree apprenticeship is really good. 

“It’s set up really well, and all of the subjects are great.

“I’m the only one who doesn’t have someone else from their company or from the North East, but I get looked after by the others. I’m the loner!” 

Of her classmates’ different backgrounds and locales (with many coming from the South West or even further afield), she added: “They don’t understand, say, Sitka planting like we do up north, whereas the majority of what they do down south is fully focused on conservation; so we have some very interesting conversations about Sitka and whether or not it is the devil! It’s so interesting, as it is all very different for us.” 

Not only does Lucy work in a very different area of forestry from most of her fellow students, but she also boasts her own route into forest management. With more than 20 years in the industry, she has worked for the Forestry Commission and Scottish Woodlands (since 2012), but it was only a little over 18 months ago that she moved from administrative roles into the frontline one she currently has.  
“I came from the Forestry Commission, where I did administration around grants and licences,” she explained of her own journey in forestry. “I also worked with the conservators of the time, doing lots of bits and pieces. That gave a good background in forestry, and helped expand my knowledge. That meant I could do stuff like GIS mapping.

“Because I could do all of that, Scottish Woodlands had me doing a lot of the desk-based forestry work as well. They were always trying to encourage me to progress but it was a timing thing – I had kids and life was just too busy. 

“Then one of the other managers left and my kids are a bit older, so it was the perfect time to give it a go! I started the forest manager job and then the degree came up a few months after. I knew that would give me a really good background with doing my role. 

“I mainly manage the planting side of things, and that includes replanting, generally on private woodlands.

Lucy is just one of three commercially-focused foresters in her year group Lucy is just one of three commercially-focused foresters in her year group (Image: Supplied)

“I have now seen a full forest year, and that feels like an achievement. Some days you are standing in a forest and looking around, thinking: ‘I get paid to do this’. It’s unbelievable. It is so beautiful, and I just love it.”

As for the course, it provides Lucy and her classmates with vital on-the-job training and the chance to gain Chartered Forester status at the end of their degree. Run in conjunction with the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) and the FC, students attend six one-week blocks throughout the year at three locations; Ambleside (where the majority of classroom learning takes place), Carlisle, and Cannock Chase. This flexibility provides opportunity to visit real-world sites, such as BSW at Dalbeattie, Egger in Hexham, or Workington’s Iggesund plant, not to mention the many stunning woodlands that surround all three hubs. 

“When I started my job, I was told I didn’t really need a degree because of my background and knowing the work,” Lucy said. “That’s probably right but I feel the degree is giving me lots of extra knowledge I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise. It’s been so worthwhile. 

“For a lot of my managers, it’s a long time since they did their forestry degree and things change. So it’s nice getting the here-and-now approach from university. Between the other students and the lecturers, there are so many different backgrounds.” 

One of the best parts about forestry is that – generally speaking – everyone is happy to help one another. Lucy’s experience is no different on both sides of the equitation, and she remains keen on encouraging others to consider the NSF course. 

“Funnily enough, I had a lady contact me a few months ago who was thinking about applying for this year ahead,” Lucy said. “She came out and shadowed me for the day, and I told her about the course. I’ve always found people in forestry to be really passionate, helpful and willing to pass on their knowledge to others. That’s crucial. 

As a forest manager, she mostly looks after private woodlands in Northumberland and the surrounding areas. As a forest manager, she mostly looks after private woodlands in Northumberland and the surrounding areas. (Image: Supplied)

“The lady has now been offered a provisional place on next year’s course. She’s come from physiotherapy!” 

When all is said and done, it will be foresters like Lucy who are shaping the future of the industry, rising to meet the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. And she is convinced that she will be all the better for it (as will the sector), thanks to the degree apprenticeships. 

“Having been in forestry for over 20 years, there is so much diversity now,” she said. “There are so many women now, and that’s really exciting. Our course is probably a 50/50 split. Even just 20 years ago, you didn’t see many women doing the forest management role. 

“It’s a really good place to work. It’s still interesting that so many people want to work in forestry, and there are always jobs. It’s really busy – even if it does all hinge on government policies.”