FIVE young foresters have begun year-long paid posts in some of the UK’s best-known woodlands and at a leading forestry nursery, thanks to an expanded intake under the Royal Forestry Society’s Forestry Roots scheme with ALA Charitable Trust.

As well as gaining hands-on experience, each will benefit from a package of tailored training leading to recognised certificates in addition to their college or university qualifications.

Adam Pickles, RFS Forestry Roots officer, said: “Woodland is set to expand across the UK as part of the country’s response to climate change and it is vital we have a workforce with the skills to maintain existing and new woodland.

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“Our thanks to the ALA Green Charitable Trust and the employers for making possible these early career opportunities and for the support which has enabled us to offer an additional fifth place this year. Congratulations to all our Forestry Roots recipients, who faced stiff competition to gain their posts. We look forward to seeing their progress throughout the year.”

This year’s Forestry Roots foresters are: Joseph Haines, who has taken up a post as assistant forester, Burghley Estate, Lincolnshire; Ewan Hodgkison, forest ranger at Hill Holt Wood, Lincolnshire; Ben Quinney, assistant forestry worker, Nicholsons Nursery, Oxfordshire; Scott Steven, park and woodland assistant, Hatfield House, Hertfordshire; and Hannah Whyatt, graduate forester, Norbury Park, Staffordshire.

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