The strategic importance of engaging young foresters in the sector, quality woodland and forest management, and the use of the best quality planting stock has been recognised through the Patsy Wood Scholarship. This scholarship is a collaboration involving funding from the Patsy Wood Trust and working with the Royal Forestry Society, and The Future Trees Trust.
The Scholarship was launched in 2019 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 Universities MSc in Agroforestry working with Timber Strategy and now the founder of ‘Timber Research’
The second was awarded to James Cryer in 2020 working with Independent Forestry Consultant William Hamer. James Cryer now works with the UK’s leading forestry company Tilhill.
The Patsy Wood Scholarship opened again in 2021 offering a recent university graduate the chance to secure their first paid forestry employment and an excellent first step to a successful forestry career. this was awarded to Peter Borrowman graduate from Lancaster University.
Thanks to the support of the Patsy Wood Trust, the Future Trees Trust and the RFS, in partnership with Forestry Consultant William Hamer and English Woodlands we are proud to offer this outstanding opportunity. The role is designed to help a recent university graduate secure their first paid forestry employment and provide the successful applicant an excellent first step to a successful forestry career.
The placement is based in Kintbury, working full time with William Hamer in lowland forestry management in Central Southern England, principally in the private sector with the likelihood of further placement work with associated Forest Managers and the prospect of long term employment. The practice covers all aspects of advising forest owners, preparing management plans, organising contractors, and marking, measuring and selling timber as well as plantation establishment and maintenance. Working with the Forestry Commission and other Government agencies over grants and regulations is integral to much of the management work.
Most of the woodland is on sporting estates and many are Ancient Woodland with historical or nature conservation interest so integration of forestry with these interests can make management both interesting and challenging. Woodlands under management include broadleaved, conifer and mixed woodland with some areas of traditional coppice.
Future Trees Trust is a charity dedicated to the sustainable use of forest genetic resources (FGR), and hardwood tree improvement. An outcome from this role will be to understand the importance of FGR in industry and principles of sound seed sourcing for resilient woodlands. Therefore, an interest in forest genetic resources is highly desirable for this position. The selected candidate will receive specialist training and CPD opportunities through the Future Trees Trust and Royal Forestry Society to fast-track their development over the course of the two-year role. The successful applicant has access to up to 20 days funded CPD.
