Future Trees Trust is delighted to introduce Oliver Stock (aka Ollie) to the team as a Forestry Technician and an integral part of delivering the Forestry Commission Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG) to provide support for activities that enhance the quality, quantity, and diversity of tree seed sources in England.

Find out more from Ollie:

What is your background?

I have had a varied background, working in horticulture, landscaping and Forest Research on large scale monitoring using remote sensing. I also have an MSc in Environmental Forestry from Bangor University and spent a year studying forestry in British Columbia during my undergraduate degree.

Why did you decide to apply for the role at Future Trees Trust (FTT)?

I was very interested by the work FTT do and am very keen to contribute to the UK forestry in a wider sense by improving and elevating the profile of minor broadleaf species, as well as aiding work into building resistance into threatened species.

What is your current job role at Future Trees Trust and what does it entail?

I am responsible for the delivery of the new SSG project, working on the improvement of beech and hornbeam. My role is to find plus trees – superior individuals for timber – and arrange the collection of material to be grafted and planted into the first beech seed orchard in the UK. I also have the opportunity to spend some time working on some of the other amazing Future Trees Trust projects which are ongoing.

Ollie Stock and team at Bathurst estate looking for the first plus trees of beech for SSG.