A Scholar in the Woods: Learning, Mapping, and Managing UK Forests 

In April, after six months with Future Trees Trust as a Forestry Technician, I swapped measuring research trials for measuring timber, joining English Woodlands Forestry (EWF) for the second placement of the scholarship. Now, four months into the six-month placement, I’ve experienced and learnt so much already. 

Working as part of a small, experienced woodland management consultancy team has given me a real sense of how broad and dynamic forestry is. EWF manages a diverse portfolio of woodlands, and being involved in every stage of that – from planning to operations – has been a crash course in applied silviculture. 

A standout aspect of this placement has been the hands-on experience with GIS mapping, particularly in the development of Woodland Management Plans (WMPs). I’ve spent time surveying woodlands, mapping compartments, and have been involved in planning operations. Alongside this, I’ve been developing my tree ID skills – especially conifers – as well as learning to identify soils and assess their suitability for planting or restocking. Pre-operations, I’ve also had plenty of practice marking for thinning, and regeneration felling, which has been a challenging but enjoyable learning experience. 

I’ve also been exposed to the often invisible but critical side of forestry: government grant systems, felling licences, and online regulatory tools. Navigating these systems has given me a much better understanding of how public support and policy align with practical woodland management. 

From landowners to timber merchants, contractors to government representatives, forestry involves a wide network of stakeholders. I’ve had opportunities to support timber sales, attend site visits, and contribute to conversations with the Forestry Commission and other consultees. This has really developed my communication and stakeholder management skills – something I didn’t expect to learn so much about but have found incredibly valuable. 

Surveying for deer and squirrel damage in woodlands was a regular task in April and May, offering insight into some of the threats faced by woodlands and the importance of government grants to help control these species’ numbers. 

One of the biggest benefits of this placement has been the level of support and freedom I’ve had to pursue further training. Through the Royal Forestry Society (RFS), I’ve attended excellent days focused on veteran trees and agroforestry (Isle of Wight), soils (with Andy Moffat), and woodland management (with Julian Evans). Each event has deepened my understanding and complemented what I’m learning on the job. 

In-house training has been equally valuable. From GIS software tutorials to timber measurement, categorisation, valuation, and marketing, I’ve had the chance to learn directly from professionals doing the work every day. 

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Vastern Timber sawmill – a highlight of the year. It was fascinating to see the next stage in the journey of the timber after harvesting, gaining a better understanding of how it’s processed and prepared for end use. Being shown around the sawmill was genuinely enjoyable, and it was great to connect the work we do in the forest with the finished product. 

Reflections So Far 

The placement at EWF has been everything I hoped it would be – challenging, engaging, and full of opportunities to grow. I’ve appreciated the trust and responsibility I’ve been given, alongside the freedom to learn and attend training. The working environment is relaxed but focused, and I’ve felt like I’ve genuinely contributed to meaningful woodland management goals. 

I’m heading into the final two months of this placement with a much stronger understanding of the silvicultural systems and management processes that drive UK forestry. More than that, I’m gaining confidence in my skills and decision-making – a great foundation for whatever comes next in my forestry journey.  

A huge thank you to the teams at English Woodlands Forestry and Future Trees Trust for their time, patience, and dedication throughout my placement. Their willingness to share knowledge and involve me in such a wide range of work has given me an invaluable introduction to UK forestry. I’m truly grateful for the experience and all I’ve learned along the way.