Eight young people kickstart forestry careers through Royal Forestry Society programme - Royal Forestry Society
Forestry Roots received a record number of applications with 270 candidates across eight traineeships.
“Growing up, forestry and arboriculture didn’t feel like a place for me,” says Jesse Atkinson, one of eight young people starting their forestry careers this year through the Royal Forestry Society’s Forestry Roots programme.
Jessie’s experience reflects a common challenge: breaking into forestry without the right qualifications, connections or opportunities. But Forestry Roots is changing that, helping remove these barriers and giving early-career professionals the training, support and real-world experience they need to build successful careers in the sector.
The UK forestry sector is facing a skills crisis that puts woodlands and the industry itself at risk. With the Government pledging to increasing woodland cover from 14.5% to 16.5% by 2050, there has never been a more important time to create clear pathways for people starting out in the profession.
The challenge isn’t a lack of interest. This is reflected in the record number of candidates for this year’s Forestry Roots programme. The RFS received 270 applications, a 40% increase on 2024 figures. Now in its eighth iteration, Forestry Roots has established itself as a vital pipeline for bringing new talent into the sector. Since its beginnings in 2018, 93% of Forestry Roots trainees have progressed into forestry or arboriculture roles or further training.
The programme pairs 18-30-year-olds with employers across England and Wales for a year of paid work experience and training. The programme is funded by The ALA Green Charitable Trust and supported by the trainees’ employers and The Forestry Commission. Placements are provided by RFS members.
Posted On: 17/10/2025
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