The journey of Anna as a trainee forester at the Forest of Marston Vale Trust

Can you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to pursue a career in forestry and conservation?

I have always wanted to work outdoors and with nature. When the opportunity to join the traineeship at the Forest of Marston Vale Trust came up, supported by The Nature Recovery Project, it felt like exactly the right path. I came in with a fairly clear picture of what the role would look like. I imagined heading out into the trees, getting on with practical work, and being fairly independent. What I found was something richer and more varied than I expected, and I mean that in the best possible way.

What have been some of the most exciting aspects of the role so far?

Honestly, the people side of it has surprised me the most and has become one of the things I value most. I came in thinking I could go off into the trees and just get on with it. But this role is just as much about communicating well, talking to colleagues, engaging with communities, explaining why work is happening and what it means. That was not what I anticipated, but it has been a genuinely positive discovery. Alongside that, the practical work of tree planting, felling, and woodland management across the seasons has been varied and deeply satisfying.

What skills have you developed since starting, and which ones are you most excited to keep building?

My confidence has grown enormously, particularly in talking to different kinds of people. Whether that is working alongside experienced foresters, speaking with volunteers, or engaging with members of the public who want to understand what is happening in their local woodland, I feel much more at ease now than when I started. On the practical side, I have developed a much stronger understanding of seasonal rhythms, knowing when to plant, when to fell, and how trees behave across the year. I am excited to keep building both the technical knowledge and the ability to communicate it clearly.

How has this experience deepened your appreciation for nature and conservation?

It has made me think much more seriously about our responsibility as a society. Woodlands grow over decades, centuries; they operate on a timescale that we rarely stop to consider. And in this country, especially, with so many people in such a small space, the impact humans have had on natural habitats has been enormous. That is not something we can ignore. This traineeship has reinforced for me that we have a real responsibility to try and repair some of that and that doing so requires active, long-term commitment, not just goodwill.

What does a typical day look like for you in the traineeship?

It is very seasonal, which I find fascinating. You are always thinking about what the trees are doing, what stage they are at, and what that means for the work ahead. Tree planting happens over winter when trees are dormant, so they are ready to burst into growth come spring. Felling and the heavier outdoor work also take place predominantly in winter. That brings its own challenges; the weather can be brutal, but you just get on with it. Then, as the seasons shift, so does the focus of the work. There is always something different to be thinking about.

How will this traineeship shape your future career in forestry and conservation?

It has given me a foundation I could not have built any other way. Not just the practical certifications and hands-on experience, but the broader understanding of what this sector actually involves, the community engagement, the long-term planning, and the communication. I feel like I am leaving this traineeship as a more rounded person, not just a more skilled one. That combination is what will make me a stronger candidate for whatever comes next.

Would you recommend this traineeship to someone considering applying?

Without hesitation. But go in with an open mind. If you think it is just going to be you and the trees, you will be pleasantly surprised. This role will develop you in ways you do not expect, and that is a good thing. Anyone who wants to do something genuinely meaningful, to actually make a difference, this is a brilliant place to start.

How can local communities get involved in supporting conservation and woodland restoration?

Community engagement is something I feel strongly about. One of the real challenges in this work is that people see a large intervention in a woodland where trees have been felled, and clearance has occurred, and they do not understand why. They can feel alarmed or upset. That is completely understandable, but it is also where education makes such a difference. Information boards, volunteer days, open conversations, all of it helps people understand that active management is what creates a healthy, thriving ecosystem. The more people feel involved and informed, the more they become advocates for that work rather than opponents.

If you could change one thing about how people view forests and conservation, what would it be?

The idea that woodlands should simply be left alone, and that any intervention is harmful. I understand where that instinct comes from, and rewilding absolutely has its place. But in a country this small, with this many people, a fully hands-off approach is not realistic. Long-term, thoughtful management is what allows woodlands to thrive. Cutting trees down is not destruction; it is often the very thing that creates light, structure, and biodiversity on the woodland floor. I would love for more people to understand that. We are also the second biggest importer of timber in the world. Growing our own for both habitat and commercial use should be part of that conversation, too.