Growing in Forestry: Starting out

Meet Kathryn, our new Apprentice Community Forester, and find out about her journey into forestry.

At Raise, we believe that forestry benefits from a wide range of perspectives, particularly when it comes to understanding how woodlands are cared for and experienced. For anyone thinking about starting a career in the sector, hearing from someone at the very beginning of that journey can offer a grounded and useful insight into what those first steps look like.

Kathryn recently joined Raise as our Apprentice Community Forester. Alongside her day-to-day role, she’ll be completing a Level 3 Forestry Crafts qualification in partnership with Myerscough College. Over the coming months, she will be joining Raise in our goal to centre neurodivergent perspectives in forestry, learning practical skills and helping make woodlands more accessible, while contributing to community and climate resilience.

This apprenticeship has been made possible thanks to funding from The Ernest Cook Trust’s Outdoor Futures Grant. We’re also grateful to Arbortec, who have supported Kathryn with equipment to help her get started safely and confidently.

In this first post of the Growing in Forestry series following Kathryn’s progress and experiences, Kathryn shares what drew her to forestry, why she chose an apprenticeship, and her first impressions, giving an honest look at what it’s like to start a career in community forestry.

Background and motivation

What drew you to forestry in the first place?

I’ve always been really interested in working outdoors and wanted to do something practical. The idea of conservation work that feels rewarding and contributes to something wider really appealed to me.

I also wanted to support projects that have a positive impact on both landscapes and communities, rather than focusing on just one or the other.

Did you always think you’d work in this kind of role, or was it something you discovered later?

I actually changed careers into forestry from a human resources role. I’d always wanted to do something more practical and outdoors, but it wasn’t until I started volunteering with local conservation and community groups that I realised how much I enjoyed the work.

Through volunteering, I also started to see how many different career paths and roles there are within forestry. That’s when I knew I wanted to make a change.

What about forestry excites you the most?

Forestry can be practised in lots of different ways, and trees support far more than just economic benefit. Woodland creation can have a positive impact on the landscape and the environment, but it can also support local people.

There’s the ecological side – creating new habitats and supporting wildlife – but also the ability to create spaces that communities can enjoy and learn more about the natural world around them.

Why a forestry apprenticeship?

Why did you choose an apprenticeship instead of a university or college route?

As someone changing careers, the idea of learning as you go and getting stuck into the role straight away really appealed to me.

I already completed a Psychology degree a few years ago, and after working full time, going back into full-time education wasn’t something I felt sure about. An apprenticeship felt like a good balance between learning new skills and applying them directly in the role.

What kind of learning style works best for you?

I learn best when I understand the full process of something and how it fits into the wider picture. Being able to learn through college days and then apply that knowledge directly to the work Raise does helps everything make sense.

That practical application really helps to solidify my understanding.

Why Raise?

What made you want to work with Raise?

I feel strongly connected to Raise’s inclusive and forward-thinking approach to connecting communities with nature. I’ve seen how inclusive practices don’t just support neurodivergent people, but also create better access and experiences for everyone.

I also wanted to be part of a local organisation making a real impact in my local area. As Cumbria’s Community Forest, Raise felt like a place where that work really matters.

Did anything stand out to you in your first few weeks?

One of the biggest things has been the understanding that everyone learns and works in their own way, and that you’re supported to do that.

It’s also clear that everyone’s views and opinions matter. There’s a real focus on understanding and representing the communities Raise works with.

First weeks in a community forestry apprenticeship

What have you been doing so far?

I’ve been out on planting days working with communities across Cumbria, going on site visits, and meeting landowners to understand tree planting opportunities. I’ve also been getting to grips with GIS mapping tools.

What’s been the most fun or rewarding part so far?

I’ve really enjoyed the tree planting days, especially supporting local schools and community groups. Some people had never volunteered or planted trees before, so being able to support others to do something new and meaningful for their local area has been really rewarding.

What’s surprised you about working in forestry?

The diversity of roles and pathways within forestry has surprised me. It’s not just about chopping down trees in a commercial sense.

I’ve also been surprised by how many people have come into forestry from different industries and backgrounds.

Looking ahead

What are you most looking forward to learning or doing next?

I’m really looking forward to learning more about tree science and wider ecological knowledge around woodlands, and being able to put that into practice.

I’m also keen to develop the practical skills needed to maintain these areas in the long term, supporting woodland health and longevity.

This is the first in a series of blog posts following Kathryn’s apprenticeship with Raise. Over time, we’ll share more about what she’s learning, the challenges she’s navigating, and what day-to-day work in community forestry really looks like.

Get involved

If you’re curious about forestry, considering a career change, or interested in getting involved with Raise’s work, we’d love to hear from you. We work with communities, landowners, volunteers, and partners across Cumbria, and there are lots of ways to get involved or learn more.