What made you become a member of RSFS?
Having had the chance to join the study tour as a student, I wanted to formally join the society to make the most of the learning opportunities it offers – through both field visits and access to the journal.
Where did your interest in forestry begin?
I’ve always been interested in nature and the environment, but for various reasons found myself studying at the Scottish School of Forestry after leaving school – and that’s where my interest in forestry specifically really developed.
Where is a great place in Scotland that not everyone knows about? I
I would say Insh Marshes in the Cairngorms, where I spent about a year volunteering during College. It’s an amazing, unique, place – and although thousands of people pass it on the A9 every day, I suspect very few actually notice.
Do you have a favourite tree and why?
I’ve always struggled to pick one favourite tree, so I won’t try now and steal someone else’s thunder! But I do have a particular interest in rowans – especially those growing and naturally regenerating on the relatively treeless Outer Hebrides, where I grew up.
Can you give us a book, movie, TV show or podcast recommendation? It doesn’t have to be forestry related!
A book I would certainly recommend to anyone interested in woods and trees is ‘Woodlands’ by Oliver Rackham. Endlessly fascinating and accessible for professionals and enthusiasts alike.
What do you think is an important issue in forestry today?
Plant health has been an important topic since I started studying just over a decade ago, and which has been a constant aspect of my career since leaving University. It’s heartening to see there are signs of hope for ash and elm resistance, though I fear tree health issues are only going to get more numerous and severe in the coming decades. Biosecurity and resilience are hugely important topics that simply can’t be undervalued.
Outside of forestry, what is a hobby or activity you enjoy?
I’ve relatively recently taken up sailing, which has been a lifelong aspiration and something I’m hoping to develop further. It’s nowhere near my capability, but if you’re looking for some entertainment I’d recommend some of the ‘SailGP’ shorts on YouTube…
What was your first job?
Outside forestry, my first ‘job’ was summer work for a sustainability charity in high school. In forestry, I started off with some (very) ad-hoc tree planting and survey contracting; before joining Scottish Forestry for my first salaried position.
What do you love most about forests or forestry?
For me it has to be the variety in terms of the interests you can pursue, the people you meet, and in the trees and woodlands themselves. The opportunities to learn and discover, I think, are endless which is fantastic (and of course a great cornerstone of the RSFS)!