What made you become a member of RSFS?
I liked the idea of knowledge sharing, particularly as I had just returned to Scotland from working overseas and as a young forest manager felt I needed that peer support. I’ve always been impressed by the breadth of knowledge amongst RSFS members and their willingness to share that knowledge.
Where did your interest in forestry begin?
My parents were great outdoor lovers and made sure my siblings and I read our Ladybird books on trees, birds and flowers.
Where is a great place in Scotland that not everyone knows about? I
I recently got married at the end of the pier in Diabaig, Torridon, a favourite place of mine but surprisingly unknown to many, even those living in Scotland. It has incredible oak and aspen woodlands growing straight from the shore.
Do you have a favourite tree and why?
No way! That’s like asking for a favourite piece of music, but nothing beats the bright green of a larch coming into leaf in spring, or the amazing flowers of aspen or the sound of the wind in a copse of granny pine, or the scent of a small-leaved lime….I could go on.
Can you give us a book, film, TV show or podcast recommendation? It doesn’t have to be forestry related!
Many of my favourite books describe the outdoors so as a reader I feel immersed. Those that spring to mind are Hemingway’s ‘For Whom the Bell Tolls’, Caradog Pritchard’s ‘One Moonlit Night’ and ‘The Summer Book’ by Tove Jannson,
What do you think is an important issue in forestry today?
Our inability to stop the polarisation of debate around forestry and the environment which affects the general public’s understanding of our sector.
Outside of forestry, what is a hobby or activity you enjoy?
Hillwalking and kayaking.
What was your first job?
I remember being put out that Bob-a-Job Week wasn’t open to girls, so my parents devised work for my sister and I where we could earn a shilling to rival my brother’s Cub earnings. My first ‘serious’ job was in my university holidays with the Northern Ireland Forest Service where I learnt to fence, plant and drive a dump truck. I seem to have come full circle as I now sit on the Forest Service board as non-executive director (rewarding, but not as much fun as dump truck driving).
What do you love most about forests or forestry?
The people. I defy anyone to show me another sector with people as passionate, as interesting and as generous with their knowledge.