Case Studies

 

Kate Troughton, Dr Amy Stewart and Michael Graham

Photo taken on the `Forestry For Non-Foresters Training Event'

Kate Troughton - Mechanical Engineering Degree

1st Placement - Renewable Energy Business Unit, Stirling, Scotland

I first thought about the Forestry Commission’s Graduate Development Programme at the Leeds University Careers Fair where I met Val on the Forestry Commission stand. I have a degree in mechanical engineering and although I’ve always seen the Forestry commission as a fantastic organisation, I had never anticipated being able to join a graduate scheme with them.

The main appeal of the Forestry Commission for me was the variety of interesting and challenging work they could offer and the support package that was in place for the programme.

The recruitment process for the GDP was really different to other graduate programmes I had looked at. I admit at first it seemed a little daunting going straight to an interview but it turned out to be a real opportunity to meet and chat to the GDP team. I much preferred being judged on my answers to questions and my ability, rather than how well I could fill out an application form.

I’m currently on my first placement, having worked for the FC for 3 months, based in Stirling in the new Renewable Energy Business Unit. I couldn’t have hoped for a better first placement.

My main role is to quantify the potential for renewable energy, to include wind and hydro, on the FC estate GB wide. I’ve been involved in drawing up an invitation to tender for the work. I have been trained to use GIS (Geographic information systems) and use it to produce maps and plans as required for the unit.

I’ve visited proposed and active sites for run of river hydro schemes and wind farms on FC land. This involved meeting Area Land agents, forest district managers and forest rangers for the north west of Scotland. That is one of the many things I enjoy about this job; meeting people out and about in the Forestry Commission who have an abundance of knowledge and a true passion for their job.

Being a part of the graduate development programme has meant the three of us have a major thing in common. Although we don’t work together or see each other on a daily basis, we do keep in contact. I found it a great help going through our inductions and training courses together, It’s nice to have a friendly face in the crowd.

Michael Graham - Politics and History

Graduate Development Programme 2007

Michael graduated with a degree in Politics and History in 2005.  He is currently located in Cambridge working with the FC England National Office team on woodland grant schemes. His weeks are currently split to include work in the East of England Region as well, working with other public sector bodies and the private sector on boosting the regional woodfuel market.

Previous to this Michael spent 11 months in the New Forest, Hampshire, working on a partnership project with the French forestry service which looked to reconcile the conflicting needs of conservation and recreation. He also spent time as part of the Operational Team, looking at timber harvesting and marketing, conservation and habitat restoration.

“After deciding that the Forestry Commissions Graduate Programme was exactly what I wanted to do, the recruitment process opened my eyes even further to what a unique organisation the FC really is. Throughout the whole process I was struck with an impression of a professional and innovative organisation, with a knack of getting on with a job and delivering.”

 Dr Amy Stewart

Graduate Development Programme 2007
PhD in Politics

“Joining the GDP with the FC was a daunting but exciting prospect but from day one I knew it would be an experience I would enjoy.

My first placement was with Coed y Gororau Forest District in Wales and I hit the ground running, covering a Local Area Manager post for six months which involved liaising with stakeholders; managing five members of staff; setting up and managing conservation contracts; devising a partnership agreement with Denbighshire Council; working with a local community to create a new footpath and sculpture trail on Forestry Commission land; and developing a Community Management Agreement. I then spent another three months in the same Forest District working with operational staff and learning about tree planting and harvesting.

I’ve just finished my second placement, which was in Corporate and Forestry Support (CFS) in Edinburgh for six months. Here I was working in the Specialist Advisors team, and in particular with the Specialist Advisor for Biodiversity and Environment. Specialist Advisors provide expert input at national and international levels and represent the Forestry Commission in consultations with other Government departments, national and international bodies. They also commission research from Forest Research and outside agencies. In this role I was responsible for undertaking research, analysing data, and compiling reports on important legal and policy-related issues, I also attended the 9th Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Bonn, Germany and took part in the Ministerial Conference on the Protection of Forests negotiations in Ireland, over pan-European Guidelines for Afforestation and Reforestation.

After spending a short-time with the Human Resources team, Finance department and Business Services Division I’m going to be heading to Hamilton near Glasgow to work in the Central Scotland Conservancy for six months on issues such as diversity, rural development and illegal felling. I’ll also be spending some of this time in Forestry Commission Scotland’s National Office in Edinburgh on work related to Red Squirrels. 

The work I’ve been involved in since I joined the Forestry Commission has been really diverse and interesting, and though it's been challenging and I've had to learn a lot in a short space of time, I've received all the support and encouragement I've needed from my colleagues and line managers. Since joining the FC I haven't looked back and I'm now looking forward to my future with the organisation and all the opportunities and challenges it will bring."