Inside the World of Forestry Management: A Journey of Growth and Sustainability

As a Forest Manager working across Scotland with various corporate and private clients, my time is primarily spent on two main activities: creating and maintaining new woodlands and managing the felling and restocking of existing ones. I enjoy a balanced mix of indoor and outdoor work. Ideally, I’d prefer to be inside during poor weather, but that doesn’t always happen! While at my computer, I focus on designing and planning woodland creation proposals, maintenance programs, and felling/restocking plans. Many of our clients seek funding from the Scottish Government to help cover the costs of woodland creation, so a significant part of my role involves ensuring that our applications meet the required criteria and scoring.

When I have the chance to work outdoors, I often scout potential areas for woodland creation on client properties. This includes identifying suitable habitats and soil types for the desired woodland goals, as well as considering any constraints that may need to be addressed during the planning phase.

How I Got Into Forestry

Eight years ago, I made a significant career change from a completely different industry. After reflecting on the kind of legacy I wanted to leave, I decided to pursue my passion for the environment, specifically woodlands. Lacking formal qualifications or training, I began volunteering on weekends with Borders Forest Trust, a charity dedicated to ecological restoration. After a year of volunteering in various roles, I was fortunate to join a local planting contractor called Treesurv, which was about to start a major planting project for Borders Forest Trust. There, I learned to plant native woodland in an ecologically sensitive manner that mimicked the natural structure and ecology of our historical ‘wildwood.’

Later, I worked with a commercial planting contractor, Telford’s Forestry, which opened my eyes to the commercial aspects of forestry and prompted me to consider a career in that sector. Eventually, I joined Forest Direct Ltd, a local forestry consultancy that emphasizes the balance between ecological benefits and production, a philosophy I still hold dear. Since then, I have taken on various roles in operational management and planning, and now I carry out all aspects of forest management for public and private sector clients at Bell Ingram LLP.

Key Projects I’m Currently Working On

A significant portion of my work—about 8%—involves providing woodland creation and forest management services for Scottish Water, which has ambitious Net Zero plans that include creating new woodlands. Most of these new woodlands are native broadleaf schemes aimed at long-term carbon storage. I also have exciting proposals for productive mixes, such as Sitka spruce combined with aspen. Key tasks for these projects include:

• Scoping suitable ground for woodland creation

• Assessing habitats and soil

• Designing the new woodland to align with client objectives and site suitability

• Preparing and submitting Forestry Grant Scheme (FGS) applications

• Overseeing operations such as tree planting, fencing, and ground preparation

• Managing scheme sign-off and grant funding claims

• Maintaining the scheme, especially in the first five years, to ensure compliance with UK Forestry Standards and FGS requirements

Challenges I Face

One of the most challenging aspects of my job is the rising cost of trees, protection measures, and labor. Each year, these costs drift further from the levels supported by the Forestry Grant Scheme, putting pressure on clients’ budgets and their willingness to invest in woodland creation and management.

A Standout Project

Early in my career at Forest Direct Ltd, I managed the first phase of a planned scheme to deliver and maintain over 300 hectares of diverse productive conifers and native broadleaves over three years. This modern and forward-thinking design became the flagship scheme of the company. As a Forester at the time, I was supported in its delivery by a Forest Works Supervisor. The project came with major constraints, and I truly experienced ‘trial by fire.’ To this day, I walk through the developing woodland with immense pride, grateful for the opportunity to contribute to that scheme. Jeremy Thompson, the MD of the company, once said, “You never forget your first scheme,” and he was absolutely right.

My Professional Development

I began the Professional Development Award in Forestry Operations in 2019 but paused it to adjust from tree planter to FM Forester. Upon returning in 2022, I successfully completed the program. Rather than focusing solely on academic qualifications, I decided to emphasize work ethic, attitude, and hands-on experience in forestry. Following a structured learning program and having access to experienced tutors was rewarding, and I would recommend the course to anyone new to the forestry industry. I also enjoy reading forestry literature in my spare time, so my learning continues.

Skills from My Early Career

My three years as a planter—both in conservation and commercial roles—taught me best practices for efficiency and quality, as well as the capabilities and limitations of planting contractors. Having shared the ‘blood, sweat, and tears’ of planting has strengthened my communication with contractors and improved project planning.

What I Enjoy Most About My Job

I take great satisfaction in creating meaningful and observable changes in our landscapes. I am passionate about these changes because they benefit both the environment and the people who rely on it.

Hobbies Outside of Work

Outside of work, I enjoy bushcraft, fishing, deer stalking, hillwalking, and playing Scottish folk tunes on the Low D Whistle.

Future Career Aspirations

In the coming years, I see myself continuing to learn and grow in forestry. We foresters are all students, as there’s an endless array of related subjects to explore. I’m happiest when delivering innovative woodland creations and managing forests creatively, so I hope to have plenty of opportunities for that in the future.

Advice for Aspiring Forestry Professionals

For anyone considering a career in forestry, my advice is simple: stop considering and start doing. The industry needs more skilled individuals, and it’s a fantastic field to be a part of, filled with great people. If you’re interested in joining the sector, feel free to reach out via email at sam.guthrie@bellingram.co.uk or call 07876854226. I’m more than happy to discuss options and ideas with you.

Broad Skillset Needed to Navigate Land, Property & Rural Development in a Changing Countryside 

At Bell Ingram’s Northwich office, we primarily act as consultant surveyors and land officers for companies like United Utilities and Scottish Power. Our main task is securing access for maintenance or new installations and negotiating damage claims or land rights through land purchases, deeds of easement, or wayleave agreements.

We also manage estates for clients such as Shell, Wain Estates, and the NDA. This involves property management, renewing tenancy and license agreements, conducting annual inspections, and offering strategic advice. Additionally, our Northwich and Kendal offices provide a range of valuation services through RICS Registered Valuers who perform Red Book Valuations.

My interest in the rural economy led me to Harper Adams University, where I earned a degree in Rural Property Management. I achieved my RICS Associate qualification in 2021 and became chartered in 2023. The RICS qualification is crucial, as it demonstrates competence and a commitment to continuous learning.

The countryside is constantly changing, and staying updated on new regulations and practices is essential. Our work spans agriculture, natural environment management, property management, and valuation, requiring a broad skill set. A major change is the mandatory Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirement in planning, which affects both large and small developments. Developers must prioritise on-site solutions, though off-site options and statutory credits are also available.

Landowners are also exploring renewable energy sources like solar, wind, and battery storage (BESS). Key considerations include tax implications, managing income, land use, grid connections, and planning permissions.

One standout experience in my career so far was working as a consultant surveyor for United Utilities on a new pipeline installation. The project involved many landowners, each using their land differently. Being part of the design and construction phases gave me a sense of pride in contributing to the project’s success.

If you plan to pursue a career in land management, gaining work experience at a chartered surveying firm is invaluable. Shadowing a professional offers insight into the daily tasks and challenges of surveyors and land agents.

Is now the time to join the EV revolution asks renewables expert Joe Fergusson?

Bell Ingram has joined the electric vehicle revolution by installing workplace charge points at company HQ in Perth.

Our Head of Estate Agency Carl Warden is leading the charge in his Tesla 3 which has so far chalked up over 4,000 miles on company business.

If you too are thinking of replacing a petrol or diesel car with an electric model there are a number of pros and cons to consider before making the leap.

On the plus side, electric cars can greatly reduce your carbon footprint and save you hundreds of pounds each year in tax and fuel costs. The choice and abilities in the range of EVs on the market is expanding quickly, and the charging infrastructure is definitely improving. In fact, there are over 1,800 Chargepoint Scotland public points (out of over 2,500 installed across Scotland and 24,600 across the UK) offering free charging at up to 50kW, which gives around 100 miles of travel for a 30 minute plug-in.

Additionally, there is still ‘hay to be made’ by taking advantage of grants from both the UK’s Office for Low Emissions Vehicles (OLEV) and from Transport Scotland towards the installation of new charge points at workplaces and at homes. And the tax system remains generous towards businesses making the switch, allowing year 1 100% capital write down of new vehicles and 1% of value benefit-in-kind for users.

On the flip side however, EVs still have a shorter range than petrol/diesel vehicles and recharging the battery takes time and planning. Added to this, the upfront cost of buying these vehicles is still much higher than their traditional equivalents, although that gap is steadily narrowing.

To become ubiquitous the EV must be as convenient as its petrol/diesel equivalent, with costs on a par, both new and second hand, and the charging infrastructure must catch up, enabling urban street-dwellers to charge from lamp posts and bollards, etc.

What is for certain is that the writing has been on the wall for the internal combustion engine (ICE) ever since SONY commercialised the Lithium-Ion battery for its mobile telephone in 1991. In the 1910s, Thomas Edison spent much more time eeking out more miles from his lead-acid powered EV than he did on his electric lightbulb; what held him back was energy density – or kilowatt hours per tonne.

Even without the Kyoto Protocol, all the subsequent COPs and the focus on air quality in our vehicle-clogged cities, the EV – sometimes described as ‘a mobile phone with wheels’ – was only ever waiting for the battery with sufficient energy density to get its driver from A to B without having to stop to re-charge before it suited them to do so – now achievable with today’s Lithium-Ion chemistry and continuously-improving variations on it.

The beautiful simplicity of the EV – body, battery, computer, motor, wheels – compared to the fantastically complex supply chains for the hundreds of additional whizzing, rubbing, grinding and exploding elements of an ICE vehicle, means that EVs are the future of personal transport, like it or not. Their electricity may come from a fuel cell fuelled by green hydrogen, catalysed from water by renewable energy, but with ranges and charging times improving quickly, in a decade or so the ICE will become a rare and specialised thing.

Want to know more? Our Microgeneration and Renewables Consultant Joe Fergusson provides a feasibility appraisal service to any organisation pondering the viability of joining in the EV revolution, and can be contacted at joe.fergusson@bellingram.co.uk or 07711 552693.

Article posted on 01/11/2021