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Celebrating women in forestry
Historically, women have played a key role in British forestry but remain under-represented in the sector. With an increase in tree planting across the country a diverse and skilled workforce is needed to keep up with demand. Ths is an exciting time to get into forestry with plenty of opportunities for people from all backgrounds to join the sector.
Over the past year, more people have joined the Mersey Forest team, creating an inclusive, skilled workforce, with women making up 50% of the current team.
In celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March, members of the Mersey Forest team have shared information about their roles, experiences, and why they enjoy working within forestry.
MacKenzie Russell – GIS Coordinator
I have been in my role with the Mersey Forest for one full year now. Within my first year, I have learned so much about forestry and the essential role of England's Community Forests. I have been able to use geospatial data to tell our story and show our impact. Every day has proven to be varied and I have been able to apply my skills in a range of ways. It is wonderful to see so many other women work in this sector doing various roles, whether they are desk-based or out in the field.
I enjoy working for an organisation that has the same morals as me and I have truly found that in the Mersey Forest. I enjoy not only working with my colleagues, but also getting to know them outside of work. I think women in forestry have so many opportunities to help grow a better future.
Favourite tree: Ponderosa Pine
Alice Hardwell – Woodland Advisor
I've been working as a Woodland Advisor at The Mersey Forest for nine months. I've been passionate about the outdoors and protecting our environment from a young age, leading me into a college diploma and degree in Countryside Conservation.
My practical background in woodland management, coming from running an agricultural contracting company and working with various charities/ organisations, has given me the knowledge and confidence to engage with landowners. This has led to the delivery of many woodland creation projects through The Mersey Forest.
Steph Anderson – Communications Lead
I've been working in my role at The Mersey Forest for over 18 months. I really enjoy being part of a team making a real difference in our local communities, tackling both environmental challenges and improving the places we live and work. Continuing to tell the story of The Mersey Forest , which continues to evolve and adapt, is a big part of my role and the variety of projects the team are involved with provides a constant source of content.
I love getting out in nature and, like lots of people, I've realised how important it is for my wellbeing. Although my role is mainly office or home based I really relish the opportunity to get out with the team on site, visiting some of our established woodlands or getting hands helping to get trees in the ground.
Favourite tree: Willow
Tim Oliver – Trees for Climate Coordinator
Over the past year, more people have joined the Mersey Forest team, creating an inclusive, skilled workforce, with women making up 50% of the current team.
In celebration of International Women's Day on 8 March, members of the Mersey Forest team have shared information about their roles, experiences, and why they enjoy working within forestry.
MacKenzie Russell – GIS CoordinatorI enjoy working for an organisation that has the same morals as me and I have truly found that in the Mersey Forest. I enjoy not only working with my colleagues, but also getting to know them outside of work. I think women in forestry have so many opportunities to help grow a better future.
Favourite tree: Ponderosa Pine
Alice Hardwell – Woodland AdvisorMy practical background in woodland management, coming from running an agricultural contracting company and working with various charities/ organisations, has given me the knowledge and confidence to engage with landowners. This has led to the delivery of many woodland creation projects through The Mersey Forest.
Steph Anderson – Communications LeadI've been working in my role at The Mersey Forest for over 18 months. I really enjoy being part of a team making a real difference in our local communities, tackling both environmental challenges and improving the places we live and work. Continuing to tell the story of The Mersey Forest , which continues to evolve and adapt, is a big part of my role and the variety of projects the team are involved with provides a constant source of content.
I love getting out in nature and, like lots of people, I've realised how important it is for my wellbeing. Although my role is mainly office or home based I really relish the opportunity to get out with the team on site, visiting some of our established woodlands or getting hands helping to get trees in the ground.
Favourite tree: Willow
Tim Oliver – Trees for Climate CoordinatorTim shares his experience of working alongside women in forestry roles during his 45+ years working in the industry:
When I started in forestry there were few females in the industry; I joined following a recruitment drive replacing those people retiring after a career that often-followed national service in World War II. The WWII Lumberjills filled the vacant places whilst their male colleagues were at war and the hard manual labour continued uninterrupted by the women of the Lumberjills. I was always fascinated that few women appeared to remain involved in forestry as the men returned from the war.
At Newton Rigg in 1982, my OND / BTec ND course had the first female participant training to be a forester amongst 30 males. When I moved into the Forestry Commission Education and Training Team in the 1990's it was common to have a mix of male and female course participants, many joining the industry with the intention of becoming foresters and forest managers.
Over my 45+ years working in forestry, the nature of the work has changed significantly. The large gangs have gone as labour costs increased and mechanised alternatives developed. Over the years the definition of forestry has also changed; forestry providing wide benefits to society and this has resulted in a much wider and more diverse range of career opportunities attracting people from alternative backgrounds to forestry and attracted a more even gender balance. The range of roles in forestry now can range from art curators to specialist GIS mapping and from foresters to research scientists. Just like the need to have diverse woodlands to adapt to climate change then we need a diverse range of people to manage them! Species diversity in my book is essential (in trees and people)!
Favourite tree: Silver birch but its such a difficult choice… (Larch and Beech when they come into leaf in the spring. The red / orange bark of Scots pine, the aroma from Douglas fir foliage… )
When I started in forestry there were few females in the industry; I joined following a recruitment drive replacing those people retiring after a career that often-followed national service in World War II. The WWII Lumberjills filled the vacant places whilst their male colleagues were at war and the hard manual labour continued uninterrupted by the women of the Lumberjills. I was always fascinated that few women appeared to remain involved in forestry as the men returned from the war.
At Newton Rigg in 1982, my OND / BTec ND course had the first female participant training to be a forester amongst 30 males. When I moved into the Forestry Commission Education and Training Team in the 1990's it was common to have a mix of male and female course participants, many joining the industry with the intention of becoming foresters and forest managers.
Over my 45+ years working in forestry, the nature of the work has changed significantly. The large gangs have gone as labour costs increased and mechanised alternatives developed. Over the years the definition of forestry has also changed; forestry providing wide benefits to society and this has resulted in a much wider and more diverse range of career opportunities attracting people from alternative backgrounds to forestry and attracted a more even gender balance. The range of roles in forestry now can range from art curators to specialist GIS mapping and from foresters to research scientists. Just like the need to have diverse woodlands to adapt to climate change then we need a diverse range of people to manage them! Species diversity in my book is essential (in trees and people)!
Favourite tree: Silver birch but its such a difficult choice… (Larch and Beech when they come into leaf in the spring. The red / orange bark of Scots pine, the aroma from Douglas fir foliage… )
