Meet some of the graduates who have taken part in our Graduate Leadership Programme and discover their experiences during and after their placements.
Maeve Brittle, Graduate Trainee 2023-2025
"I joined Forestry England in September 2023 in the East District, after graduating with a degree in Geography from the University of Cambridge. In my first year, I worked in the Forestry and Land Management, Forest Resilience, Recreation, and Planning and Environment teams. I really enjoyed having a mix of practical work out in the forest and work in the office. I have now started my second year, and I’ve been working on short, focussed projects tailored to my interests. So far, these have included stakeholder engagement and analysis of tourism flows."
Sally Jervis, Graduate Trainee 2023-2025
“I started my role in Forestry England in August 2023, after a career change from working as a chef in the hospitality industry for seven years and subsequently graduating from the University of Sheffield with a degree in Ecology and Conservation Biology. Now, I can say that I am proud to be part of an organisation that holds values which align closely with my own, encompassed by mutual respect our natural environment alongside an intrinsic need to better social wellbeing. During the first year I worked on a range of projects, including overseeing vegetation management contracts, supporting business improvement strategies by preparing a review and leading on enhancing our recruitment process to increase diversity and inclusion within the sector”
Adam Harrington, Graduate Trainee 2023-2025
"I started the second year of the Forestry England Graduate Programme in September 2024 after studying Economics with Geography at Loughborough University. During my time with Forestry England, I’ve been inspired by the significant and impactful work carried out across the country.
In my first year, I was given substantial responsibility, such as managing a planting programme in the south of England. This hands-on experience has been incredibly rewarding. Moreover, I’ve had the chance to explore a diverse range of activities at Forestry England, including land management, forest planning, conservation, and recreation. This programme has not only broadened my skills but also deepened my appreciation for the vital work we do in managing our natural landscapes sustainably for now and the future."
Richard Wilkinson, Graduate Trainee 2022-2024
"After spending around 10 years in the insurance industry, I decided to follow my passion for the environment and completed a master’s in Environmental Economics. This led me to join the Forestry England Graduate Programme in September 2022.
Based in the South District, which covers Dorset to the South Downs and includes the New Forest, I had the chance to work with various teams across the district, including forest planning, land management, recreation, and ecology. This diverse experience allowed me to see how different parts of the organisation come together to benefit people, nature, and the climate.
One of the most exciting aspects of the programme was learning about the wide range of activities Forestry England is involved in and how we can make a real difference. As England’s largest land manager, we have the unique opportunity to work at scale, enhancing biodiversity and providing access to nature, which has a profound impact on people’s lives.
Now, as a Project Officer in the Woodland Creation team, I use the skills and knowledge I gained during the graduate programme to develop new woodland sites. The programme equipped me with essential project management skills and a comprehensive understanding of the bigger picture, which are crucial in my current role."
