Raise Cumbria consistently produces amazing work for our industry - from tree planting to their philosophy, and being named Forest of the Year for Inclusive Woodland Creation in 2025.
That’s exactly why we’re proud to partner with them, and why we want to keep inspiring you to follow our journey together. This year, we’re excited to shine a spotlight on someone in particular…
Forestry has traditionally been a sector with a fairly narrow range of perspectives, which means not all voices are always represented on site or in decisions about how woodlands are cared for. It can be especially interesting to see what the first steps into forestry look like for someone from a non-traditional background – a perspective that could be useful for anyone thinking about starting a career in the sector.
Kathryn recently joined Raise as our Apprentice Community Forester. Alongside her day-to-day role, she’ll be completing a Level 3 Forestry Crafts qualification in partnership with Myerscough College.
Over the coming months, she’ll be learning practical skills to care for woodlands while also exploring how forests connect with local communities and wildlife. At Raise, we aim to approach forestry in ways that are inclusive, creative, and grounded in the people and places we work with.
This apprenticeship has been made possible thanks to funding from The Ernest Cook Trust’s Outdoor Futures Grant. We’re also grateful to Arbortec, who have supported Kathryn with equipment to help her get started safely and confidently.
In this first post, Kathryn shares what drew her to forestry, why she chose an apprenticeship, and her first impressions – giving an honest look at what it’s like to start a career in forestry.
Background and motivation
What drew you to forestry in the first place?
I also wanted to support projects that have a positive impact on both landscapes and communities, rather than focusing on just one or the other.”
Did you always think you’d work in this kind of role, or was it something you discovered later?
What about forestry excites you the most?
There’s the ecological side – creating new habitats and supporting wildlife – but also the ability to create spaces that communities can enjoy and learn more about the natural world around them”
Why an apprenticeship?
Why did you choose an apprenticeship instead of a university or college route?
What kind of learning style works best for you?
Why Raise
What made you want to work with Raise?
I also wanted to be part of a local organisation making a real impact in my local area. As Cumbria’s Community Forest, Raise felt like a place where that work really matters.”
Did anything stand out to you in your first few weeks?
First weeks on the job
What have you been doing so far?
What’s been the most fun or rewarding part so far?
What’s surprised you about working in forestry?
Looking ahead
What are you most looking forward to learning or doing next?
I’m also keen to develop the practical skills needed to maintain these areas in the long term, supporting woodland health and longevity.”
This is the first in a series of blog posts following Kathryn’s apprenticeship with Raise. Over time, we’ll share more about what she’s learning, the challenges she’s navigating, and what day-to-day work in community forestry really looks like.
Getting involved
If you’re curious about forestry, considering a career change, or interested in getting involved with Raise’s work, we’d love to hear from you. We work with communities, landowners, volunteers, and partners across Cumbria, and there are lots of ways to get involved or learn more.