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I want to start this blog by wishing you all a happy New Year. I hope 2020 is a good one for you all.
The forest industry has been thriving since its development in Europe in the 19th century. Since then its growth has continued and its practices have changed. More recent years have been all about sustainable management and growth, leading to targets being set for its continuation.
Targets are a common theme at this time of year. I, like many, set myself targets for the year as the bell chimes on New Year’s Eve. Be these an unachievable fitness regime, a reduction in chocolate consumption or something larger like buying my first house. The country too has targets each year to meet within forestry and 2020 is no exception.
The figures up until March 2019 showed England falling short of planting targets by around 3,500 hectares whilst Scotland planted above their target; planting 11,200 hectares. Looking into the future there are to be many more targets for afforestation that will be beneficial for both the environment and the industry across the UK.
The Scottish Forestry Strategy highlights that there is an ambition to increase the annual woodland creation target of 10,000 (ha) per year to 15,000 ha by 2024/25. This push for woodland creation is creating a sustainable resource for years to come as many of our current forest resources are either in their second rotation or reaching maturity.
This woodland creation resource will provide mitigation against the climate change we are experiencing, will provide a future sustainable resource; create new habitats for wildlife and provide a substantial future for the industry.
Alongside this drive for woodland creation will come the roles needed to fulfil these targets, this provides the opportunity for more people to enjoy a career in the industry. A great start to your new year could be when you apply for one of Tilhill Forestry’s graduate places. Applications are open now!
If you have read my previous blogs you will know that I started with Tilhill Forestry in 2017 as part of the Company’s graduate intake that year. The graduate scheme is a great opportunity to get the hands-on experience of working in the forestry industry whilst also learning the knowledge-base from the internal courses and extensive colleague experience.
The graduate scheme is open until the 28th of February so if you are a driven, passionate individual with a willingness to learn please do apply via the website! We look forward to welcoming you to the team.