Case studies: Community, recreation and tourism forester: Neil

Neil works for the Forestry Commission Scotland in the North Highland Forest District. He completed a BSc in Sustainable Forest Management with Conservation in 2007, by block release, sponsored by the Forestry Commission and has just recently gained a Postgraduate Diploma in Environmental Management, also whilst working.

A personal interest in land management and an interest in working outdoors led me to choose forestry as a career and my first experience of this was working on felling squads in Argyll. After studying for a National Diploma in Forestry, I had job offers from the Forestry Commission  and the private sector. I initially chose the private sector and worked for Tilhill Economic Forestry and as a self-employed forester, working on grant schemes. Having a couple of years of practical experience under my belt helped a lot in getting my first job - I can't emphasise enough the value of work experience. In 1999 I joined the Forestry Commission and I've held various positions since then in both the Inverness and North Highland Forest Districts.

My BSc taught me some applicable skills and was highly relevant to a forestry management position. In particular GIS (geographical information systems), EIA (environmental impact assessment) and protective designation (declaring specific sites as protected areas, such as sites of special scientific interest), have all had a practical use.

In my current job as a forester, I liaise with community groups who want to work in partnership with Forestry Commission Scotland  and plan and deliver new initiatives to encourage individuals and groups to use the National Forests. I manage the recreation facilities in a specific area and the resources to deliver the social aims of the Scottish Forestry Strategy. The job also includes staff management, overseeing the work of rangers and squads of workers. In addition, I manage the delivery of education work across the northern half of the Forest District and work with environmental managers on conservation projects.

My first job was in 1992, when the industry was very different. The change in emphasis from production forestry to multi-benefit forestry is one of the reasons that I still love it. The challenges are constantly changing and the opportunities are many and varied, from working with groups to managing resources. I've had the opportunity to gain many new skills and I love having the freedom to use my own initiative - to develop ideas and then deliver them. I have a great employer - encouraging and supportive and a good working atmosphere - and no, they don't pay me to say it! Lastly it goes without saying that I love being outside and working in some wonderful locations.

My tips for those wishing to get into forestry would be to gain lots of experience - even if it's volunteering for one of the conservation charities. Build skills as you go - GIS can be useful - and keep an open mind. Consider any opportunity - it may lead to something more exciting!