Case studies: Site manager: Clare Burnside

Clare has a BSc in Environmental Conservation and Countryside Management from Nottingham Trent University. She currently works as a site manager for the Woodland Trust...

While studying at university I did a lot of volunteering ranging from practical conservation work to surveying for The Woodland Trust and The Wildlife Trust. I also had a part-time job working as a forestry operative for a woodland management contractor. I did all this in my spare time during my second year at university with not much of a social life. However, it did all pay off when I had the option to take a year sandwich placement in industry.

I thought this would be a great opportunity to develop my experience in industry and put me in an advantageous position for when I completed my degree. While volunteering for The Woodland Trust a 12-month assistant woodland officer placement post came up. I applied and got the job. I had an amazing year and thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with the trust. I knew from then on that working for woods and trees was for me and I wanted to progress my career further in this sector.

After completing the placement I returned to university for my final year but I continued to work part-time for The Woodland Trust. When I graduated I applied for a post with The Woodland Trust as a woodland officer. I was straight into my dream job.

Since working for The Woodland Trust my role has developed from an assistant woodland officer (AWO) progressing to a woodland officer with full site responsibility. My AWO post involved working in the North East which gave me a good insight into woodland management and the working environment. I have carried out these roles in different settings, both rural and urban, and it has given me a much more rounded view in my working environment.

While at the Trust I have taken advantage of development and training opportunities. In 2009 I had the opportunity to do a Lantra course specialising in professional tree safety inspection. I now offer guidance internally to members of operational staff on tree safety related issues.

I thoroughly enjoy working with The Woodland Trust but do aspire to one day set up my own business offering professional consultation services in woodland management.

What makes my job so enjoyable is that every day is different and that you get to meet such a diverse bunch of people which makes it even more interesting. The most challenging parts of the job can be working on grant applications for site or landscape scale related projects; a lot of work can go into these in the early stages of the application to then be refused for what ever reason. Other challenges of the job can be dealing with difficult people, this is not a regular occurrence but it does happen when managing sites.

The best thing about working in this sector for me is looking after fantastic woodland estate and working with a great team of people. I have always had a passion for the environment, woods and trees and being a part of a conservation organisation that can make a difference in protecting, restoring and creating new woodlands is a great feeling.

The best advice that I could give to students and graduates is to show that you can apply yourself practically, get out there and volunteer for conservation organisations, stay focused, be enthusiastic and approach as many people as you can in the sector as this can open up doors for potential career opportunities.