In the final episode of our series we head to Glentress Forest, just south of Edinburgh, to meet Emma Bryden, a member of Scotland’s Young People’s Forest Project.

Emma is part of an ambitious scheme where 13 young Scots are co-designing a forest for the future, right here in Scotland. She’s joined by Forest Industries Advisor Ros Wardman for a walk about the Glentress landscape. They delve into the social and historical importance of hedgerows, woodland and forests, why commercial timber has a role in our future, and how trees can help us solve the climate crisis.

We’re also joined by Dr Chris Thorogood, from the University of Oxford Botanic Garden & Arboretum. He shares his passion for plants and trees, talks us through what he gets up to day to day and gives us his take on how to break into a career in the Green Sector.

#LifeOnTheHedge

Find out more:

www.treecouncil.org.uk/lifeonthehedge

Emma Bryden is part of Scotland’s Young People’s Forest Panel, a youth group with a vision to create the first forest in Scotland, co-designed, led and governed by young people. The project is supported by Young Scot and YouthLink Scotland.

Ros Wardman is a Forest Industries Advisor with Scottish Forestry, the Government agency responsible for forestry policy, support and regulations.

If you’d like to explore a career in forestry, Ros suggested checking out the following organisations: Institute of Chartered Foresters, Forestry and Land Scotland, Confederation of Forest Industries, Forestry England. There are many routes into this sector, apprenticeships through to degrees.

The Forestry Commission has also just launched it's new Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship programme. This paid opportunity is perfect for passionate individuals over the age of 18 looking to kickstart their careers in forestry! Find out more here.

If you’d like to find out more about hedgerows, head to Hedgelink.org. You may also be interested in these HedgeTalk webinars hosted by The Tree Council as part of National Hedgerow Week 2021.

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Join us for Life on the Hedge, the podcast to set you on the path to a blossoming career in nature. At the heart of our series? Hedgerows! These hidden heroes are the UK’s largest wildlife habitat and are crucial in the fight against climate change. In each episode, you’ll hear from amazing young people as they explore the magic of hedges whilst giving us the inside scoop on what it’s like to work in conservation, forestry, horticulture and more. So what are you waiting for? Get listening!

The Tree Council created Life on the Hedge as part of the Close the Gap project, funded by the Government’s Green Recovery Challenge Fund.

#LifeOnTheHedge

treecouncil.org.uk/lifeonthehedge

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Today we’re off to Penpont in the Brecon Beacons as 30 young volunteers and future conservationists undertake a mission to plant 3,000 trees in a day, restoring a degraded hedgerow.

Forrest Hogg invites us to his family estate where farms, tenanted communities, makers, growers and eco-tourism businesses meet within a vibrant cultural scene.

Samuel Harpur, National Park Warden, also grew up locally. He and Forrest chat about why it matters more than ever to cultivate biodiversity and restore sustainable landscapes. Sam shares insights into day-to-day life as a National Park Warden and Molly Singleton from Action for Conservation explains why it’s so important for young people to pursue all the fantastic opportunities on offer to work with trees and the environment.

We also hear from Sophie Pavelle, zoologist and author, on her upcoming new book and what advice she has for young people wanting to make the leap into nature conservation.

Find out more

treecouncil.org.uk/lifeonthehedge

Penpont has teamed up with Action for Conservation for The Penpont Project, their youth-led nature restoration programme. Run by a Youth Leadership Group of twenty 12-18 year olds from diverse backgrounds, the team is working in partnership with farmers and landowners to restore habitats and ecosystems.

Sam is a Warden at Brecon Beacons National Park. Wardens are the eyes and ears of the National Parks and often have an unparalleled knowledge of the local history, ecology and culture of the area Head to the National Parks website where you’ll find some useful videos showcasing the day-to-day life of a warden (or ranger as this role is also known).

Interested in exploring wardening as a career? The National Trust & The National Parks have apprenticeship opportunities, but there are many routes into this career.

Sam also volunteers as a Tree Warden. Head to The Tree Council to find out how you can get involved!

Inspired by Forrest and his team of volunteers? If you fancy planting your own hedge, this handy step-by-step guide is a great place to start. For lots more information and advice related to hedgerows, go to hedgelink.org.uk

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