Discovering a Passion for Forestry: A Week with Tilhill

Field trips at Harper Adams University can serve various purposes – from a chance to take learning out of the classroom to a way to meet experts in the surroundings in which they work.

They can also show students new possibilities which they may not have considered – and in this guest blog, First year BSc (Hons) Wildlife, Conservation and Ecology course rep Zed Esmail explains how a field trip led to a week’s work experience  - and a new passion for forestry.

My first real introduction to the world of forestry sparked a curiosity I couldn’t quite shake.

And so – just a few weeks after starting to grow curious about the subject -  I was privileged to get the chance to undertake a week-long work experience placement with Tilhill Forestry—an insightful and rewarding opportunity that deepened my understanding of the forestry sector and confirmed my growing interest in the field.

That initial interest first began earlier this year during a field trip to Caynton Gorse, led by Nick Covarr, where we engaged in tree identification, discussed woodland ecosystems, and explored GIS mapping techniques.

It definitely sparked by curiosity, and my time with Tilhill at their beautiful site at Lake Vyrnwy, in the Tanat Valley in Powys - along with experiences at other locations - gave me the chance to build on that foundation and turn an initial interest into something much more focused, informed, and enthusiastic.

Throughout the week, I was involved in a wide variety of tasks that showcased the diversity and complexity of modern forestry work. These included:

• Conducting weevil surveys and monitoring Ips pheromone traps
• Carrying out PAWS (Plantation on Ancient Woodland Sites) assessments
• Assisting with weeding surveys and contributing to management plans
• Visiting replanting sites and observing how management strategies are implemented
• Learning about the long-term response to Storm Darragh at Lake Vyrnwy and how resilience is being built into forest planning 

Each day brought something new, and I was struck by how interconnected forestry is with wider environmental and social systems. I quickly realised that forestry isn’t just about planting trees but, building a sustainable future. From climate change mitigation through carbon sequestration, to managing ancient woodlands to improve ecology, forestry plays a crucial role in shaping sustainable future.

While I gained valuable knowledge about forestry, I also learned exactly where not to step! While walking the boundary of one forest site, I confidently stepped onto what I thought was solid ground—only for my foot to vanish into a patch of deep mud. I resurfaced slightly taller, thanks to the hefty layer of soil stuck to my boots!

What surprised me most was just how naturally this career path seems to align with my interests. Forestry offers a rare blend of environmental stewardship, scientific application, and practical outdoor work. It’s a field that is both impactful and fulfilling, and I now feel genuinely motivated to explore it further—whether academically or professionally.

I am incredibly grateful to TilHill Forest Managers; Lorna Williams, Jay Williams, and Jack Thomas for their mentorship, encouragement, and generosity throughout the week. Their passion and dedication were truly inspiring, and their support helped me feel both welcomed and empowered.

This experience has not only broadened my understanding of forestry but also reaffirmed my passion for engaging with the natural world in a meaningful way.

Here’s to muddy boots, curious minds, and growing green futures.