David Chudleigh works as a trainee harvesting manager with Tilhill Forestry, part of UPM-Kymmene plc, in Wales.

“If you enjoy forests and trees, this is what forestry is all about. Our work results in the supply of wood raw materials which are made into a range of different wood products,. some of them for use in housebuilding and in fencing. I enjoy the job because I’m partly office-based but partly outdoors and I do a lot of travelling between the various harvesting sites across mid and north Wales.

“My job involves helping to decide the spread of tree species we cut for harvesting, and this has to be done in conjunction with the types of products our customers are demanding. Different timbers are used for different products and we have to choose trees of the right dimensions for the job. I have to measure the harvested timber stacks at the roadside to estimate their volume and visit forests to collect data and to check on contractors. I assist two area harvesting managers in their work.

“The benefits include driving a 4x4 vehicle, which is needed for access in the forest areas, a company pension, training and feedback on my performance. The pay is reasonable but that’s not why I do the job. I get a lot of job satisfaction in my work and to me that’s very important.

“I feel I’m working with a really sustainable industry. We use the forest intensively but we ensure replanting and therefore in the long term, job security isn’t a problem. Wood demand is also on the increase as it’s a sustainable material for building. I’m certainly going to give the job my best for the next 3-5 years and see where it takes me. Hopefully I’ll progress up the career ladder.”