A 14 year old pupil from Welshpool High School has spent a fortnight’s work experience with Forestry Commission Wales to find out what it’s like to be a forester.
Lee Morgan spent his placement out and about in Dyfnant and Banw Forests and learnt how Forestry Commission Wales looks after the woodlands it manages on behalf of the Welsh Assembly Government.
Lee spent a day with Establishment Manager Matthew Park observing how the ground is prepared for planting new trees and he got to see an excavator, a specialist forestry machine, in action. He also undertook some work to protect trees in the woodlands along river corridors and carried out a survey to sample pine wood for signs of a potentially harmful pest.
As well as learning how forest operations are planned and managed, Lee was introduced to the work of the Woodlands for Learning team when he joined Education Officer Kate Elias to put a new animal puzzle trail in place in Dyfnant Forest. He also helped inspect recreation facilities in Pont Llogel wood.
Mike Whitley, Forestry Commission Wales’s Area Manager, said, “By offering work experience to Lee, we’ve been able to give him a better idea about the different career opportunities available within Forestry Commission Wales and the forestry sector as a whole.
“Lee asked a lot of questions and showed real enthusiasm for all aspects of the work we do and it is great to see such a keen interest in forestry.”
