Sophie – Arboriculture & Forestry

SOPHIE

Arboriculture & Forestry

I am currently on the Level 1 course, hopefully progressing onto Level 3. The course was a great introduction to the arb and forestry department and has been a great start to my time at college.

Sparsholt has amazing facilities to learn in. Through working in the sawmill I have used machines like the band saw, pull saw, planer and log processor. I have learnt how to prepare timber before it is cut and how to get the most out of every piece, which will help me in the future, and have also used hedge cutting and strimming equipment.

My highlight would have to be learning how to drive a tractor, which I really enjoyed. I have also really loved the social side to college; I have met so many new people and made some awesome friends. I came here not knowing many people, but I was soon made very welcome.

I will miss how everyone pushes you to do your absolute best.

The tutors have been really helpful – if I needed any help or didn’t understand anything they were always there, either in person or online. We have gone off campus multiple times to different work sites to do coppicing and rhododendron clearing, which has been a fun experience. Sparsholt has also helped us with legislation that is relevant to our industry.

One of my goals is to train people in the industry to get their tickets, and my ultimate goal is to one day be my own boss and run an Arboriculture company. I also aspire to be a World and European champion in tree climbing. Sparsholt has given me many new skills that I can take into the workplace.

I will miss the positive atmosphere and the social aspect of Sparsholt, the jokes and laughter that we all have and how helpful everyone is. I will also miss how everyone pushes you to do your absolute best.