In Conversation with: Christian Brennan

Have you always loved nature..What inspired you to pursue a career working in the forestry area?

Yes, I have always loved nature since I was very young. I was fortunate to live beside a large woodland area. It had a wide range of trees and wildlife such red squirrel, Pine marten and fallow deer. When the foresters came to monitor the area, I used to go out with them and watch them measure the trees and as I got older I would do work experience with them.

I’m sure every day as a forest manager is different. What are some of the most important tasks you would have to fulfil on a regular day?

As a forest manager you would perform many different tasks depending on the woodland area and age that you would visit. For example if I was visiting a new afforestation site (woodland creation) I would have to ensure that the current amount of trees are planted and this is called stocking density. I would also have to ensure the correct species are planted in a particular area. If I was visiting a mature woodland area that was nearly ready for harvesting (Clearfell), I might perform tasks such as timber measurement / inventory to calculate the volume of timber that the forest plantation is producing per hectare.

What is the best thing about your job?

Working in the outdoors and appreciating the different wonderful woodland settings.

What advice would you give to a young person still at school who is considering a future in science?

Science can open the door to many career paths. If you enjoy subjects such as Physics, Chemistry or Biology at school I would certainly recommend studying one of these related courses at college. There are so many options out there now compared to when I went to college first and students have a great opportunity to explore.