Celebrating International Women’s Day 2025
As we celebrate International Women's Day 2025, Yolanda Piotrowicz, Assistant Forest Manager (Graduate), based in our Fochabers office, talks about the growing female presence in the forestry industry and what inspired her to pursue her career.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in forestry, and what steps did you take to get started?
I had little knowledge of forestry as a career path until I was an BSc Biology student and ended up taking a few forestry modules. Our lecturer had a passion for the field which she managed to convey through her teaching and ignite my enthusiasm for the subject. Therefore, after a short break pursuing another career-path, I was drawn back to forestry and started a part-time MSc in the subject. Whilst studying for this I began applying for jobs in the forestry sector and ended up being accepted for my current job with Scottish Woodlands.
2. What do you enjoy most about working in forestry, and what challenges have you faced along the way?
I think the most challenging aspect of my work is the constant learning curve. As a forest manager, you need to have a good understanding of so many different topics ranging from road construction to forest policy and there is always new material being released. However, this keeps the job interesting, as there is always something new to learn.
3. What’s your favourite woodland/forest and why?
My favourite forest is Faskally Forest near Pitlochry. It is very beautiful, especially in the Autumn. Aside from this, of the properties we manage, I really like Forest of Deer near Mintlaw, Aberdeenshire as it has a nice mix of standing Sitka Spruce and young restock areas of varying ages.
4. What advice would you give to other women who are thinking about starting a career in forestry?
Do some research into the qualifications needed for the job you want to pursue in Forestry as its likely that there are multiple different paths to your chosen career. Also, if the opportunity arises, get some practical work experience in the industry as just as important as a good knowledge of the theory.
5. Do you think there are enough opportunities for women in the forestry industry?
Since I have become more involved in the sector, I have noticed more women joining the industry, including in Scottish Woodlands. However, it is always important to continue to maintain and increase the number of women in this sector, especially in higher management which is still slightly more male-dominated.
5. Was there a specific moment or experience that sparked your passion for forestry?
Definitely. We had a field course with university where we had the opportunity to tour different forests in the lake district and speak with the forest managers for each property. This gave a great insight into what a job in forest management entailed. It was the first time I had an encountered a job that I could really picture myself doing.
6. Outside of work, do you have any hobbies or interests that keep you connected to nature?
My partner and I like to go hikes most weekends which can range from more relaxing forest walks to hill-climbs. We are also keen on ground flora identification, especially mosses so like to build on our skills when out in nature.
7. What are your career aspirations for the future?
