Whilst at University, Dan worked on local farms, helping with the running of shoots and a dairy farm, which has given him a good foundation of experience working in the countryside. Once he graduated, he began working for Lockhart Garratt as a graduate forester. Over the next four years, he worked his way up to an Assistant Forestry Consultant, which involved the preparation of Woodland Management Plans, felling permissions, grant applications, and contract management.

He then moved on to work for the National Forest Company as the Woodland Management Officer. This position involved advising landowners in the National Forest area on how to manage their woodland, with a particular focus on the woodland economy, pests and diseases, and woodland carbon. Dan also managed grant schemes to incentivise landowners to undertake woodland management, support woodland businesses, and the planting of new woodland. This role also involved speaking at forestry events and forums and representing the National Forest Company on the UK Squirrel Accord.

During Dan’s time at the National Forest Company, he became a Chartered Member of the Institute of Chartered Foresters following on from a review of his experience and professional standard. Dan also sits on the East and East Midlands Forestry and Woodland Advisory Committee, which supports the Forestry Commission in implementing Forestry and Woodland Policy.

When he is not at work Dan has set up a small woodworking business, which uses timber from his family’s piece of woodland to create tool handles, chopping boards, and anything else that he is asked to make. If it is summer, Dan will probably be enjoying some food and drink in a pub garden with his wife and their friends, or If it’s winter he will either be beating on a local shoot or in the mountains enjoying the snow.

Get in touch with Dan