I’ve had various opportunities to participate in activities which bring people closer together through their love of the environment. In addition, my leadership experiences from my undergraduate program have further motivated me to get involved with students and community members. The Prince of Wales Forest Leadership Award was an excellent opportunity to showcase my passion for nature and the importance of human involvement. My drive to constantly change environment and acquire new experiences in new places was a huge factor in my decision to apply.
What has changed since you were given the award?
The pressure of being a representative of Canada and the University of Toronto in the UK has definitely made me more aware of what I say and do, but I’ve become more confident in what I can do and in my potential to make a difference.
How have you prepared for the start of the experience?
I think I was too excited to actually think and prepare properly! Apart from organising my accommodations and reading up on how to drive on the left side, I’ve come with no expectations and a very open mind!
What are you most looking forward to during the experience?
Meeting new people and gaining new experiences! From my education at University of Toronto, I realised that the available surface area plays a major role in the difference in forest management between Europe and North America.
Theri K. Reichlin
What do you hope to gain from the experience?
I hope to leave the UK with a wide array of new perspectives and with a great network of people I can continue connecting with. I hope to learn things which I can bring back to a career in Canadian forestry.
Where would you like to be in 5 years?
To be fair, 5 years ago I had no clue I would be here. My current crazy dream is to continue getting to work in places out west and keep on going west until I feel satisfied enough to hit a place that I’d like to finish in. Hard to say right now. But then again, I might fall in to a situation where I decide that I want to settle down.
Thank you Theresa, enjoy the rest of your placement.
Fergus Simister (Assistant Harvesting Manager at James Jones & Sons Ltd) is one of two candidates selected for the Young Professional Foresters’ Exchange Programme 2026
The Institute of Chartered Foresters congratulates Andy Burnham on his appointment as Prime Minister and Dame Angela Eagle DBE on her appointment as Secretary of
Welcome to the Institute’s policy update focusing on key developments shaping forestry and land use policy, upcoming consultations, CPD events, and opportunities for member engagement.
