Christopher Rees TechICFor

My background is in fisheries enforcement and environment management. For ten years I was a Water Bailiff, responsible for catching salmon poachers on some of Wales’ most iconic rivers such as the Towy, Usk and Wye. I followed in the footsteps of my father who was Head Water Bailiff for 35 years and my grandfather before that for 18 years. I have worked for Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and its predecessors for 30 years across various roles in the organisation, which provided me with a range of transferable skills and a stong platform to switch into forestry. I am passionate about the countryside, and throughout my life I have come to appreciate and understand the intrinsic value that our woodlands bring to our environment, wildlife, economy, and wellbeing.

In Wales, forestry falls under NRW’s remit and an opportunity presented itself to apply to become Forest Operations Team Leader. Happily, I was offered the job which I grasped with both hands. The last five years has been a refreshing change for me – a roller-coaster of learning and professional development to gain a basic understanding of what forest operations is all about.

The answer to this question is two-fold. Firstly, our woodlands in South Wales Central are very close to communities and not the easiest of places to deliver forest operations. The lack of suitable access to some of our woodlands is also a concern. We have timber locked up within these forests which needs management intervention but without appropriate timber haulage routes this is difficult. Secondly, we are subject to decreasing budgets which means we constantly need to prioritise our work.

My continuous professional development is a highlight for me. My strengths lie in providing effective leadership of teams to deliver organisational goals. However, unlike other teams I’ve managed, I soon realised that I needed to quickly gain a deeper understanding of what forest and land management entails. While learning something new every day, I have gained significant knowledge and understanding as a team leader concerning the operational planning and delivery of harvest, timber production, and restock programmes. This includes all aspects of legal liability, industry standards, and forest certification schemes relevant to the operational aspects of delivery.

Being a member of a professional body is important. The Institute has provided a platform which has enabled me to apply good governance and high professional standards in my day-to-day role. It provides a wide range of relevant CPD opportunities which has enhanced my competencies and personal attributes.

When I took on the role of Forest Operations Team Leader, someone mentioned the idea of getting a mentor. I soon realised that the team of foresters I was managing were fast becoming my mentors, and by learning from their knowledge and experience I was able to grow and develop my own silvicultural experience and put it to good use in manging the Welsh government woodland estate.

Last year, I decided to collate all of my experience and undertake the Technical Membership Entry (TME) process. I’m delighted to say that on 25 October 2024, members of the Institute’s Examinations Board approved the assessors’ recommendation that I be promoted to Technical Member status.