Assorted Papers 10
Training With The Forestry Commission (1966)

Many people ask me. "Why Forestry, with 'A' levels? Well, there's more to it than chopping down trees, as I'll try to explain. One has to use one's mental as well as one's physical powers; which is a combination I enjoy.

To get accepted for training is not easy, as large numbers are turned down each year, I had an interview before a Selection Board and then an anxious walt for several weeks before I knew I was accepted. Training consists of a minimum of two years working with a gang in a forest, and a further two years at a training school

I have now come to Hursley Forest, between Romsey and Winchester, and not far from Southampton where several old form-mates are at University. My "digs are in a charming Hampshire village with thatched roofs and all that, and I'm an accepted villager now. My work-mates despise "townies and are as earthy as their language; but they now look on me as one of them. After nearly a year I have experienced most of the seasonal jobs. We have cleared virtual jungle, ditched, fenced, sprayed, planted, and then weeded it. The last is a back-breaking and dangerous job as many a young tree catches Sheffield Blight" from our sharp riphooks. Felling has been up to now only a small part of my work, but sitting on a trailer-load of logs is as good as on any hay-wain.

Forestry is hard work, starting at 7.15 a.m. in all weathers. But there are moments which "townies" never experience in their work - such as the time I saw the sun shining on silver-birches with dark clouds behind them and a rainbow over all. Deer and woodland animals and birds put in an appearance more often than humans. There is an easy-going comradeship among the men In and outside working hours which stems from the less harassed conditions in which we work. No bus queues, crowded trains, traffic jams, polluted air or clocking in cards for us.

When I am a Forester I shall be responsible for a forest and gang of my own. Thus Forestry offers a way of life and a satisfaction which I think is worth more than great material income.

PETER SCHWEIGER