Tilhill’s graduates and apprentices were asked to look beyond their day-to-day roles and think creatively about how forestry can become more sustainable. With guidance from Powering Futures, the teams focused on problems such as cutting out single-use plastics in tree planting operations and improving sustainable practices across woodland creation and forest management.

The programme was designed to fit around their regular work, allowing the participants to dedicate time each week to research, collaborate and test their ideas. Their findings were then presented to senior leaders from Tilhill Forestry and parent company BSW Group.

Bold Ideas from a Fresh Perspective

The group put forward a range of innovative and practical solutions, including:

• Using laser-guided drone technology for precision crop measurement.
• Improving long-term soil health with cover cropping techniques.
• Introducing new approaches to reduce single-use plastics in tree bag logistics.

These suggestions combined environmental responsibility with commercial awareness, and opened up conversations within the leadership team about how such ideas could be taken forward.

Building Skills and Confidence

The challenge was more than an exercise in problem-solving – it was also about professional growth. Participants developed skills in critical thinking, teamwork, and communication while building stronger connections across the business.

Alfie Bloor, Assistant Forest Manager (Graduate), explained:

“The Powering Futures programme has encouraged me to build my networks across the business whilst also boosting my confidence in research, critical thinking and teamwork. I’ve most enjoyed getting to look at the business as a whole and making recommendations on innovations that can create real change at scale. That’s really exciting.”

Julie Finnikin, Group Learning and Development Manager at BSW Group, added:

“This programme offered a fantastic opportunity for our graduates and apprentices to engage directly with sustainability challenges that matter to the business. The quality of ideas presented, and the confidence shown by our emerging talent, was exceptional.

Their work has provided fresh insights and inspired active conversations within our leadership team about future innovation.”

Inspiring the Future of Forestry

For BSW Group Forestry Director Harry Stevens, the programme highlighted the importance of supporting young professionals early in their careers:

“It was fantastic to see our graduates and apprentices reflect on their own learning and teamwork styles throughout the programme, and how they grew in confidence as a group. What really stood out was how this experience encouraged them to build meaningful connections across the business — something that’s incredibly valuable early in a forestry career.”

Powering Futures Programme Manager Joseph Trodden agreed, noting that:

“The learners didn’t just come up with ideas, they presented solutions that could genuinely transform operations. When you give young people the tools and trust to tackle real challenges, they deliver results that matter.”

Why It Matters

Forestry has a vital role to play in addressing climate change, enhancing biodiversity, and providing sustainable timber for the future. By investing in its graduates and apprentices, Tilhill Forestry is ensuring that innovation and sustainability-led thinking remain at the heart of the industry.