Profile – I'm a Geographer, Get me out of here

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About Me:

I am a forester. I talk to people with land and design woodlands and hedgerows to suit their plans, also making sure the planting is right for the environment. I organise the planting and then inspect sites to make sure all the planting was done correctly.
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I used to work in marketing and then as a primary school teacher. I have been a forester since 2022, planting thousands of trees across Northumberland.
My pronouns are:

She / her
How I use Geography in my work:

I use map data and soil profiles to assess sites. I use GPS to accurately measure what had been planted.

When designing woodland projects, I use a lot of information about how the landscape currently looks to make sure what I am planting is right for the landscape as well as the animals, birds and people within it.
My Work:

I design and plant new woodland and hedgerows in Northumberland. My work improves landscapes for people, wildlife and soil.
My Typical Day:

I could be on site meeting a new landowner to discuss what they want to achieve, at my desk drawing maps and checking progress on other sites planting.
What I'd do with the prize money:

I’d buy two soil augers for children to use to plant trees. These are tools that drill holes in the ground that are the right size for little trees to be planted. It would help more little hands, plant little trees!

Education:

I went to Central Newcastle High School then Cambridge University.
Qualifications:

9 GCSES

3 A levels

2 AS levels

BA Hons. Anglo-Saxon, Norse & Celtic

Qualified Teacher

Level 2 Arborist

Level Forest Gardening
Work History:

I worked in marketing for theatres: Hackney Empire, Royal Shakespeare Company and the Maltings at Berwick

I was a primary school teacher in Town End (Sunderland), Newbottle and Newcastle

I used to be a Ghost Tour Guide at Chillingham Castle!
Current Job:

I am now a Woodland Officer with the Great Northumberland Forest and a Parish Clerk.
Employer:

The Great Northumberland Forest, part of Northumberland County Council

Kirsten Johnson