To celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March, we interviewed a number of our female members who are excelling in our profession. Dr Eve Over MICFor is Lead Specialist Advisor in the Land Management and EU Exit (Forestry) department at Cyfoeth Naturiol Cymru / Natural Resources Wales.
What do you love most about your job?
It is still inspiring to learn about the multiple benefits that trees provide to society and to share this knowledge with individuals who want to plant and manage woodlands.
Why choose forestry?
I chose to work in forestry because I wanted to work in the natural environment and I thought forestry was the best option to do this. I am still pleased with my decision. I came into forestry when scientists were starting to discuss global warming and now it has an important role to play in climate change mitigation.
How can ICF support women in forestry and arboriculture?
The ICF has already worked hard to promote women in forestry and arboriculture. However, it is unusual to see women at senior levels in private forestry companies and the ICF needs to work with these companies to find what are the barriers to employing and retaining experienced women foresters.
What can professional organisations like the ICF do to attract a more diverse workforce?
This is a significant issue and both ICF and forestry education institutes have an important role to encourage individuals from BAME to opt for a career in forestry and arboriculture.
