HighGround

Countryside Manager: Josie’s Non‑Linear Path to Nature Recovery

In this episode, Tom and Jamie talk with Josie, a National Trust countryside manager in North Devon. Josie’s career has been anything but straightforward: she left school after GCSEs, trained as a mechanic and served five years in the REME before embarking on higher education. With life experience but no A‑levels, she contacted universities directly, persuaded them to give her a chance and eventually worked her way up to a PhD. Burnt out by academia, she turned to nature and began volunteering with the National Trust, living in a tent for six months while supporting herself with part‑time work. That led to an apprenticeship as a ranger and eventually to leadership. In her current role she leads a team of nine across a 2 700‑acre estate, balancing day‑to‑day estate management with large‑scale nature recovery projects. Countryside managers are responsible for developing and managing landscapes, ensuring public access and conservationsuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20are%20responsible%20for,and%20the%20public%20access%20network]; they must coordinate habitat restoration, oversee staff and volunteers, manage budgets and secure fundingsuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20might%20have%20to,as%20reports%2C%20accounts%20and%20statistics]. The National Trust notes that countryside managers provide strategic direction, leading teams to deliver landscape‑scale conservation while ensuring visitors enjoy their experiencenationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=in,visitors%20have%20a%20great%20experience]. Salaries range from around £22 k to £34 ksuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Pay%20and%20opportunities]. Josie advises service‑leavers to be persistent, seek volunteering opportunities and remember there are many routes into land‑based careers. EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Introduction & podcast purpose: Tom and Jamie summarise the goal of creating an “evergreen” library of land‑based career stories. 02:50 Meeting Josie: She describes her varied background—from dropping out of school and working as a vehicle mechanic to joining the REME, and later pursuing higher education. 07:00 Choosing university without A‑levels: Josie explains how she negotiated entry to university, earned a psychology degree and later completed a PhD. 11:15 Leaving academia for the outdoors: Burnt out and seeking meaning, Josie emailed the National Trust and secured a volunteer placement, living in a tent and working for free to gain experience. 14:00 Ranger apprenticeship & career progression: Josie undertook the National Trust’s three‑year ranger apprenticeship, learning practical skills such as hedge‑laying, fencing and path maintenance. She later became an area ranger, managing conservation grazing and livestock. 17:45 Countryside manager role: Josie now leads a team of nine across a 2 700‑acre estate. Countryside managers are responsible for day‑to‑day estate management and the strategic delivery of landscape‑scale conservationnationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=in,visitors%20have%20a%20great%20experience]. They oversee habitat restoration, monitor woodland safety, manage access, and engage visitors, whilst also ensuring conservation gains and public benefitnationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=in,visitors%20have%20a%20great%20experience]. 24:30 Nature recovery projects: Josie discusses current initiatives such as planting 100 000 trees, restoring wetlands, and creating ecological corridors. She highlights the complexity of balancing nature conservation with public access and working with multiple landowners and agencies. 31:45 Transferable skills: Josie emphasises planning, packing and risk‑assessment skills honed in the military. Leadership, confidence under pressure and outdoor resilience help her to manage a team and adapt to unexpected challenges. 35:00 Advice for aspiring countryside managers: She urges service‑leavers to “be necky”—reach out directly to local National Trust, Wildlife Trust or RSPB teams, seek volunteer placements and gain hands‑on experience. The National Trust’s entry‑level roles include apprentice ranger, assistant ranger and rangernationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=As%20you%20can%20imagine%2C%20this,their%20management%20and%20leadership%20skills]. 38:00 Qualifications & pay: While degrees in countryside management or environmental science are common, experience and volunteering can be equally valuable. Countryside managers earn roughly £22 k–£34 k, depending on responsibility and employer successatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Pay%20and%20opportunities]. Entry routes include degrees, higher apprenticeships and working up from lower‑level postssuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Entry%20routes%20and%20training]. Josie underscores that the work isn’t highly paid, but it offers deep personal fulfilment. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Josie served five years in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) before pursuing academic studies. She completed a psychology degree and a PhD but chose a more practical life, volunteering with the National Trust and then training as a ranger through its three‑year academy programme. Josie now manages the 2 700‑acre Arlington Estate in North Devon. Her work spans woodland management, conservation grazing, wetland restoration and tree‑planting projects. She leads a team of nine staff and numerous volunteers, delivering nature recovery initiatives and enhancing public access to the countryside. Her passion is creating landscapes where wildlife and people thrive. COUNTRYSIDE MANAGEMENT AT A GLANCE: 1. Responsibilities: Countryside managers develop, maintain and manage areas such as parks, nature reserves, woodlands and access networkssuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20are%20responsible%20for,and%20the%20public%20access%20network]. Tasks include conserving habitats, overseeing staff and volunteers, planning public access and managing budgets, grants and health and safetysuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20might%20have%20to,as%20reports%2C%20accounts%20and%20statistics]. The National Trust emphasises landscape‑scale conservation and visitor engagementnationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=in,visitors%20have%20a%20great%20experience]. 2. Entry routes: Many roles require a relevant degree or higher national diploma in land management or environmental sciencesuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Entry%20routes%20and%20training], but employers also recruit through higher apprenticeships or progression from ranger rolesnationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=As%20you%20can%20imagine%2C%20this,their%20management%20and%20leadership%20skills]successatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Entry%20routes%20and%20training]. Volunteer experience in conservation work is highly valuedsuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=I%20can%20be%20useful%20to,level%20positions]. 3. Salary & hours: Salaries typically range from £22 000 to £34 000successatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Pay%20and%20opportunities], with 39–41‑hour weeks and occasional early starts or weekend worksuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Pay%20and%20opportunities]. 4. Skills: Countryside managers need strong knowledge of rural and conservation issues, excellent management and communication skills, budgeting ability and confidence working with the publicsuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Personal%20qualities%20and%20skills]. RESOURCES & NEXT STEPS: 1. National Trust jobs portal – Explore countryside roles and apprenticeships: nationaltrustjobs.org.uk [https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside]. 2. Environmentjob.co.uk and Countryside Jobs Service – Listings for ranger and conservation postssuccessatschool.org [https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Jobs%20appear%20in%20online%20publications,Government%E2%80%99s%20Find%20a%20Job%20service]. 3. HighGround Rural Weeks – Intensive courses that introduce service‑leavers to land‑based careers, including ranger and conservation work. 4. Volunteering organisations – Contact local National Trust, Wildlife Trust or RSPB teams to gain hands‑on experience. Share this episode with fellow service‑leavers, reservists and nature enthusiasts, and find more resources at highground-uk.org [https://highground-uk.org].

Arborist: Jamie’s Journey into Self‑Employment in Trees

HighGround chats with Jamie, a former Royal Corps of Signals soldier who left the Army after 22 years and built a second career as an arborist. Unsure of his next steps, Jamie attended a HighGround Rural Week, which introduced him to the breadth of land‑based careers. He discovered arboriculture—an industry that encompasses tree planting, pruning, felling, habitat management and tree science. Training is essential: standard entry‑level qualifications include certificates in chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting, felling trees up to 380 mm and climbing and aerial rescuebali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Chainsaw%20Maintenance%20and%20Cross]. Tree surgeons typically start on salaries around £25 k and experienced arborists can earn £35 knationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=Average%20salary%20]. The work is physically demanding: arborists must be comfortable working at height and maintain fitness and concentrationnationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=,held%20device]. Chainsaws are dangerous tools—HSE reports that five deaths and many serious injuries have occurred in forestry and arboriculture from chainsaw contact; operators must be trained, competent and wear protective clothinghse.gov.uk [https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20are%20potentially%20dangerous%20machines,they%20are%20required%20to%20do]. Jamie explains how he built his own business, starting with any job he could find and gradually specialising in hedge‑laying, habitat work and providing traffic management for other tree teams. He highlights the importance of perseverance, networking and a willingness to invest in high‑quality equipment. Despite setbacks and injuries, Jamie loves working outdoors, values the adrenaline of climbing and felling, and enjoys seeing the immediate impact of his work—especially when reviving traditional skills like hedge‑laying, which creates living windbreaks and wildlife havens. EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Introduction: Tom & Jamie recap the podcast’s purpose – creating a library of land‑based career insights. They introduce Jamie, an ex‑Royal Signals soldier turned arborist. 03:00 Military background & Rural Week: Jamie explains his farming upbringing, service career and desire to work outdoors. He describes attending a HighGround Rural Week, which opened his eyes to arboriculture. 07:00 What is arboriculture? The hosts discuss the sector—from forestry and commercial tree work to planting and tree science. Jamie outlines the basic qualifications, including chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting, small and medium tree felling, tree climbing and aerial rescuebali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Chainsaw%20Maintenance%20and%20Cross]. 11:30 Training, risk & fitness: Jamie stresses that chainsaw work is dangerous: HSE notes five recent deaths and many serious injuries in forestry and arboriculturehse.gov.uk [https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20are%20potentially%20dangerous%20machines,they%20are%20required%20to%20do], so proper training and personal protective equipment are mandatoryhse.gov.uk [https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20have%20the%20potential%20to,type%20of%20work%20they%20undertake]. Arborists need to be physically fit, confident working at height and able to stay calmnationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=,held%20device]. 16:00 Finding work & gaining experience: Jamie explains how hard it can be to get work experience because companies are cautious about safety, but he encourages persistence. He initially did gardening and general ground‑work to gain skills before moving into tree work. 20:00 Starting a business: Jamie describes setting up his own company: starting with second‑hand equipment, reinvesting to buy better kit, and leveraging his military discipline—punctuality, equipment care and risk assessment—to build a reputation. He emphasises that arboriculture tools are costly; chainsaws, protective clothing and chippers can run to tens of thousands of pounds. 24:00 Diversification & hedgelaying: Jamie talks about adding services such as traffic management, hedge‑laying and tree inspection. Traditional hedge‑laying has ecological benefits; a well‑laid hedge forms a windbreak, is stock‑proof and provides habitat for numerous birds and insects (as explained by conservationistshse.gov.uk [https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20are%20potentially%20dangerous%20machines,they%20are%20required%20to%20do]). 28:30 Challenges & rewards: The team discuss injuries, financial pressures and the long hours needed to make a self‑employed business work. Jamie highlights the joy of working outdoors, the adrenaline of climbing and felling, and the satisfaction of running a tight-knit team. He advises service‑leavers to persevere, network, and be ready to start small and build up. 34:18 Final advice: Jamie encourages veterans to attend a Rural Week, explore the variety of land‑based careers and remember that self-employment requires hard work, honesty and a willingness to learn from mistakes. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Jamie, a former Royal Signals soldier from Cornwall, served 22 years in the British Army before retraining as an arborist. He completed a suite of chainsaw, felling and climbing qualifications and briefly considered utility arboriculture before deciding to build his own business. Since launching his company in 2017 he has diversified into hedge‑laying, habitat management, traffic management and training courses. Jamie returns to HighGround’s Rural Weeks as a tutor, offering service‑leavers practical insights and mentoring. ARBORICULTURE ESSENTIALS: 1. Training & qualifications: Entry‑level arborists usually start with a Level 2 Award in chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting and a Level 2 Award in felling trees up to 380 mmbali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Ground]. Additional certificates cover tree climbing and aerial rescuebali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Tree%20Climbing%20%26%20Aerial%20Rescue,ONLY], felling large trees and dealing with wind‑blown or uprooted treesbali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Advanced%20Ground]. Qualifications must be refreshed every five years and it’s the employer’s responsibility to ensure workers are competentbali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Any%20refresher%20training%20must%20be,we%20can%20validate%20the%20grade]. 2. Safety: Chainsaws are dangerous; inadequate training has led to fatalities and serious injurieshse.gov.uk [https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20are%20potentially%20dangerous%20machines,they%20are%20required%20to%20do]. Operators must be trained, competent, physically fit and wear chainsaw‑protective clothinghse.gov.uk [https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20have%20the%20potential%20to,type%20of%20work%20they%20undertake]. 3. Skills needed: Tree surgeons need physical fitness, coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to work at height and remain calmnationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=,held%20device]. 4. Typical salary: Tree surgeons in the UK earn roughly £25 k to £35 k per yearnationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=Average%20salary%20]. Salaries may increase with experience; self‑employed arborists’ earnings vary depending on workload and diversification. 5. Volunteering & apprenticeships: People interested in arboriculture can start as groundworkers and gain experience through training providers or volunteering with organisations such as The Tree Council, Forestry England and the Woodland Trustnationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=Work]. FURTHER READING & RESOURCES: 1. Arboricultural Association – professional body offering guidance, training and networking: trees.org.uk [https://www.trees.org.uk]. 2. Forestry Industry Safety Accord (FISA) – safety resources for working with chainsaws: ukfisa.com [https://www.ukfisa.com]. 3. BALI (British Association of Landscape Industries) – lists recognised arborist qualificationsbali.org.uk [https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Chainsaw%20Maintenance%20and%20Cross]. 4. National Careers Service – advice on becoming a tree surgeon, including salary and training optionsnationalcareers.service.gov.uk [https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=Average%20salary%20]. 5. HighGround – learn more about Rural Weeks and support programmes at highground‑uk.org [https://highground-uk.org].

Estate Management: Rob Honan on Leadership, Community & Opportunity

HighGround speaks with Rob Honan, a former Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters officer who now runs the 4 000‑acre Ascott Estate in Buckinghamshire. Rob describes his journey from the Army into estate management, explaining that many estates encompass a mix of arable and livestock farming, residential and commercial properties, sporting ventures and tourismedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20different%20types,For%20example]. Estate managers are responsible for planning and overseeing these activities; they direct staff, oversee agriculture, manage maintenance and budgets, liaise with government agencies (DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency) and work with specialists such as agronomists and vetsedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=A%20Manager%20%2FDirector%E2%80%99s%20other%20important,duties%20will%20include]. The role is hands‑on, requiring flexibility, problem‑solving and often living on siteedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20pro,the%20owners%20are%20away%20regularly]. Rob explains that there is no “normal day” and notes parallels with military leadership—the ability to adapt when “no plan survives contact” is critical. They discuss career routes, highlighting that while many estate managers hold formal qualifications in land management or farmingedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=Many%20of%20Eden%E2%80%99s%20candidates%20for,the%20Royal%20Agricultural%20College%2C%20Cirencester], experience and transferrable skills from the forces can be just as valuable. Salaries vary widely: Scottish estate managers start around £20 k and experienced managers on large estates can earn £50 k or moreplanitplus.net [https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/558/7#:~:text=Starting%20salaries%20for%20estate%20or,as%20part%20of%20your%20package]. Rob urges service‑leavers to network, seek work‑experience on estates and consider the broad range of rural roles, from maintenance and heritage gardening to forestry and property management. EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Introduction: Tom & Jamie explain how the podcast series offers an “evergreen” library of land‑based career insights. 02:05 Meet Rob Honan: Former infantry officer explains his move from the Army into estate management and the importance of using your network. 04:43 What is an estate? Rob outlines Ascott’s 4 000 acres of arable fields, residential properties, gardens, tourism (Ascott House & gardens attract ~50 000 visitors per year) and community relations. 06:36 Transferable skills: Adaptability, problem‑solving and people management learnt in the military are invaluable for managing diverse estate operations. 09:08 Roles & activities on an estate: Estates may include property portfolios, commercial shoots, farming, woodland, heritage gardens and tenanted farmsedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20different%20types,For%20example]. Estate managers oversee maintenance, agriculture, budgets, events, external bodies and specialist advisorsedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=A%20Manager%20%2FDirector%E2%80%99s%20other%20important,duties%20will%20include]. Rob explains how Ascott employs gardeners, farm contractors, rangers, maintenance staff and visitor‑service teams. 12:40 Challenges & rewards: Balancing profitability with conservation and community relations; climate change and ESG targets; maintaining viability while preserving heritage. Rob likens the role’s unpredictability to a military operation. 15:30 Qualifications & experience: Some estate managers study land management or farming at institutions such as Harper Adams or the Royal Agricultural Universityedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=Many%20of%20Eden%E2%80%99s%20candidates%20for,the%20Royal%20Agricultural%20College%2C%20Cirencester]. However, Rob stresses that service‑leavers can enter via assistant roles and gain experience on the job. 19:00 Salary & package: Starting salaries for estate managers in Scotland are around £20 k, rising to £25–35 k; experienced managers on large estates can earn £50 k or more and may receive rent‑free accommodationplanitplus.net [https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/558/7#:~:text=Starting%20salaries%20for%20estate%20or,as%20part%20of%20your%20package]. Pay varies by estate size and responsibilities. 22:40 Entry routes & advice: Rob recommends contacting rural recruitment firms (e.g., CAAV job board, Eden Private Staff), local CLA offices and individual estates. Volunteering during resettlement and inviting “coffee chats” can open doors. 26:30 HighGround’s impact: Rob praises HighGround’s Rural Weeks for showing service‑leavers the breadth of rural careers. He notes the estate sector needs more people and encourages employers to see the value of veterans’ discipline, adaptability and leadership. 30:20 Final reflections: The group discusses the sector’s resilience amid bad press, the need for advocacy around the Armed Forces Covenant, and how estates can benefit from the values and skills of ex‑service personnel. ABOUT ROB HONAN: Rob Honan commissioned into the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters in 2000 and served as an infantry officer until 2007. After leaving the Army he retrained as a chartered surveyor, gaining experience with commercial property firms before moving into rural estate management. As Estate Manager for the 4 000‑acre Ascott Estate, Rob oversees arable farming, residential and commercial properties, heritage gardens, tourism, conservation, film licences and more. He sits on HighGround’s Advisory Board and regularly speaks to service‑leavers, offering “coffee dates” and mentoring. Connect with Rob via LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-honan/] or learn more about Ascott Estate at ascottestate.co.uk [https://www.ascottestate.co.uk/]. KEY DUTIES OF AN ESTATE MANAGER: 1. Management & planning: Run the estate’s arable, livestock or mixed farming, plus shoots, woodland and tourismedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=Estate%20Manager%20%2F%20Director]. 2. Staff & contractors: Recruit, direct and coordinate estate staff, seasonal workers and contractorsedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=direct%20responsibility%20for%20the%20estate,aspects%20of%20accounting%20%26%20bookkeeping]. 3. Maintenance & improvements: Oversee upkeep of buildings, farmland, woodlands, drainage and roadsplanitplus.net [https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/558/7#:~:text=,or%20heritage%20estates%2C%20and%20other]; manage renovations and new developments. 4. Agricultural & environmental compliance: Liaise with DEFRA/RPA, apply for grants and subsidies and monitor conservation issuesedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=A%20Manager%20%2FDirector%E2%80%99s%20other%20important,duties%20will%20include]. 5. Property & business management: Manage tenancies and leases; collect rents; plan diversification projects such as holiday lets or eventsplanitplus.net [https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/558/7#:~:text=businesses%20such%20as%20forestry%20or,important%20paperwork%2C%20including%20farm%20tax]. 6. Financial management: Prepare budgets, oversee accounts, handle insurance and taxation, and ensure the estate is profitableedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=A%20Manager%20%2FDirector%E2%80%99s%20other%20important,duties%20will%20include]. USEFUL RESOURCES: 1. RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) – Professional body providing information on rural property and qualifications. 2. CAAV (Central Association of Agricultural Valuers) – Job board and professional network. 3. Harper Adams University & Royal Agricultural University – Institutions offering degrees and postgraduate courses in rural land and estate managementedenprivatestaff.com [https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=Many%20of%20Eden%E2%80%99s%20candidates%20for,the%20Royal%20Agricultural%20College%2C%20Cirencester]. 4. HighGround – Learn about Rural Weeks and support for service‑leavers at highground‑uk.org [https://highground-uk.org].

Deer Management: Adam Chant’s Journey from Signals Intelligence to the Devon Countryside

This episode of the HighGround podcast features Adam Chant, a former Royal Corps of Signals electronic‑warfare specialist who transitioned to a rural portfolio career centred on deer management. After 25 years in the Army, Adam was ready for a change and discovered HighGround via a segment on BBC’s Countryfile. He enrolled on one of the charity’s residential Rural Week courses at Bicton College, finding the broad overview of land‑based careers and local networking invaluable. Already passionate about venison as a sustainable, ethical food source, he pursued formal qualifications through the British Deer Society, passing the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2 before volunteering with Defence Deer Management. Adam explains that deer populations in the UK have quadrupled since the 1970s, rising from about 450,000 to over 2 millionwoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=Damage%20is%20found%20in%20woodlands,40]; unchecked browsing damages young trees and hampers woodland regenerationwoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=W%20oodland%20covers%20some%201%2C000,mammals%20and%20certain%20butterfly%20species]. Deer managers therefore play a vital role in balancing wildlife and land‑management objectives—conducting surveys, culling ethically, monitoring impacts and liaising with landowners. Adam discusses different routes into the profession (estate keeper, wildlife ranger, contractor) and revenue models (paid culls, venison sales, guided stalks), emphasising that most start as part of a portfolio career. He shares candid advice on financial planning, community engagement and the therapeutic benefits of working outdoors. For Adam, learning multiple skills from firefighting to renovating his house—provides flexibility and resilience. The episode closes with tips on building local trust, volunteering during resettlement and talking openly with family about the realities of rural living. EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Intro & series overview: Tom & Jamie recap the purpose of HighGround’s podcast series—creating an ever‑expanding library of land‑based career stories for service‑leavers and veterans. 02:05 Meet Adam Chant: A 25‑year veteran who served in electronic warfare and signals intelligence describes his background and reasons for leaving the Army to spend more time with his family. 03:58 Discovery of HighGround: Adam recalls seeing HighGround on Countryfile and later attending a Rural Week at Bicton College. He praises the course’s breadth—covering everything from tech innovations and conservation to small‑scale farming—and its value in building a local network. 06:44 Why deer management? Growing up in a family of chefs, Adam was drawn to venison as an ethical, low‑impact meat. His introduction came via the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 course run by former serviceman Ben Heathauer. 08:55 What is deer management? Adam explains that modern deer management is about more than shooting: it involves population surveys, habitat impact assessments and selective culling to protect woodland and biodiversity. Over‑browsing by deer prevents natural regeneration and damages young trees, threatening small mammals and butterflieswoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=W%20oodland%20covers%20some%201%2C000,mammals%20and%20certain%20butterfly%20species]. 10:39 Why control deer? He notes that Britain’s deer population has grown from about 450 000 in the 1970s to an estimated over 2 millionwoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=Damage%20is%20found%20in%20woodlands,40], leading to an “unfavourable” level of herbivore damage in 40 % of forestswoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=to%20be%20around%20450%2C000%20as,Apart%20from%20deer]. Without natural predators, deer have become a disease vector, a hazard to motorists and a barrier to woodland regeneration. 13:03 Career paths: Deer management can be part of estate gamekeeping, a ranger role with organisations such as Forestry England or a freelance/contractor service. Opportunities range from full‑time salaried posts to voluntary schemes (e.g., Defence Deer Management) and private agreements with local landowners. 17:49 Training & qualifications: Adam outlines the professional ladder: Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2; Deer Managers’ Qualification; and advanced courses through the British Deer Society (BDS). Experience gained through volunteering is essential. 19:58 Building a portfolio: To make deer management viable, many combine it with other roles—Adam is a reservist staff officer, a retained firefighter and a home renovator. He discusses different revenue streams: being paid per cull; charging for management plans and surveys; selling venison through authorised game dealers; or offering paid stalking/photography experiences. 24:28 Community & networking: Adam stresses the importance of integrating into your local area—joining village events, helping neighbours and building trust with farmers. Service‑leavers should volunteer during resettlement to gain experience and meet potential employers. 31:50 Mental health & nature: Working outdoors and contributing to ecosystem health has helped Adam’s mental wellbeing. Studies show spending time in nature can improve mood and reduce stresswebmd.com [https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-gardening-affects-mental-health#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Gardening%20for%20Mental,Health]. 33:59 Financial planning & family: A portfolio career requires honest conversations with loved ones and a buffer for the transition period. Adam advises service‑leavers to plan how they will cover mortgage and bills during the first 6–12 months. 38:02 Wrap‑up: Adam recommends the British Deer Society’s Field Guide to British Deer for beginners and credits HighGround for providing the initial guidance and network that made his new career possible. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Adam Chant served for 25 years in the Royal Corps of Signals, rising from soldier to commissioned officer in electronic warfare and signals intelligence. Deciding to prioritise family life, he left the Army in 2023 and undertook HighGround’s Rural Week at Bicton College. Adam completed the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2 and volunteered with Defence Deer Management, gaining extensive experience managing deer on MOD land. He now works as an independent deer manager in Devon, balancing this with roles as an Army Reservist staff officer and a retained firefighter. Adam is passionate about sustainable venison and uses a portfolio approach to support his family while living in the countryside. You can explore deer management resources and training at the British Deer Society (BDS) bds.org.uk [https://bds.org.uk/] and the Deer Initiative thedeerinitiative.co.uk [https://thedeerinitiative.co.uk/]. RESOURCES & LINKS: 1. Deer population & impact: Woodland blogs and government data suggest the UK deer population has grown from around 450 000 in the 1970s to over 2 million today, causing damage to young trees and limiting woodland regenerationwoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=Damage%20is%20found%20in%20woodlands,by%20the%20grey%20squirrel%20populations]. The National Forest Inventory reports that 40 % of British forests have unfavourable levels of herbivore damagewoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=to%20be%20around%20450%2C000%20as,Apart%20from%20deer]. Deer management organisations: 1. The Deer Initiative – Information and best‑practice guides for deer managers: thedeerinitiative.co.uk [https://thedeerinitiative.co.uk/]. 2. British Deer Society – Training courses (DSC 1 & DSC 2), deer‑management qualifications and membership: bds.org.uk [https://bds.org.uk/]. 3. Field Guide to British Deer – Pocket book recommended by Adam: available from the BDS shopwoodlands.co.uk [https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=W%20oodland%20covers%20some%201%2C000,mammals%20and%20certain%20butterfly%20species]. 4. Venison & sustainable food: Chef Mike Robinson advocates for wild venison and runs deer‑to‑plate experiences: mikerobinsonchef.com [https://mikerobinsonchef.com/]. 5. Mental health & nature: Spending time outdoors has been shown to improve mood, self‑esteem and concentration while reducing stresswebmd.com [https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-gardening-affects-mental-health#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Gardening%20for%20Mental,Health]. 6. HighGround – Offers virtual and residential Rural Weeks for service‑leavers, focusing on land‑based careers; find out more at highground‑uk.org [https://highground-uk.org]. CALL TO ACTION: If Adam’s story has sparked your interest, share this episode with friends or colleagues who might benefit. Consider attending a HighGround Rural Week to explore land‑based careers and connect with organisations like the British Deer Society. If you’re a land manager or employer, reach out to HighGround to learn how veterans’ skills—discipline, adaptability and community spirit—can support your conservation or rural‑business goals.

Entrepreneur: Rob Palmer and Biochar

In this episode, HighGround co‑hosts Tom Constable and Jamie Crisp explore entrepreneurial life in the land‑based sector through the story of Rob Palmer, a former RAF weapons‑systems engineer and Royal Engineer officer who now leads a biochar start‑up. Rob candidly recounts his meandering journey: after dropping out of university and joining the RAF, he saw his Nimrod fleet cancelled on the day of his final exam. He transferred to the Army via Sandhurst, serving in bomb disposal, airborne engineering and training roles before deciding to leave the forces. Rob initially pursued “safe” corporate roles but, through networking and never turning down a coffee, he met former colleagues who introduced him to carbon‑removal technologies. He joined the Future Forest Company (now Undo) as Director of Innovation, helping operationalise projects in afforestation, enhanced rock weathering and biochar. Inspired by the potential of biochar, a porous form of charcoal made via pyrolysis that locks carbon into soil and enhances water and nutrient retentionpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/]biochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2] Rob launched Tera Carbon. His company partners with a Kenyan group to convert sugar‑cane waste into biochar, improving degraded soils and sequestering carbon. Rob shares the realities of start‑up life: fundraising, hiring, financial risk and wearing multiple hats. Throughout, he emphasises the transferable skills that veterans bring-work ethic, adaptability, leadership and a willingness to learn and urges service‑leavers to build networks, test their assumptions and be open to unexpected opportunities. EPISODE CHAPTERS & KEY MOMENTS: 00:00 Introduction: Tom & Jamie explain that this episode focuses on entrepreneurialism in the land‑based sector. 02:42 Meet Rob Palmer: A “university dropout” turned RAF weapons‑systems engineer who then served as a bomb‑search commander and parachute engineer officer in the Army. 04:52 Career crossroads: Nimrod cancellation leaves Rob in limbo; a CO encourages him to find purpose, leading him to commission into the Royal Engineers. 07:02 Transition decisions: Facing parenthood and a desire for stability, Rob explores corporate graduate schemes but remains unsure of his direction. 08:55 The power of networking: Rob describes his “never say no to coffee” rule, which ultimately leads to a pivotal introduction to the Future Forest Company via his CO. 10:41 Carbon‑removal technologies: Rob discusses early work at the Future Forest Company/Undo, operationalising science projects in afforestation, enhanced rock weathering and biochar. 12:35 Biochar & pyrolysis explained: Biochar is produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis), producing a stable, porous form of charcoalpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/]. When added to soil it improves pH, structure and water‑holding capacitypmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/]. Its physical and chemical nature allows it to attract and hold moisture and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorusbiochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2], providing a habitat for microbes and reducing greenhouse gas emissionsbiochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2]. 14:17 Why Africa? Rob explains that Kenyan sugar‑cane farms suffer from severe soil acidity and nutrient leaching. Converting waste cane into biochar not only sequesters carbon but also buffers soil pH and increases yields, boosting local livelihoods. 16:26 Starting Tera Carbon: Rob describes founding Tera Carbon under the Tamu Group in Kenya, negotiating seed funding and accepting a lower salary in return for equity and impact. 18:18 Day‑to‑day as a founder: From writing pitch decks and financial models to visiting Kenyan farms and dealing with everything from fundraising to operations, Rob wears all the hats of CEO, CFO and COO. 20:40 Skills veterans bring: Rob highlights that service‑leavers excel at problem‑solving, adapting to change and learning new skills quickly. He credits his work ethic and ability to “just get on with it” for his success in the start‑up world. 22:37 Financial realities: Rob acknowledges the need for humility—accepting a lower initial salary and title—and stresses the importance of budgeting, especially if you have dependants or mortgages. 24:32 Fundraising & hiring challenges: Rob discusses different funding routes (equity, debt) and admits that hiring and firing are the toughest parts of leadership. 26:53 Advice to service‑leavers: Learn the language of business, build foundational financial skills and translate your military experience into commercial terms. Rob recommends mini-MBAs and continued education to build confidence. 32:55 The power of planning & coffee: Rob advises veterans to explore roles through shadowing and networking before they leave, creating opportunities that might otherwise be missed. 39:05 Final reflections: Tom and Jamie reflect on the inspirational nature of Rob’s journey and note that entrepreneurial paths are varied—some require deep research, others rely on gut instinct and passion. ABOUT OUR GUEST: Rob Palmer is a former RAF weapons‑systems engineer and Royal Engineer troop commander who now champions sustainable carbon‑removal technologies. After Nimrod’s cancellation, he transferred to the Royal Engineers, commanding bomb‑search units and serving with 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment. Post‑service, Rob joined the Future Forest Company (Undo) as Director of Innovation, helping operationalise science projects in biochar and enhanced rock weathering. Inspired to create his own impact, he co‑founded Tera Carbon under Kenya’s Tamu Group, converting sugar‑cane waste into biochar. Biochar’s porous structure makes it ideal for retaining moisture and nutrients, improving soil health and acting as a long‑term carbon sink pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/]biochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2]. By improving yields and sequestering carbon, Tera Carbon aims to support both climate mitigation and rural livelihoods. Connect with Rob on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-palmer/] and learn more about his work at teracarbon.earth [https://www.teracarbon.earth/] and The Future Forest Company [https://thefutureforestcompany.com/]. RESOURCES & LINKS: 1. What is biochar? – Biochar is produced by pyrolysis, heating plant biomass in an oxygen‑limited environment. The resulting charcoal‑like material has a network of pores that makes it a stable carbon sinkpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/]. 2. Biochar’s benefits – Biochar’s physical and chemical structure allows it to attract and hold moisture and nutrientsbiochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2]. Its large surface area and porous architecture provide habitat for microbes, enhancing nutrient uptakebiochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=,in%C2%A0terra%20preta%27s%C2%A0ability%20to%20regenerate%20itself]. It also reduces soil acidity and persists in soil for centuriesbiochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Persistency%20in%20Soil%E2%80%94%C2%A0It%20is%20undisputed,amendments%20and%20resists%20chemical%20and]. 3. Soil health & carbon sequestration – Scientific reviews note that biochar improves soil pH, cation exchange capacity, pore size distribution, bulk density and water‑holding capacitypmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov [https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/], while reducing nutrient leaching and greenhouse‑gas emissionsbiochar-us.org [https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2]. 4. Continuous learning – Veterans considering entrepreneurship can boost their business skills through short courses or mini‑MBAs. Understanding basic finance, business planning and digital skills helps translate military experience into commercial success. 5. HighGround’s support – Explore HighGround’s virtual and residential Rural Weeks for guidance on land‑based careers and to connect with employers across agriculture, horticulture, forestry, conservation and agri‑tech. Learn more at highground‑uk.org [https://highground-uk.org]. CALL TO ACTION If Rob’s story resonates with you, share this episode with fellow service‑leavers, reservists or anyone curious about sustainability and entrepreneurship. Consider attending a HighGround Rural Week to gain hands‑on experience and network with employers. Whether you dream of founding a start‑up or joining an innovative firm, the land‑based sector offers opportunities that blend purpose, profit and environmental stewardship.