In our new feature, we're introducing you to some of our wonderful team as they answer five questions about their role at Forestry England.
Today we're taking five with Dr Emma Stockley, Historic Environment Advisor, who provides specialist archaeological and heritage advice to support our Woodland Creation and Wild Areas programmes.
What’s something about your day-to-day work that would surprise people?
"People might be surprised by the timelines I work with every day. When we buy land to create new woodlands, I need to understand how that landscape has been used throughout the human past so we can protect any archaeology that might be present.
That can range from a Second World War gun emplacement to scatters of worked stone tools left by small groups of hunter‑gatherers thousands of years ago."
Can you describe a moment that made you think: ‘This is exactly why I do this’?
"I think that quite often! I’ve always wanted to be an archaeologist, and whenever I’m out in the field exploring the incredible archaeological sites preserved within our forests, I’m reminded why I do this job.
I feel the same when we buy new land for woodland creation that contains particularly important archaeology. Knowing those sites will now be protected and cared for within our woodlands is a great feeling."
How would you describe the work Forestry England do in three words?
"Challenging."
"Fast-paced."
"Research-led care"
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into the environmental sector?
"Don’t be afraid of interdisciplinary work. Some of the most rewarding roles sit at the boundaries between subjects, whether that’s ecology, archaeology, forestry or climate science.
Be curious and build a broad skill set. Managing the landscape means considering all its elements, including the historic environment, which can deliver real benefits for biodiversity."
To finish off, can you let us know your favourite tree and why?
"It has to be hazel. My PhD research focused on hunter‑gatherers who moved into Britain as the ice sheets retreated around 10,000 years ago.
Once hazel became established, its nuts were an important food source, and we often find charred hazelnuts preserved in Mesolithic pits and hearths. They’re high in calories and can be roasted and ground into a flour that keeps for a long time – a perfect food for mobile hunter‑gatherers. "
Help us grow the future
If you enjoyed learning about Emma's role, discover how you can help us grow the future by joining our team.
From foresters to finance managers, our team are responsible for pioneering change within the timber, forestry, leisure and wellbeing sectors. We plan forests, plant climate resilient species and protect these spaces for wildlife and people every day.
Become a part of our story today as we write the next chapter for the environmental sector.
