Office Culture vs Horticulture: why some of Westonbirt's staff love doing what they do!
On this, ‘Blue Monday’, the day that’s supposed to be the most depressing of the year, the Forestry Commission's National Arboretum at Westonbirt is supporting the RHS campaign ‘Office culture versus horticulture’ to show how careers working outdoors can make you happy!
So why did some of Westonbirt’s staff choose a ‘green’ career?
Gina Mills, Marketing Officer:
“The appeal of working in marketing somewhere like Westonbirt is two-fold, really. Firstly, the idea of 'marketing trees' and engaging new audiences with Westonbirt to enable more people to enjoy the outdoors and learn, often in a very informal way, about plants is something that really interested me.
“Secondly, there are amazing opportunities for personal development offered by working in a garden or arboretum - I am always learning more about trees and plants from my colleagues, who are incredibly knowledgeable. Not to mention the well-being benefits of having access to this unique landscape every day of my working week. It's a great balance between the office and the outdoors and I find it difficult to imagine working outside of this sector now!”
Simon Toomer, Arboretum Director:
“For me initially it was the love of being outdoors in beautiful places. Then it was the appeal of doing a physically demanding job and the satisfaction of developing skills that at first seemed very difficult.
“Over the years I have gained enormous satisfaction from jobs well done -whether it was a planted tree or a well-thinned woodland. Working with trees and garden management, there is the added dimension of having a long lasting impact with your successes!”
Andy Bryce, Arborist:
“The physical aspect of working outdoors is both enjoyable and rewarding. I’ve worked outdoors for eight years and haven’t looked back. Having a green skill gives me the chance to travel and learn about trees and plants from all around the world.
“I feel healthy and I have much less ironing to do than when I worked in an office!”
Tom Dewey, Arborist:
“I prefer experiencing real life outdoors, rather than through a window. It’s a lifestyle choice that makes me look forward to Mondays! I also take a lot of satisfaction from knowing that I am contributing to a beautiful place that other people can enjoy.
“I think it’s never too late to change your job. There are lots of grants and student positions (often all over the world) to apply for and they’ll give you many opportunities to experience trees, plants and life in different locations.”
Paul Cody, Head of Visitor Attraction:
“As a small child I was fascinated by how things grew. Putting a nasturtium seed in a pot and watching and waiting for it to grow was one of the highlights of my early years. As I grew older I became intrigued how massive trees grew from such tiny seeds. This led my enquiring mind to forestry and a life long passion for trees and gardening.”
