Modern-day ‘Lumberjills’ are being sought to celebrate women in forestry.

The Forestry Commission, Forestry England and Forest Research are calling for the public to submit photos of women working in the sector to create a ‘People’s Picture’.
The images will go on display at the forthcoming Women in Forestry, The Lumberjills Story exhibition at Grizedale Forest this May.
People’s Picture aims to illustrate the connection today’s women have with forests and woodlands by inviting them to submit photos showing themselves at work.
Women who don’t work in forestry are also being asked to submit photos of themselves in a favourite forest spot or woodland space.

The exhibition will also celebrate the contribution of the Second World War Lumberjills: a group of women who played a vital role in maintaining the supply of timber during the Second World War. People who have pictures of working Lumberjills from then are also invited to submit their pictures.
A spokesman for the scheme said: “Women have long played a role in modern forestry but are underrepresented. As tree planting across the country increases, so does the demand for a larger skilled domestic forestry sector to deliver government tree planting and net zero ambitions.
“There are a wide range of careers in forestry available for women from all backgrounds, from being a forester, ecologist, or tree surgeon, to working in conservation to scientific research. There are also lots of exciting wider roles linked to our nation’s forests, from business planning and management to leisure and tourism.”
Forestry Commission director of forest services, Anna Brown, said: “Women are a key part of the forestry workforce and I have been lucky enough to have had a varied and exciting career in the industry.
“I encourage anyone interested in a career in forestry to take advantage of the options available today and help expand, protect, improve and connect our forests, woods and trees.
“From the Development Woodland Officer Programme to the Forestry Training Fund, the Forestry Commission hosts accessible and valuable resources to help people build and diversify their skills in forestry, offering training in essential skills.”
To take part in People’s Picture, submit a photograph by Friday, March 31, via thepeoplespicture.com/forestry-england.