Like many, Lorna is worried about the environment, and sees the work she, and her colleagues on the Higher Level Stewardship Team based in the New Forest, as part of the solution.
Lorna works restoring natural habitats and naturally functioning ecosystems. “A big part of my focus is managing the delivery of wetland restoration projects which I see as a vital part of helping towards net zero. Wetland habitats like bogs, mires, ponds, and streams play a huge role in carbon sequestration.
“These habitats are home to peat forming sphagnum mosses which, as they decay, do not release carbon back into the atmosphere like dryland plants, but have an infinite ability to lock up carbon dioxide, nitrogen and methane and hold them prisoners as long as left undisturbed. Peat holds one third of earth's organic carbon.”
Lorna points out that habitats like these have been damaged over the years by artificial drainage and the straightening of channels, causing the wetlands to dry out and release methane and CO2 into the atmosphere, and restoring them is vital.
While Lorna is positive about the work many working in forestry are doing,
she feels more should be done at the top.
“I believe the government is not doing nearly enough. Rishi Sunak has pushed back net zero goals, granted hundreds of new oil and gas licences, and skipped climate meetings rather than securing new renewable solutions or creating stronger climate policies.
“As Forestry England is part of the civil service, and with the state of the current financial situation with the government reducing our unrestricted funding, it seems unrealistic to request the creation of new jobs with all the cuts that are currently happening. We need more funding and investment from the government to help reach Net Zero, but this is not what is currently happening.”
When not out in the countryside Lorna is kept very busy as a Unite rep covering case work, national pay negotiations, local staff forums, district staff council meetings and national staff council meetings, as well as other union responsibilities. As one of the few Unite reps currently in Forestry England she is also keen to recruit more reps to get involved in supporting members –
11 uniteLANDWORKER Spring 2024
something that can be incredibly rewarding.
If the forestry sector does grow in the way that the CCC report suggests is possible than there is the potential for not only thousands of new jobs, but also thousands of new members – members who will not only be working and developing skills in a rewarding job but will also be making a real difference to the environment we all rely on.
Lorna summed up her feelings on the future. “Like many, I’m concerned about the state of the current climate. 2023 was the hottest year on record. Our government needs to be taking emergency action and bringing in robust climate policies to prevent climate breakdown and existential risk.”
“I hope we are able to act before it’s too late.”
WORK FOR FORESTRY
ENGLAND? To join Unite or to get more involved please contact
mila.fernandes@unitetheunion.org
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