Rooted: A conversation with Tom Haynes, Forestry Consultant at TreeStory
When Tom joined TreeStory in March, he and his wife left North Wales behind and headed for the Scottish Highlands. It was a big shift, but one that felt right. After more than ten years in forestry, Tom was seeking a role within an organisation that not only planted trees and delivered productive woodlands, but also paid attention to how the work touches communities and landscapes.
“I was a bit disenchanted with the usual state of the forest industry. I wanted to work with people who were doing things differently.”
Tom started his career on the practical side of forestry, doing chainsaw work, tree planting and contracting before earning a forestry degree and moving into management and consultancy. Those early roles taught him the realities of practical forestry work and gave him a solid understanding of what is involved on the ground.
At TreeStory, he has found a way of working that feels more balanced. “What stands out here is how much time is spent listening,” he says. “Stakeholder engagement isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into everything. We talk to groups who don’t always agree with what we’re doing, because those conversations are important. They help shape better projects.”
For Tom, Glen Torridon stands out as an area that he has worked in so far. It is a landscape he describes as dramatic, wild and deeply loved by those who visit it. The team is supporting several estates there to explore how woodland can return to the glen in a way that fits the wider picture of land use and habitat restoration. “We are at the forefront of restoring trees to these unique landscapes,” he says. “It is a challenge, but that is what makes it rewarding.”
Connection runs through every part of TreeStory’s work, from project planning to the way the team builds relationships. “We work closely with community trusts and use tools like FSC’s Verified Impact to strengthen the link between local people and their woodlands,” Tom explains. “It’s about making sure communities feel part of the story.”
When asked what connection means to him, he says, “It’s about being attuned to people, to land and to new ideas. Forestry can sometimes lose that. Here at TreeStory, it’s at the centre of what we do.”
That focus on connection is what makes the work meaningful. It reminds him that TreeStory is not only about growing trees, but also about growing relationships and finding purpose in the places where people and nature meet.
If you are a forester who feels inspired by this kind of work, we are always keen to meet people who want to be part of it. Or if you would just like to learn more about what we do, get in touch. We would love to hear from you.
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We’re looking for talented individuals who keep our work moving forward on the ground and behind the scenes.
