Cecily Withall is the first female Climbing Arborist employed at Kew Gardens since the eighties and is passionate about paving the way for other women in horticulture .
Having trained at The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and form her way from an prentice at Kew to her current use , she has already made a rattling shock in such a short time .
I utter to Cecily about her rearing in Scotland , her journeying into horticulture and her plans to urge for career in the industry .
Where Did Your Interest In Trees Begin?
“ I grew up in Scotland , just outside of Edinburgh , ” Cecily set about .
“ My dad was a Forester and , as child , we were exceedingly piercing to see what he was up to , which definitely sparked something in me .
“ I left schooling and did n’t really have any passionateness or know what I was going to do . I worked in Edinburgh as a waitress for a distich of years and acquire to a pointedness where I wanted to find my own path .
“ I began working on farm abroad and I loved being alfresco . My grandparents had a farm when we were really unseasoned , so it felt like a totally normal matter for me to do . I then came back to Scotland and offer at a local garden that pass on raft of noesis to me .
“ All of this experience led me to a Diploma at the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh , which is where I line up my passion for trees . ”
Can You Tell Us More About Your Experiences At The Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh?
“ I did a two - year Diploma at Edinburgh which was botanical - based and was sodding for me – I got to learn everything from the bottom up since I did n’t have much previous experience .
“ Through that , I did a placement with their Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree team , and it was during that prison term that I could see myself specialising in that . I discover that tree cut was n’t just about slashing and making money out of timber .
“ I was press towards Kew because of their squad mount , so I go on locating there for a couple of months and absolutely loved it – I was climb on my first daytime ! I be intimate it so much that when I came back to Edinburgh , I begged to go back .
“ As I was nearing the end of my two years at Edinburgh , I was initially planning on staying on for further study , but I was tell that Kew had an apprenticeship that they require me to apply for . I make that that was my chance and I applied , have the place and move to London .
“ I did two years of that apprenticeship and obtain flock of qualifications through an international board , which was amazing . At the end of my metre there , a job came up in the unit , so I applied and get it , and I ’ve been there ever since ! I fuck it . ”
Could You Tell Us About A Particularly Rewarding Experience You’ve Had While Working At Kew?
“ Every mean solar day is different , which is the most unbelievable part about it , ” tell Cecily . “ No day is just climb up and cutting , there are so many departments across Kew that we go with too .
“ The collections that we have at Kew are really of import and we have to learn to protect it , so those part are really invigorate because they instil that you are doing something important .
“ I also love being part of amazing projects with Kew , such as the log track for kidskin . For my unseasoned niece and nephew to get and claver the garden and be a part of the work I have done – it ’s really awesome . ”
How Does The Changing Seasons Affect Your Work And Do You Have A Favourite Season To Work In?
“ We influence all year , but my favourite season is do into outflow when everything starts appearing again from the beat or this time of year [ fall ] when all the color appears , ” she partake in .
“ grow up in Scotland means that high temperature is not my best friend , so this temperature is perfect for me ! The colours here are mad when it bring into the fall .
“ Obviously , we are climbing unlike Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree throughout the twelvemonth , so get a line them go through that change is what makes my job so interesting . ”
Can You Share Any Projects You’re Currently Working On Or Looking Forward To?
“ The next key date for the team is Christmas , so at the second we are looking at the trail to see what tree need to be lifted .
“ We ’ll also help to put up the lights at Christmas . We are quite a humble team for 12,000 Tree , so it does take some preparation ! ”
Lastly, What Are Your Goals For The Future?
“ I ’m the first female arborist crampon at Kew since 1980 , ” explains Cecily .
“ We ’ve had lots of students , but it ’s only been me employed as an actual climber .
“ Last year , I was involved inWomen in Arboriculture Daywhich was run by the Arboriculture Association . In the future , I require to keep on joining these groups to advocate for char within the diligence .
“ I have been lucky to be involve with world who were really keen to portion out all of their knowledge with me during my vocation , but other woman have not been so lucky . In the future , I want to be a part of these group and advocate for it as a role in general , not just for woman .
“ Through Kew , the relationship I ’ve made with others in the industriousness are really inspiring and have allowed me to create a route for myself . I ’ve been so lucky and just want to partake my own knowledge decease forward . ”
