29-year-old Tim Buchan from Forfar in Angus has always had a love of the outdoors, but his initial career took him in a different direction. He studied international hospitality management then did a master’s degree in digital marketing, before going on to work in retail and hospitality for several years.
As someone who was brought up in the country with strong family connections in agriculture, Tim felt he was in the wrong place, but opportunity soon came knocking. It started when he found out about a trainee post being available with Trees for Life, part of Scotland’s Skills for Rewilding Project. Supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, this initiative aims to develop rural skills within the community and re-establish wild areas and natural habitats across Scotland.
Tim said: “When I saw the advert, I knew this was what I was looking for. Trees for Life were offering a role as a nursery trainee at their flagship rewilding estate at Dundreggan near Fort Augustus, and after a 12-month course I would graduate with an SVQ 2 in horticulture. I applied immediately and was delighted to get accepted.”
While working at Trees for Life, Tim built up his skills in commercial horticulture, tree propagation and planting. Trees for Life is working to rewild the Scottish Highlands and restore the Caledonian Forest. Although it once covered a large area of the Highlands with Scots pine, birch, rowan, juniper and aspen trees, it is now just 2% of its former size. Through planting native tree species, removing non-native species and fencing seedlings, Trees for Life aims to help the natural regeneration of the forest. Tim became involved in all aspects of propagation at the nursery, from seed collecting, preparation, storage, germination and growing through to planting in the wild.
Tim said: “I felt what we were doing was really significant – we were helping to grow and develop the species that are needed in our wild areas. It was very satisfying and my time at Trees for Life really helped spark my passion for plant propagation and husbandry.”
As his training with Trees for Life came to an end and Tim was searching for a new position, he was delighted to see an advert for The National Trust for Scotland’s School of Heritage Gardening at Threave Garden, Dumfries & Galloway.
Although Threave specialises in ornamental gardening, which is a world away from the commercial work Tim had been doing, his passion for gardening meant this was a perfect opportunity and he applied to join the 12-month course.
Tim said: “I was really happy when I got onto the Threave course. They have a great set up with glass houses, a walled garden and grounds, so you can pick up a broad range of horticulture skills over a short period of time. I ended up with a level 2 and 3 qualification from the Royal Horticultural Society, which covers plant propagation across three climate zones in the glass houses, working in the walled garden on fruit and vegetable production and in the greater grounds where there’s lots of pruning, planting out and establishing new beds. There was some theory about things like plant identification, but much of it was out doing the work, keeping diaries, writing up reports and working in the various areas of the Threave estate. It has been a great experience and really set me up for life.”
While doing his studies at Threave, the Covid-19 pandemic hit, which presented many challenges to him and his fellow students. Tim explains:
“When the lockdown started back in March 2020, we had to cut our team by half, so we were looking after the garden with a skeleton team. Luckily, all the students were living together on site, so technically we were in a bubble and didn’t need to socially distance. Lockdown was a time to keep the garden ticking over rather than starting any significant projects that demand manpower. It was a tough time for Threave financially because they could no longer promote the garden at local shows.
Our training was also impacted because some of the instructors had to self-isolate, but in some ways we learnt more because we had to get on with things ourselves. We were given more responsibility sooner and this gave us confidence and self-belief. So, despite the challenges, it wasn’t all bad.”
With a couple of years now under his belt, Tim has some sound advice for budding horticulturalists.
He said: “I think the crucial thing is a willingness to learn and having a genuine enthusiasm in what you do. A love of working outdoors is important and you shouldn’t be afraid to take the first step. Doing something new or different is always tough, but once you start, its much easier. Finally, I’d say having some volunteering experience before you apply is really helpful. It shows your interest and willingness to gain unpaid experience.”
Tim doesn’t have any firm plans for the future yet, except to continue to build upon his growing experience.
He said: “I have so much to learn and I’m really happy with my role at Threave, which is a great place to learn your trade. I will hopefully go on and get some tickets in chainsaw operation, tractor driving, spraying, health and safety and other areas, as well as build my experience in all areas of plant propagation, which is my passion. As far as the future is concerned, I have a real admiration for the work that The National Trust for Scotland do. They have a big impact on the management of many of our public gardens and outdoor spaces and offer many specialist course in plant management, so maybe that’s something to consider. For now, I’m happy to keep working away and growing my interest and skills in all areas of horticulture.”
