Forest Rising

Name: Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest
Price range: $

Welcome to Forest Rising! Forest Rising is a scheme for the next generation of leaders, that harnesses youth power and puts young people at the heart of the Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest Project. This scheme is youth led – for young people by young people. It has been co designed by the youth forum, giving young people an opportunity to work alongside the PSDCF project and be part of growing the Community Forest across South Devon.

This page is managed by the Forest Rising Youth Forum Communications representative.

Our Values

Revolutionary

We aim to create radical change across the city by planting trees and empowering young people. Forest Rising wants to make a difference in Plymouth and beyond!

Committed

We are committed to progress that creates a legacy. We want to leave behind a better world and cultivate a culture that loves nature, fostering a relationship of trust and connection between people and the environment.

Compassionate

We have compassion for communities and nature, including these in our decision making. We aim to empower others through knowledge sharing, education and action.

Plymouth and South Devon Community Forest Forest Rising at New Barton Farm 9866 3

Winter Forest Rising program

This program consists of a series of winter workshops for 16 – 28 year olds. It is a program introducing young people to Community Forest’s, woodland creation and trees. These programs are co-designed by previous cohorts who play a mentoring role, running from November – March every year. Workshops include seed harvesting, tree planting, tree scheme designing, woodland ecology and tree identification.

Join the waiting list

Community Forest Tree Transformation Day 299 2

Forest Rising Network

Forest Rising is a network of young people who participate in events and training opportunities throughout the year. You can join the Forest Rising network as an alumni once you complete the winter program. Some events and training opportunities include foraging, planting trees, collecting seeds, appreciative enquiry and tree after care. The training and events are advised by the Forest Rising Youth Forum.

Forest Rising Youth Forum

The Forest Rising Youth Forum was formed by previous winter cohorts who believed in an opportunity to empower young people and continue their legacy from their winter placement. The Youth Forum now meets monthly to represent the wider network and works alongside the PSDCF team to deliver its aims and make decisions.

Zahra Metwaly

Youth Forum member, Social Media and Marketing representative

Being part of Forest Rising is Great Fun! Interacting with like minded people in nature is so good for my mental, physical and spiritual self. It is the best part of my week! Forest Rising has opened my world view and given me memories forever! It really has inspired me. The forum is creating a programme by young people for young people. We want to inspire other young people to get involved in the community forest and nature in the city.
Harriet Harrison

Youth Forum member

I like planting trees even though it can be cold and raining, there is always high morale. It has been nice to meet like minded people. I am looking forward to working on leadership, teaching others and creating good ways to communicate about community forests with younger people on the youth forum. I've loved the eagerness for fun nature events and opportunities. As well as the open mindedness when it comes to bad weather. I've gained reassurance in a career in the green sector.
Bailey Tasker

Youth Forum member, Policy and Strategy lead

Forest Rising is fun, it allows me to be part of a good community of people that I have learnt so much from. Gives me an opportunity to be part of environmental work as well as providing me the skills I need to pursue my personal goals. I'm very involved in the decisions that are made so I am made aware and allowed to pick a lot of what we are doing. I would love to go into policy or education so I can have a greater impact on achieving sustainability goals.
Jeff Lamb

Youth Network member

There is a big drive to put trees in the ground and being part of Forest Rising meant I could be part of the action and gives an insight into the wider benefits of trees/ green spaces. This placement, integral to my master’s degree in environmental consultancy and my dissertation on Dartmoor’s Rainforests, has not only advanced my technical skills but also opened further career opportunities as I am now pursing roles in GIS. Overall, Forest Rising has been instrumental in shaping my professional journey and personal growth.
Tarin Chance

Youth Forum member, Co chair person

It has helped me by developing more of a passion for nature. Taking different types of volunteering from marine ranger to co lead on the PSDCF Youth Forum. Learning new skills I didn't think I could learn due to being in a tech role. My experience with PSDCF has been eye opening. There are so many different options and experiences to gain knowledge in and widen connections within the industry. It has increased my passion for nature, positively pushing me in a direction with values that align with what I want to do in the future. I have a job with the Poole Farm team now!
Fraser Campbell

Youth Forum, Communications representative

Forest Rising is empowering, educational and makes me feel like I can really make a difference. I am excited to exercise my writing skills again as the comms rep on the Youth Forum. I've made new friends and connections and given me new skills. I always knew there must be people/ teams who make decision about what happens with green spaces and woodlands, but having an insight into actual processes has made me understand the reality of the job in a fascinating way.
Heidi Barron

Youth Network member

I believe that the scheme has provided an excellent opportunity for young people in Plymouth to explore their connections with nature. It has given people the time and space to think and reflect and strengthen those connections. All in all, I just really love and care about nature. I want to ensure everyone has this opportunity if they want to too. The current disconnect from nature in the UK shocking and if more people care about the natural world then we are more likely to be able to successfully co-habit with it helping both people and nature thrive. I want to focus on this in the Youth Forum.
Cindy Pino

Youth Forum member, Co Chair person

My favourite part of Forest Rising is being part of a community of like minded people, feeling supported and empowered with tools and resources to create and inspire change. I have a wider support network and I understand more about how the green industry works and the skills I need. Being a Forest Riser gave me the confidence to apply for grants to develop my own educational project, while allowing me to make valuable connections that will help me in my career .
Maria Nore

Youth Forum member

Forest Rising is fun, informative and inclusive. I have enjoyed visiting Permaculture community woodlands and seeing local examples of a sustainable forestry and eco burials. Meeting new people and being part of something important is my favourite part of being on the youth forum.
Lana Mitchell

Youth Network member

It's relieving to be part of a group of young people who all share the same interest in the environment. It helps widen my knowledge and understanding of different aspects of the environment. I'm new to Forest Rising but it is helping with my understanding and experience, making me more aware of the issues and solutions regarding the environment.
Anna Baldock

Youth Forum member

Forest Rising provides a platform for young people to have their voices heard and can help influence change at a local level. It's given me a sense of belonging and I am in a group of like minded people who are working together. It has helped to develop my knowledge of the green industry and given me a relevant experience an knowledge for jobs as well as developing soft skills. I have gotten a job at Plymouth City Council in the green sector. I have a brilliant time learning new skills including urban tree design and developing my experience in the green sector.
Toby Palmer

Youth Network member

I am currently studying for my A Levels in Environmental Science, Geography and History and wanted to gain experience outside of the classroom. Forest Rising has taught me many new ideas this year. I have become more open-minded about the environment and how the future is going to be really important.
William Staddon

Youth Network member

I thoroughly enjoyed the eco therapy session and think it would be beneficial to lots of different people to see how nature can benefit our wellbeing.