From the prefabricated housing estate to the forest peak: A Saxon conquers London!

From the prefabricated housing estate to the forest peak: A Saxon conquers London!

Corazón Pfarre dared: from a prefabricated building in Dresden-Klotzsche to the forests of England. The now 35-year-old is now head forester in London and has carved out her own place in the British forestry industry. Growing up on the sixth floor of a high-rise building, she knew early on that she wanted to pursue a career in nature - a dream that she realized with a lot of hard work and commitment.

Every morning she gets up at five o'clock, often accompanied by thick clouds of fog over the forests of Sussex and Kent. Her work is varied: with numerous reforestation projects, game counts and customer visits, she is constantly on the road for work and covers an incredible 50,000 kilometers every year. It is not uncommon for their working days to last up to 16 hours, including office work in the evening.

A life for nature

However, the path to this position was paved with a lot of effort. Corazón visited the TU Dresden, which, with its forestry training center in Tharandt, is one of the oldest institutions of its kind in the world. Heinrich Cotta began training as a forester there as early as 1811. The Forestry Department, part of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences, has been established to this day and offers individual support to students in a pleasant atmosphere. Corazón quickly understood that this course was the foundation for her career in forestry.

With a clear focus on biodiversity and practical applications in natural science, she studied there and completed her master's thesis on the effects of red deer on young trees. A formative excursion through Eastern Europe, including Venice, was particularly inspiring for her. Through her interest in biodiversity and sustainable forest management, she eventually found her place in the UK.

Achievements and awards

Parish recently received the Tom A Bruce-Jones Memorial Award as a Future Leader of British Forestry in Edinburgh, an award that recognizes her remarkable achievements. Through her involvement in forestry and her work as an alumni ambassador at TU Dresden, where she organizes study trips and answers questions, she shows how important it is to pay attention to nature and its protection.

In her daily work at Maydencroft she leads a dedicated team, advises forest owners and teaches at the Green Skills Academy. She also develops projects that aim to protect biodiversity. Whether in timber harvesting or reforestation – Corazón has a good knack for the various aspects of forestry. Her studies have prepared her not only for a variety of challenges, but also for the crucial role that forests play in the context of climate change, biodiversity conservation and the sustainable use of resources.

A role model for the next generation

For anyone interested in a career in forestry, TU Dresden offers a comprehensive overview of the opportunities in the field of forestry sciences and forestry. Biological, ecological and economic aspects are linked here, which is crucial for career entry opportunities. Internships in relevant fields are highly recommended to gain practical experience and prepare for the job market.

Corazón Pfarre impressively shows how you can make your dreams come true with passion and the right studies. Her journey from the prefabricated buildings of Dresden to the forests of England is not only inspiring, but also an example of how important it is to protect and care for our natural resources.