Meet the Green Team: Sophia’s Journey into Arboriculture at Nicholsons

Discover how a passion for nature led Sophia to a rewarding career in arboriculture and why she loves being part of the Nicholsons team.

As part of our ongoing Meet the Green Team series, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated people who help care for trees, landscapes and environments across the UK.

This month, we’re introducing Sophia, Assistant Arboricultural Surveyor, whose passion for the outdoors inspired a successful career change into arboriculture.

Who is Sophia, Assistant Arboricultural Surveyor at Nicholsons?

Sophia joined Nicholsons just over a year ago and has quickly become a valued member of our Arboriculture team. Her role involves surveying trees, conducting inspections and helping ensure trees remain healthy, safe and well-managed.

For Sophia, working with trees was more than just a career choice. It was an opportunity to combine her love of nature, exploration and outdoor living into meaningful work.

How did Sophia start her career in arboriculture?

Like many people considering a career change, Sophia wanted to find a profession that aligned with her interests and values.

“I’ve always loved connecting with nature, exploring and being outdoors and I wanted to incorporate those things into my career.”

With a long-standing interest in arboriculture, Sophia enrolled on a Forestry and Arboriculture course at Moulton College, taking the first step towards turning her passion into a profession.

Today, she credits that decision as one of the best choices she has made.

Meet the Green Team: Sophia’s Journey into Arboriculture at Nicholsons

Discover how a passion for nature led Sophia to a rewarding career in arboriculture and why she loves being part of the Nicholsons team.

As part of our ongoing Meet the Green Team series, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated people who help care for trees, landscapes and environments across the UK.

This month, we’re introducing Sophia, Assistant Arboricultural Surveyor, whose passion for the outdoors inspired a successful career change into arboriculture.

Who is Sophia, Assistant Arboricultural Surveyor at Nicholsons?

Sophia joined Nicholsons just over a year ago and has quickly become a valued member of our Arboriculture team. Her role involves surveying trees, conducting inspections and helping ensure trees remain healthy, safe and well-managed.

For Sophia, working with trees was more than just a career choice. It was an opportunity to combine her love of nature, exploration and outdoor living into meaningful work.

How did Sophia start her career in arboriculture?

Like many people considering a career change, Sophia wanted to find a profession that aligned with her interests and values.

“I’ve always loved connecting with nature, exploring and being outdoors and I wanted to incorporate those things into my career.”

With a long-standing interest in arboriculture, Sophia enrolled on a Forestry and Arboriculture course at Moulton College, taking the first step towards turning her passion into a profession.

Today, she credits that decision as one of the best choices she has made.

Thinking about a career in arboriculture?

Arboriculture offers a wide range of opportunities, including:

  • Tree surveying and inspections
  • Tree climbing and aerial inspections
  • Tree management and consultancy
  • Woodland management
  • Environmental and ecological projects

It’s an industry that combines practical skills, environmental stewardship and continuous learning, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy working outdoors.

What is Sophia’s favourite part of the job?

One of the highlights of Sophia’s role is carrying out aerial inspections.

“I love climbing and carrying out aerial inspections. Being able to get up into the canopy and see trees from a completely different perspective is something I never get tired of.”

Working high within the tree canopy provides valuable insights into tree health while offering a unique perspective that few people get to experience.

Thinking about a career in arboriculture?

Arboriculture offers a wide range of opportunities, including:

  • Tree surveying and inspections
  • Tree climbing and aerial inspections
  • Tree management and consultancy
  • Woodland management
  • Environmental and ecological projects

It’s an industry that combines practical skills, environmental stewardship and continuous learning, making it an exciting choice for those who enjoy working outdoors.

What is Sophia’s favourite part of the job?

One of the highlights of Sophia’s role is carrying out aerial inspections.

“I love climbing and carrying out aerial inspections. Being able to get up into the canopy and see trees from a completely different perspective is something I never get tired of.”

Working high within the tree canopy provides valuable insights into tree health while offering a unique perspective that few people get to experience.

Why does Sophia enjoy working at Nicholsons?

People are at the heart of everything we do at Nicholsons and Sophia says the supportive culture has played an important role in her development.

“The team are amazing and have supported me with my training and development from day one.”

From professional development opportunities to hands-on experience in the field, our teams are committed to helping individuals build rewarding careers in arboriculture, forestry and environmental management.

What does Sophia enjoy outside of work?

When she’s not surveying trees, Sophia continues to embrace the outdoors.

Her interests include:

  • Rock climbing
  • Exploring new places
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Personal challenges and fitness activities

These hobbies complement her work perfectly, reflecting her enthusiasm for nature and active living.

Sophia’s advice for future arboriculturists

For anyone considering a career in arboriculture, Sophia’s message is simple:

“If you have a passion and a goal, go for it.”

She is particularly passionate about encouraging more women to explore opportunities within the industry.

“Arboriculture has so much to offer and I’d encourage more women to consider it as a career.”

Careers at Nicholsons

At Nicholsons, we’re proud to support the next generation of arborists, surveyors and environmental professionals. Whether you’re starting your career, considering a career change or looking to develop your expertise, arboriculture offers diverse and rewarding opportunities.

If you’d like to learn more about our team, services or current career opportunities, explore the Nicholsons website or connect with us today.

Why does Sophia enjoy working at Nicholsons?

People are at the heart of everything we do at Nicholsons and Sophia says the supportive culture has played an important role in her development.

“The team are amazing and have supported me with my training and development from day one.”

From professional development opportunities to hands-on experience in the field, our teams are committed to helping individuals build rewarding careers in arboriculture, forestry and environmental management.

What does Sophia enjoy outside of work?

When she’s not surveying trees, Sophia continues to embrace the outdoors.

Her interests include:

  • Rock climbing
  • Exploring new places
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Personal challenges and fitness activities

These hobbies complement her work perfectly, reflecting her enthusiasm for nature and active living.

Sophia’s advice for future arboriculturists

For anyone considering a career in arboriculture, Sophia’s message is simple:

“If you have a passion and a goal, go for it.”

She is particularly passionate about encouraging more women to explore opportunities within the industry.

“Arboriculture has so much to offer and I’d encourage more women to consider it as a career.”

Careers at Nicholsons

At Nicholsons, we’re proud to support the next generation of arborists, surveyors and environmental professionals. Whether you’re starting your career, considering a career change or looking to develop your expertise, arboriculture offers diverse and rewarding opportunities.

If you’d like to learn more about our team, services or current career opportunities, explore the Nicholsons website or connect with us today.

Ready to grow your career?

Whether you’re taking your first steps into the industry, considering a career change or looking to develop your existing skills, Nicholsons offers opportunities to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the environment.

Explore our arboriculture services

From tree surveys and inspections to long-term tree management and consultancy, our experienced arboriculture team helps clients protect, enhance and future-proof their trees and landscapes.

Ready to grow your career?

Whether you’re taking your first steps into the industry, considering a career change or looking to develop your existing skills, Nicholsons offers opportunities to learn, grow and make a positive impact on the environment.

Explore our arboriculture services

From tree surveys and inspections to long-term tree management and consultancy, our experienced arboriculture team helps clients protect, enhance and future-proof their trees and landscapes.