What made you choose Arbtech?
Arbtech gave me a shot just after graduating when I had almost zero experience.
I was offered free training from kind and incredibly helpful people, and soon started as a bat survey subcontractor.
From there, I learnt about the benefits of working for Arbtech and the culture I could become a part of.
When it came around to the time to apply for the Arbtech internship programme again, it was a no-brainer.
What do you love most about the company?
I love the freedom we have and the trust that we are given to work independently with absolutely no micromanaging.
I also love being part of a team of like-minded people, especially during the internship.
Despite not being office-based, there is a real sense of community.
The people are my favourite thing about the company – I have met so many kind and helpful people.
What do you do when you are not at Arbtech?
When I’m not working, you’ll likely find me in my local bouldering gym, at the pub or doing any other outdoor activity.
I go cycling, running, hiking and wild camping whenever I can.
On weekends, I often go to visit my partner, who is also a keen boulderer. Together, we enjoy going to the cinema, visiting small towns and climbing as much as we can.
What is your biggest tip to achieve the most in life?
Self-discipline.
With self-discipline comes consistency, and with consistency, you can achieve whatever you want to.
Also, surround yourself with the right people.
What is the best social you’ve been on at Arbtech?
I would probably choose the intern training event in Oxford at the start of the internship.
It was really fun getting to know the 50-odd other interns and just have a good time with dinner, drinks and bowling.
As we are all fairly like-minded, it’s sort of like being at university again.
Where do you want to travel to next?
Last year, I spent 11 months in Southeast Asia and Australia, so I think next, I would like to try somewhere quite different.
Maybe China, Japan or the Balkans (ideally in a van).
Where do you see yourself in 5 years’ time?
I see myself as a knowledgeable ecologist, hopefully still doing as much fieldwork as possible, as that is what I love.
I would like to have acquired some protected species licences and perhaps be tree-climbing certified.
I’d like to get involved with some bird ringing and be one of those people who can instantly identify any plant or fungi you point out.
What is a goal you have for the future, in or out of work?
At work, I would like to develop my skills as an ecologist as quickly as possible – I’m thinking species licences, BNG, tree climbing and other various certificates.
Outside of work, I would like to move in with my partner and get back into bouldering and running post-internship.
I’d also like to learn how to lead climb so I can go on outdoor climbing trips in the peaks.
Rory joined Arbtech in October 2025.
