Tree Planter & Conservationist
| Name | Angus Crabbie |
|---|---|
| Location | Scotland |
| Company | Trees4Scotland and Carbon Offset Scotland |
Angus Crabbie"
I get immense job satisfaction from working outdoors and being my own boss."
I'm Angus Crabbie, and I run two companies; Trees4Scotland and Carbon Offset Scotland. Everything we do is geared towards planting native woodlands across Scotland. We work with all kinds of individuals, organisations and schools to plant and grow trees to help combat climate change and encourage natural biodiversity.
I have a passion for the countryside and a background in sales and marketing – I took a huge leap of faith and decided to set up my own company that embraced my passions and existing work experience.
I get immense job satisfaction from working outdoors and being my own boss.
Tell us about your job – where do you work and what do you do?
My job involves getting organisations to help replant trees in Scotland. Believe it or not, our country is very short of trees so what we do is work with lots of different people and companies to create new woodlands. These are full of native varieties to encourage Scotland’s natural biodiversity to reestablish itself and flourish.What inspired you to do what you do? How did you get into it, did you have a plan?
I grew up on a sheep farm in the Highlands and, after a stint in the corporate world, I really wanted to get back to my roots (excuse the pun). As well as a passion for the countryside, I have always had an entrepreneurial streak that was itching to make a bit of an impact. Initially the carbon-offsetting sector seemed of particular potential but, as the company has developed, we are doing less and less offsetting and increasingly planting trees for numerous other excellent reasons.Why is your job meaningful? Both to you personally, and in how it benefits the wider world in terms of climate change and other environmental challenges.
I am incredibly passionate about what I do. I was always keen to work for myself, and getting the opportunity to do some work outside in the fresh air is also a big pull for me. Plus I am delighted to be doing something that will leave a legacy.In a physical sense, we plant many hectares of native woodland, which directly sequester carbon dioxide and lock it in to form carbon sinks. Of course, we would love to be able to do this on a much wider scale.
We also advise businesses on how to calculate and reduce their carbon footprint. Perhaps one of the most important ‘non-physical’ roles that we fulfil is that of education; we run a project for primary schools called The Tree Amigos. This involves children working their way through 5 themed mini-projects - climate change, global warming, carbon footprints and reducing them, carbon offsetting, woodlands and woodland wildlife. The children also get to come on a field trip to visit the project and learn how to plant some trees.
Many jobs in this sector are very new, how long has your job existed?
My job has evolved as the company has evolved, but certainly it did not exist before I set up the company!What personal qualities do you think have got you where you are today?
I have a professional background in sales, marketing and PR. This has equipped me with valuable skills for my current role – fighting climate change has a lot to do with stimulating positive actions, and knowing how to appeal to boardroom decision makers is very important. I would also say that I am very tenacious in pursuing my goals.What are the essential skills for your job?
To run a business a work ethic is very important and so is courage - running your own business can be a scary place to be at times, but I am confident that the plusses outweigh the minuses. Knowing when to draw on the expertise of others is helpful; I make sure we have good partners in place so that we continue to do the right things and do them well.What qualifications do you have? Are these typical for people in your role?
I did a Politics degree at the University of Edinburgh.While I do have a university degree, it is not necessary to have one to do what I do. If you can combine drive and determination with sound business principles, and add some of your own creative flare, then it’s possible to go a long way.
What do you think most helped you get where you are now?
I would go so far as to say that I am now recognised as somewhat of an expert within my chosen field. My expertise has been gained from absorbing information as I go, whether that is from seminars, training courses, conferences or other organisations. As far as running a business is concerned, it does help to have a sales and marketing background – knowing the principles of how to communicate to your market, position what you are doing, and find new customers is important.I got into doing what I do by taking an initial idea and researching it before setting out to turn it into a reality. I would advise anyone to think long and hard before taking the decision to set up on their own. Seek advice, ask others who have done it, and do not be afraid to make mistakes - because you will; it is a fool who does not learn from them!
Please describe a typical working day
It is very varied, from visiting corporate supporters and clients to planting trees with school children. I also have an office to run and have to tackle the more mundane tasks of general administration.I work long hours at times but I am aware of this and try to make sure I set aside time for my wife and young daughter.
What do you enjoy most and least about what you do?
I get immense job satisfaction. I can work flexible hours, spend time outdoors and I am my own boss.Definitely the most stressful thing about running your own business is knowing where the next pay cheque will come from! Life can run on a knife-edge at times.
What kind of people do you meet through your work or do you work alone?
I have two other directors within the business but they are part-time and in a support role only, so we mostly communicate by email. I spend most of my time out of the office, either generating business through client visits and networking, or working on site at the woodland.Do you feel well paid for what you do, or is it not about the money?
Money definitely does come into it and I am earning nowhere near what I was when I was working in full-time employment. However, the potential is there to earn a lot more and I am slowly edging towards that goal.Finally, what do you know now about jobs, careers and the future that you wish you’d known when you were at school?
You will never be Jack Bauer from 24!Global warming will be the biggest challenge the world will face in the 21st century.
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