HighGround

About HighGround

Welcome to the HighGround Podcast, the definitive guide for service leavers, veterans, and reservists exploring new career opportunities in the land-based sectors. Brought to you by HighGround, a charity dedicated to providing life beyond the military, our podcast is hosted by Jamie Crisp, CEO of HighGround, and Tom Constable, both British Army veterans. Each episode of the HighGround Podcast is designed to help you navigate the transition from military to civilian employment by highlighting potential jobs that align with your skillset. We focus on a specific job role in every episode, split into two insightful segments. In the first half, we chat with a fellow veteran who has successfully made the leap into a new career, sharing their personal journey, challenges, and triumphs. In the second half, we speak with employers who are actively seeking to fill these roles, offering valuable insights into what they are looking for in a candidate and how you can stand out. Our guests provide the voice of experience, offering practical advice, recommendations, and inspiration for your own career path. Whether you're interested in horticulture, forestry, animal care, environmental conservation, or any other land-based sector, the HighGround Podcast is your go-to resource for making informed career decisions. Tune in to equip yourself with the knowledge and motivation needed to embark on a fulfilling career beyond the military, and join a community that values and utilises your unique skills and experiences. HighGround Charity Overview HighGround is a leading charity committed to helping service leavers, reservists, and veterans transition into civilian life through employment and self-employment opportunities in the land-based sector. With a vision to be the leading organisation for land-based career opportunities for ex-military personnel, HighGround offers a range of programs including Horticultural Therapy and Rural Weeks to support this mission. For more information, visit HighGround.

Publisher

HighGround Charity

Category

business · business · education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

29 May 2024

Latest episode

18 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

12 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Deer Management: Adam Chant’s Journey from Signals Intelligence to the Devon Countryside

   This episode of the HighGround podcast features Adam Chant, a former Royal Corps of Signals electronic‑warfare specialist who transitioned to a rural portfolio career centred on deer management. After 25 years in the Army, Adam was ready for a change and discovered HighGround via a segment on BBC’s Countryfile. He enrolled on one of the charity’s residential Rural Week courses at Bicton College, finding the broad overview of land‑based careers and local networking invaluable. Already passionate about venison as a sustainable, ethical food source, he pursued formal qualifications through the British Deer Society, passing the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 and 2 before volunteering with Defence Deer Management. Adam explains that deer populations in the UK have quadrupled since the 1970s, rising from about 450,000 to over 2 millionwoodlands.co.uk (https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=Damage%20is%20found%20in%20woodlands,40); unchecked browsing damages young trees and hampers woodland regenerationwoodlands.co.uk (https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=W%20oodland%20covers%20some%201%2C000,mammals%20and%20certain%20butterfly%20species). Deer managers therefore play a vital role in balancing wildlife and land‑management objectives—conducting surveys, culling ethically, monitoring impacts and liaising with landowners. Adam discusses different routes into the profession (estate keeper, wildlife ranger, contractor) and revenue models (paid culls, venison sales, guided stalks), emphasising that most start as part of a portfolio career. He shares candid advice on financial planning, community engagement and the therapeutic benefits of working outdoors. For Adam, learning multiple skills from firefighting to renovating his house—provides flexibility and resilience. The episode closes with tips on building local trust, volunteering during resettlement and talking openly with family about the realities of rural living. Episode chapters & key moments: 00:00 Intro & series overview: Tom & Jamie recap the purpose of HighGround’s podcast series—creating an ever‑expanding library of land‑based career stories for service‑leavers and veterans. 02:05 Meet Adam Chant: A 25‑year veteran who served in electronic warfare and signals intelligence describes his background and reasons for leaving the Army to spend more time with his family. 03:58 Discovery of HighGround: Adam recalls seeing HighGround on Countryfile and later attending a Rural Week at Bicton College. He praises the course’s breadth—covering everything from tech innovations and conservation to small‑scale farming—and its value in building a local network. 06:44 Why deer management? Growing up in a family of chefs, Adam was drawn to venison as an ethical, low‑impact meat. His introduction came via the Deer Stalking Certificate 1 course run by former serviceman Ben Heathauer. 08:55 What is deer management? Adam explains that modern deer management is about more than shooting: it involves population surveys, habitat impact assessments and selective culling to protect woodland and biodiversity. Over‑browsing by deer prevents natural regeneration and damages young trees, threatening small mammals and butterflieswoodlands.co.uk (https://www.woodlands.co.uk/blog/flora-and-fauna/deer-in-woodlands/#:~:text=W%20oodland%20covers%20some%201%2C000,mammals%20and%20certain%20butterfly%20species). 10:39 Why control deer? He notes that Britain’s deer population has grown from about 450 000 in the 1970s to an estimated...

2. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Mobile Agricultural Technician: From RAF Supply to Tractor Troubleshooter

   In this episode of the HighGround podcast, hosts Tom and Jamie talk with Martin, a former RAF supplier who spent much of his 23‑year career in tactical logistics roles and as a fleet manager. Seeking an outdoor career after years behind a desk, Martin began helping on a local farm and rediscovered his love of engineering. A HighGround Rural Week at Askham Bryan College opened his eyes to the demand for agricultural technicians, and he went on to join a John Deere dealership. Today he is a mobile agricultural technician, travelling across the Cotswolds, Devon and Wales to repair and maintain equipment ranging from chainsaws and ATVs to 6‑Series tractors. The role involves diagnosing faults, dismantling and reassembling machines, performing routine maintenance and keeping recordsbigfuture.collegeboard.org (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/farm-equipment-mechanic-and-service-technician/tasks-knowledge-skills#:~:text=,tractors%2C%20harvesters%2C%20and%20irrigation%20systems). Technicians need mechanical, customer‑service and electronics knowledgebigfuture.collegeboard.org (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/farm-equipment-mechanic-and-service-technician/tasks-knowledge-skills#:~:text=What%20do%20Farm%20Equipment%20Mechanics,Service%20Technicians%20need%20to%20know) and skills in repair, maintenance and troubleshootingbigfuture.collegeboard.org (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/farm-equipment-mechanic-and-service-technician/tasks-knowledge-skills#:~:text=%2A%20). Martin explains that most dealerships provide structured training; he completed a nine‑month “John Deere University” online programme while shadowing experienced engineers. Starting salaries for agricultural engineering technicians are about £23 000, rising to £38 000 for experienced staff nationalcareers.service.gov.uk (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/agricultural-engineering-technician#:~:text=Average%20salary%20), but earnings depend on qualifications and overtime. He emphasises that ex‑service personnel’s punctuality, organisation, adaptability and ability to work in all weathers are highly valued in this sector. Episode chapters & key moments 00:00 Introduction – Tom and Jamie welcome listeners and introduce the HighGround podcast series for service‑leavers. 03:09 Meet Martin – Former RAF supplier explains his military career and decision to transition into agriculture after 23 years. 04:10 Finding the next step – Martin describes helping on a local farm, discovering HighGround via Instagram and attending a rural week where he saw agricultural engineering as a viable career. 07:00 What does an agricultural technician do? – Martin explains his role as a mobile technician: servicing everything from small chainsaws to large John Deere tractors; diagnosing faults; ordering parts; and working alone on farms. Farm equipment mechanics maintain, repair and overhaul tractors, harvesters and irrigation systems and record the work donebigfuture.collegeboard.org (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/careers/farm-equipment-mechanic-and-service-technician/tasks-knowledge-skills#:~:text=,tractors%2C%20harvesters%2C%20and%20irrigation%20systems). 08:45 Training & qualifications – He outlines the nine‑month John Deere University programme covering mechanics, hydraulics and electronics, and stresses that hands‑on experience and mechanical aptitude are more important than formal qualifications. The National Careers Service notes that entry routes include university, college, apprenticeships...

3. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Championing Veterans in the Rural Economy: Dr Charles Trotman of the CLA

   In this HighGround episode, hosts Tom Constable and Jamie Crisp speak with Dr Charles Trotman, Senior Economics and Rural Business Advisor at the Country Land & Business Association (CLA). Charles sets the scene with statistics: predominantly rural areas contributed about £315 billion (16.2% of England’s economy) in 2022 lordslibrary.parliament.uk (https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/the-rural-economy/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20predominantly%20rural%20areas,in%202001), yet agriculture makes up only 3% of rural GVAlordslibrary.parliament.uk (https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/the-rural-economy/#:~:text=areas%20is%20the%20significance%20of,A%20similar). Rural England hosts around 590 businesses per 10 000 people, more than urban areaslordslibrary.parliament.uk (https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/the-rural-economy/#:~:text=In%202022%2F23%2C%20businesses%20registered%20in,of%20businesses%20in%20rural%20areas), and roughly 102 400 farm holdings operate across Englandgov.uk (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/farming-evidence-pack-a-high-level-overview-of-the-uk-agricultural-industry/farming-evidence-key-statistics-accessible-version#:~:text=%2834). Despite this diversity, many rural businesses face acute labour shortages. Recognising the untapped potential of service‑leavers and veterans, the CLA has signed the Armed Forces Covenant—a national promise to ensure that those who serve or have served are treated fairlyarmedforcescovenant.gov.uk (https://www.armedforcescovenant.gov.uk/#:~:text=The%20Armed%20Forces%20Covenant%20is,their%20families%2C%20are%20treated%20fairly) and is pursuing the Ministry of Defence’s Employer Recognition Scheme. Charles explains how the CLA’s veterans initiative pledges to: 1) encourage rural employers to consider veterans; 2) provide information to employers on the benefits of hiring ex‑military personnel; and 3) collaborate with existing veteran‑support networks like HighGround. He outlines the skills veterans bring: leadership, discipline, logistics, digital competence and crisis management and emphasises that employing veterans is about adding value, not cheap labour. The discussion ends with a call for greater collaboration across sector bodies to connect veterans with meaningful careers in farming, land management, tourism and agri‑tech. Episode chapters & key moments: 00:00 Introduction: Tom & Jamie recap the podcast’s aim and tease a conversation that moves away from a specific job to look at sector‑wide issues. 03:06 Meet Dr Charles Trotman: Senior Economist at the CLA describes the breadth of the rural economy (£315 bn GVAlordslibrary.parliament.uk (https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/the-rural-economy/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20predominantly%20rural%20areas,in%202001), 3.8 m employees) and notes that agriculture represents just 3% of rural outputlordslibrary.parliament.uk (https://lordslibrary.parliament.uk/the-rural-economy/#:~:text=areas%20is%20the%20significance%20of,A%20similar). 04:28 What is the CLA? The Country Land & Business Association has existed for over 100 years, representing 26 000 members across England and Wales. Nearly half of members farm less than 150 acres and are asset‑rich but cash‑poor; their businesses span more than 250 income streams, from farming to tourism and renewable energy. 06:41 Armed Forces Covenant & pledges: The CLA...

4. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Smallholding & Entrepreneurship: Mark Rees’ Journey from the Army to Gotland Gin

   This episode of the HighGround podcast explores life on a smallholding and the realities of farm diversification. Host Tom Constable welcomes Mark Rees, a 22‑year Army veteran who, with his family, bought a smallholding in Devon and began rearing Gotland sheep—a Swedish breed prized for its lustrous wool and tender meatlivingwithgotlands.com (https://www.livingwithgotlands.com/2015/02/six-reasons-to-love-gotland-sheep/#:~:text=1,dense%2C%20sturdy%20piece%20of%20felt). Mark explains that a smallholding is generally a home with land bigger than a garden but smaller than a farm—anything under about 50 acresarbtech.co.uk (https://arbtech.co.uk/a-guide-to-smallholdings/#:~:text=A%20smallholding%20is%20a%20home,sometimes%20a%20mix%20of%20both). To make his 20‑acre holding viable, Mark diversified: he started fencing and gardening businesses, trained in butchery and project management, and eventually founded Gotland Gin, using botanicals such as lingonberries to reference the sheep’s Scandinavian origins. He discusses the licensing hurdles, the impact of the pandemic, and how direct sales and farm experiences help market both the gin and his wool products. The conversation highlights how ex‑military skills, discipline, hard work, adaptability-translate to small‑scale farming and entrepreneurship. Mark stresses the importance of resilience, learning from mistakes and following one’s passion. The hosts also touch on grants, training courses and networks available to would‑be smallholders, and encourage listeners to seek out HighGround’s Rural Week courses for hands‑on experience. Episode chapters & key moments: 00:00 Introduction: Tom & Jamie outline the podcast’s goal to create a library of land‑based career conversations for veterans and service‑leavers. 02:42 Meet Mark Rees: 22‑year Army veteran and former Army Air Corps/PT Corps instructor introduces himself and describes buying a 20‑acre smallholding in Devon. 03:50 What is a smallholding? Discussion about the term; smallholdings are generally a home with land larger than a garden but smaller than a farm—usually under about 50 acresarbtech.co.uk (https://arbtech.co.uk/a-guide-to-smallholdings/#:~:text=A%20smallholding%20is%20a%20home,sometimes%20a%20mix%20of%20both). 04:10T ransition & early diversification: Mark describes setting up gardening and fencing businesses while establishing the smallholding and explains why he specialised in Gotland sheep. 06:00 Service‑leaver advice: Mark emphasises the lack of land‑based guidance when he left the Army and urges veterans to plan early and take advantage of courses. 10:16 Gotland sheep: The breed produces long, curly wool with lustre that grows 10 inches in a yearlivingwithgotlands.com (https://www.livingwithgotlands.com/2015/02/six-reasons-to-love-gotland-sheep/#:~:text=1,dense%2C%20sturdy%20piece%20of%20felt) and lambs grow quickly; ewes are excellent mothers, often raising twins or tripletslivingwithgotlands.com (https://www.livingwithgotlands.com/2015/02/six-reasons-to-love-gotland-sheep/#:~:text=6,a%20true%20dual%20purpose%20breed). Mark explains how wool and lamb sales originally supported the farm. 13:08 Birth of Gotland Gin: The idea came from a conversation over gin and tonic; Mark developed a recipe using lingonberries to link the gin to the sheep’s Swedish heritage. 15:25 Licensing & early sales: He details the process of contracting a local distillery, gaining HMRC licences and testing...

5. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Countryside Manager: Josie’s Non‑Linear Path to Nature Recovery

   In this episode, Tom and Jamie talk with Josie, a National Trust countryside manager in North Devon. Josie’s career has been anything but straightforward: she left school after GCSEs, trained as a mechanic and served five years in the REME before embarking on higher education. With life experience but no A‑levels, she contacted universities directly, persuaded them to give her a chance and eventually worked her way up to a PhD. Burnt out by academia, she turned to nature and began volunteering with the National Trust, living in a tent for six months while supporting herself with part‑time work. That led to an apprenticeship as a ranger and eventually to leadership. In her current role she leads a team of nine across a 2 700‑acre estate, balancing day‑to‑day estate management with large‑scale nature recovery projects. Countryside managers are responsible for developing and managing landscapes, ensuring public access and conservationsuccessatschool.org (https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20are%20responsible%20for,and%20the%20public%20access%20network); they must coordinate habitat restoration, oversee staff and volunteers, manage budgets and secure fundingsuccessatschool.org (https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20might%20have%20to,as%20reports%2C%20accounts%20and%20statistics). The National Trust notes that countryside managers provide strategic direction, leading teams to deliver landscape‑scale conservation while ensuring visitors enjoy their experiencenationaltrustjobs.org.uk (https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=in,visitors%20have%20a%20great%20experience). Salaries range from around £22 k to £34 ksuccessatschool.org (https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Pay%20and%20opportunities). Josie advises service‑leavers to be persistent, seek volunteering opportunities and remember there are many routes into land‑based careers. Episode chapters & key moments: 00:00 Introduction & podcast purpose: Tom and Jamie summarise the goal of creating an “evergreen” library of land‑based career stories. 02:50 Meeting Josie: She describes her varied background—from dropping out of school and working as a vehicle mechanic to joining the REME, and later pursuing higher education. 07:00 Choosing university without A‑levels: Josie explains how she negotiated entry to university, earned a psychology degree and later completed a PhD. 11:15 Leaving academia for the outdoors: Burnt out and seeking meaning, Josie emailed the National Trust and secured a volunteer placement, living in a tent and working for free to gain experience. 14:00 Ranger apprenticeship & career progression: Josie undertook the National Trust’s three‑year ranger apprenticeship, learning practical skills such as hedge‑laying, fencing and path maintenance. She later became an area ranger, managing conservation grazing and livestock. 17:45 Countryside manager role: Josie now leads a team of nine across a 2 700‑acre estate. Countryside managers are responsible for day‑to‑day estate management and the strategic delivery of landscape‑scale conservationnationaltrustjobs.org.uk (https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=in,visitors%20have%20a%20great%20experience). They oversee habitat restoration, monitor woodland safety, manage access, and engage visitors, whilst also ensuring...

6. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Farm Management: From Infantry Officer to Velcourt Farm Manager

   This episode features Ollie Pemberton, a former infantry platoon commander who now works as a farm manager for Velcourt. After leaving the military, Ollie explored several careers—including teaching mathematics and running a furniture factory in Vietnam—before studying agriculture at the Royal Agricultural University. A chance encounter with Velcourt at a recruitment fair led him into farm management. Ollie explains that farm managers oversee day‑to‑day operations and long‑term strategy. They may be responsible for arable production, livestock, and estate management, and they lead teams of field workers, agronomists and specialistsnationaltrustjobs.org.uk (https://www.nationaltrustjobs.org.uk/where-you-could-work/countryside#:~:text=Countryside%20Manager). Duties can include planning developments, securing funding, liaising with tenants and landowners, ensuring health and safety, and supervising staff and volunteerssuccessatschool.org (https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Countryside%20managers%20can%20be%20involved,cycle%20ways%20and%20picnic%20areas). The role requires deep knowledge of rural and conservation issues, strong management and communication skills, numeracy and record‑keepingsuccessatschool.org (https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Personal%20qualities%20and%20skills), and the ability to juggle practical work (such as operating machinery) with finance and people management. Ollie also discusses agri‑environment schemes and how changing climate and subsidy reforms are reshaping farming. He candidly notes that salaries for farm managers range from £22,000 to £34,000 depending on responsibility and experiencesuccessatschool.org (https://successatschool.org/advice/jobs-a-z/countryside-manager/1885#:~:text=Pay%20and%20opportunities) but emphasises that the lifestyle, job satisfaction and community make it worthwhile. Episode Chapters &amp; Key Moments: 00:00 Intro &amp; series overview – Tom &amp; Jamie set the scene and explain the purpose of the HighGround podcast .02:01 Meet Ollie – Ollie Pemberton introduces himself and summarises his career in the infantry and subsequent roles. 05:00 Transition &amp; early careers – Ollie describes moving from the Army to teaching, running a furniture factory in Vietnam, and then studying at the Royal Agricultural University. 10:00 Discovering farm management – Ollie meets Velcourt at a recruitment fair, learns about farm management and decides to pursue it. 14:00 What farm managers do – Detailed discussion of a farm manager’s responsibilities (business planning, team leadership, crop management, livestock, estate diversification). 20:00 Transferable skills – The team talk about military skills (leadership, resilience, planning) that help in farm management. 24:00 Estate details &amp; daily work – Ollie talks about managing a 6 500‑acre estate near Aylesbury, with arable crops, shorthorn cattle and sheep. 28:00 Agri‑environment schemes &amp; diversification – Insight into environmental land management, regenerative practices and estate diversification projects. 31:00 Salary, lifestyle &amp; work–life balance – Overview of typical farm‑manager salaries and why lifestyle matters more to many people. 35:00 Advice to service‑leavers – Ollie wraps up with guidance on how to explore farming roles, the importance of volunteering/harvest jobs, and networking. Key Takeaways: <span...

7. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Transitioning from the Military to the Land‑Based Sector

   HighGround’s new podcast series explores careers in the land‑based sector for service leavers, veterans and reservists. Hosts Tom Constable and HighGround CEO Jamie Crisp open by explaining how the podcast complements the charity’s residential Rural Weeks programme, providing free, on‑demand advice to anyone considering outdoor careers. In this first episode they speak with Lieutenant General Richard Nugee CB CVO CBE, chair of The Forces Trust, about why he sponsored the series and how military skills transfer to land‑based work. He explains that veterans often crave teamwork and the freedom of working outdoors, and that rural roles offer camaraderie, practical tasks and a sense of purpose. Nugee also highlights the mental‑health benefits of time in nature and encourages veterans to “try it” if they are curious. The second half features Jim Holland, former Royal Navy weapons engineer turned entrepreneur. He recounts his transition struggles after leaving the service, how a networking call led to a career at Vodafone, and why he later founded Carma—a B‑Corp that funds reforestation projects and employs veterans via the Green Task Force. Jim discusses how Carma’s partnership with HighGround will fund Rural Weeks and create tree‑planting opportunities for veterans while delivering environmental impact. Episode chapters &amp; key moments 00:00 Introduction: Tom Constable &amp; Jamie Crisp outline the HighGround podcast and introduce guests. 00:32 Why this podcast? – aims to provide evergreen guidance for service‑leavers considering outdoor careers. 03:49 Meet Lt Gen Richard Nugee – chair of The Forces Trust. He explains why the trust funded this series and how rural jobs suit ex‑military personnel. 06:06 Podcast structure &amp; scope: Tom discusses dividing the series into specific job roles, and Jamie notes that 12 episodes barely scratch the surface of land‑based opportunities. 09:46 Camaraderie &amp; teamwork: Nugee describes how working outdoors in a team replicates the military environment and helps reduce social isolation. 16:09 Transferable skills: the panel discusses soft skills, adaptability, lifelong learning and why employers value veteran resilience. 21:21 Mental‑health benefits: Nugee explains how time in nature, physical activity and unpredictable outdoor tasks improve wellbeing. 25:17 Doing good: discussion about restoring the environment through agriculture, forestry and conservation; veterans often seek purpose after witnessing destruction. 32:35 Nugee’s advice: try a rural job to see if it fits your interests; rural work offers clear tasks and camaraderie. 33:49 Introducing Jim Holland: ex‑Royal Navy weapons engineer and co‑founder of Carma. 34:26 Jim’s transition: leaving Barnsley for the Navy, gaining qualifications, injury and medical discharge, running a pub, and struggling to find work until a former boss helped him land a job at Vodafone. 40:55 Corporate career: Jim describes roles at Vodafone, Sky, and Stansted Airport, noting the challenges of losing purpose and identity after leaving service. 47:28 Founding Carma: inspired by the Green Task Force (a PATT Foundation programme that creates outdoor jobs for veterans), Jim created Carma to plant trees, sell carbon credits and support veterans. 52:55 Partnership with HighGround: Carma will fund HighGround’s Rural Weeks and provide tree‑planting days for participants, allowing veterans to gain experience and employment. 58:46 Reflections &amp; calls to action: Jim emphasises the importance of community, resilience and supporting fellow veterans; Tom and Jamie invite listeners to explore the rest...

8. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Horticulture / Gardener

   In this episode of the HighGround podcast, hosts Tom Constable and HighGround CEO Jamie Crisp visit the National Trust’s Killerton Estate in Devon to speak with Karl Emmeleus, head gardener and a long‑time supporter of HighGround’s Rural Weeks. Karl retrained from secondary‑school teaching into horticulture more than two decades ago and has worked his way up through the National Trust to manage one of its largest gardens. He explains that Killerton’s estate spans 6,400 acres of farmland, woods and parkland nationaltrust.org.uk (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton/things-to-do-on-the-estate-at-killerton#:~:text=There%20are%2015%20tenanted%2C%20working,freely%20across%20all%206%2C400%20acres), while the formal garden he manages covers about 18 acres with everything from lawn care and propagation to woodland management. Karl describes how horticulture offers an almost endless variety of roles, from general gardening to specialist tree and plant work and why service‑leavers’ teamwork, adaptability and attention to detail make them well suited to the sector. The discussion covers day‑to‑day tasks, seasonal variations, the growth of habitat restoration on estates, and entry routes such as volunteering, apprenticeships and RHS Level 2 qualifications. Karl shares practical tips on finding jobs and stresses the mental‑health benefits of working outdoors; studies show that gardening can improve mood, self‑esteem and concentration while reducing stress webmd.com (https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/how-gardening-affects-mental-health#:~:text=Benefits%20of%20Gardening%20for%20Mental,Health). The episode closes with advice for veterans to visit gardens, talk to professionals and experience the work first‑hand. Episode chapters &amp; key moments: 00:00 Introduction: Tom &amp; Jamie recap the aim of the HighGround podcast—creating an evergreen library of conversations about land‑based careers for veterans, service‑leavers and reservists. 02:13 Meet Karl Emmeleus: Karl introduces himself and explains his journey from teaching to horticulture. He retrained and joined the National Trust over 20 years ago, rising through the organisation to become head gardener at Killerton. 03:39 What is horticulture? Karl clarifies that horticulture is the professional practice of gardening; it goes far beyond cutting hedges or mowing lawns and includes plant propagation, tree care, design and public engagement. 05:01 Diverse career paths: Discussion about the many routes within horticulture—from generalist gardeners to specialists in trees, plant genera or conservation—and how interests can develop over time. 06:58 Soft skills &amp; veterans: Jamie notes that veterans bring transferrable skills such as punctuality, health‑and‑safety awareness, teamwork and adaptability, which are highly valued in horticulture. 08:15 Killerton Estate overview: Karl describes Killerton’s 6,400‑acre estate with 18 tenant farms and woodlandsnationaltrust.org.uk (https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/devon/killerton/things-to-do-on-the-estate-at-killerton#:~:text=There%20are%2015%20tenanted%2C%20working,freely%20across%20all%206%2C400%20acres). His team maintains an 18‑acre formal garden plus smaller plots around the estate with only four full‑time staff, one apprentice and around 20 volunteers. 09:30 Daily tasks &amp; seasonal work: From early‑morning blowing and grass‑cutting before visitors arrive to dead‑heading, edging, propagation and tree work, Karl outlines how the job changes with the seasons and why no two days are the same. 10:13 Wider estate roles: Beyond

9. 

   18 Dec 2025

   Estate Management: Rob Honan on Leadership, Community & Opportunity

   HighGround speaks with Rob Honan, a former Worcestershire &amp; Sherwood Foresters officer who now runs the 4 000‑acre Ascott Estate in Buckinghamshire. Rob describes his journey from the Army into estate management, explaining that many estates encompass a mix of arable and livestock farming, residential and commercial properties, sporting ventures and tourismedenprivatestaff.com (https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20different%20types,For%20example). Estate managers are responsible for planning and overseeing these activities; they direct staff, oversee agriculture, manage maintenance and budgets, liaise with government agencies (DEFRA and the Rural Payments Agency) and work with specialists such as agronomists and vetsedenprivatestaff.com (https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=A%20Manager%20%2FDirector%E2%80%99s%20other%20important,duties%20will%20include). The role is hands‑on, requiring flexibility, problem‑solving and often living on siteedenprivatestaff.com (https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=This%20is%20a%20pro,the%20owners%20are%20away%20regularly). Rob explains that there is no “normal day” and notes parallels with military leadership—the ability to adapt when “no plan survives contact” is critical. They discuss career routes, highlighting that while many estate managers hold formal qualifications in land management or farmingedenprivatestaff.com (https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=Many%20of%20Eden%E2%80%99s%20candidates%20for,the%20Royal%20Agricultural%20College%2C%20Cirencester), experience and transferrable skills from the forces can be just as valuable. Salaries vary widely: Scottish estate managers start around £20 k and experienced managers on large estates can earn £50 k or moreplanitplus.net (https://www.planitplus.net/JobProfiles/View/558/7#:~:text=Starting%20salaries%20for%20estate%20or,as%20part%20of%20your%20package). Rob urges service‑leavers to network, seek work‑experience on estates and consider the broad range of rural roles, from maintenance and heritage gardening to forestry and property management. Episode chapters &amp; key moments: 00:00 Introduction: Tom &amp; Jamie explain how the podcast series offers an “evergreen” library of land‑based career insights. 02:05 Meet Rob Honan: Former infantry officer explains his move from the Army into estate management and the importance of using your network. 04:43 What is an estate? Rob outlines Ascott’s 4 000 acres of arable fields, residential properties, gardens, tourism (Ascott House &amp; gardens attract ~50 000 visitors per year) and community relations. 06:36 Transferable skills: Adaptability, problem‑solving and people management learnt in the military are invaluable for managing diverse estate operations. 09:08 Roles &amp; activities on an estate: Estates may include property portfolios, commercial shoots, farming, woodland, heritage gardens and tenanted farmsedenprivatestaff.com (https://www.edenprivatestaff.com/what-we-do/rural-properties-estates/estate-managers-directors/#:~:text=There%20are%20many%20different%20types,For%20example). Estate managers oversee maintenance, agriculture, budgets, events, external bodies and specialist advisors<a...

10. 

    18 Dec 2025

    Entrepreneur: Rob Palmer and Biochar

    In this episode, HighGround co‑hosts Tom Constable and Jamie Crisp explore entrepreneurial life in the land‑based sector through the story of Rob Palmer, a former RAF weapons‑systems engineer and Royal Engineer officer who now leads a biochar start‑up. Rob candidly recounts his meandering journey: after dropping out of university and joining the RAF, he saw his Nimrod fleet cancelled on the day of his final exam. He transferred to the Army via Sandhurst, serving in bomb disposal, airborne engineering and training roles before deciding to leave the forces. Rob initially pursued “safe” corporate roles but, through networking and never turning down a coffee, he met former colleagues who introduced him to carbon‑removal technologies. He joined the Future Forest Company (now Undo) as Director of Innovation, helping operationalise projects in afforestation, enhanced rock weathering and biochar. Inspired by the potential of biochar, a porous form of charcoal made via pyrolysis that locks carbon into soil and enhances water and nutrient retentionpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/)biochar-us.org (https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2) Rob launched Tera Carbon. His company partners with a Kenyan group to convert sugar‑cane waste into biochar, improving degraded soils and sequestering carbon. Rob shares the realities of start‑up life: fundraising, hiring, financial risk and wearing multiple hats. Throughout, he emphasises the transferable skills that veterans bring-work ethic, adaptability, leadership and a willingness to learn and urges service‑leavers to build networks, test their assumptions and be open to unexpected opportunities. Episode chapters &amp; key moments: 00:00 Introduction: Tom &amp; Jamie explain that this episode focuses on entrepreneurialism in the land‑based sector. 02:42 Meet Rob Palmer: A “university dropout” turned RAF weapons‑systems engineer who then served as a bomb‑search commander and parachute engineer officer in the Army. 04:52 Career crossroads: Nimrod cancellation leaves Rob in limbo; a CO encourages him to find purpose, leading him to commission into the Royal Engineers. 07:02 Transition decisions: Facing parenthood and a desire for stability, Rob explores corporate graduate schemes but remains unsure of his direction. 08:55 The power of networking: Rob describes his “never say no to coffee” rule, which ultimately leads to a pivotal introduction to the Future Forest Company via his CO. 10:41 Carbon‑removal technologies: Rob discusses early work at the Future Forest Company/Undo, operationalising science projects in afforestation, enhanced rock weathering and biochar. 12:35 Biochar &amp; pyrolysis explained: Biochar is produced by heating biomass in the absence of oxygen (pyrolysis), producing a stable, porous form of charcoalpmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/). When added to soil it improves pH, structure and water‑holding capacitypmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10821463/). Its physical and chemical nature allows it to attract and hold moisture and nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorusbiochar-us.org (https://biochar-us.org/soil-water-benefits-biochar#:~:text=Soil%27s%20Best%20Friend%E2%80%94%C2%A0Because%20of%20biochar%27s,times%20more%20potent%20than%20CO2), providing...

11. 

    18 Dec 2025

    Arborist: Jamie’s Journey into Self‑Employment in Trees

    HighGround chats with Jamie, a former Royal Corps of Signals soldier who left the Army after 22 years and built a second career as an arborist. Unsure of his next steps, Jamie attended a HighGround Rural Week, which introduced him to the breadth of land‑based careers. He discovered arboriculture—an industry that encompasses tree planting, pruning, felling, habitat management and tree science. Training is essential: standard entry‑level qualifications include certificates in chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting, felling trees up to 380 mm and climbing and aerial rescuebali.org.uk (https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Chainsaw%20Maintenance%20and%20Cross). Tree surgeons typically start on salaries around £25 k and experienced arborists can earn £35 knationalcareers.service.gov.uk (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=Average%20salary%20). The work is physically demanding: arborists must be comfortable working at height and maintain fitness and concentrationnationalcareers.service.gov.uk (https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/job-profiles/tree-surgeon#:~:text=,held%20device). Chainsaws are dangerous tools—HSE reports that five deaths and many serious injuries have occurred in forestry and arboriculture from chainsaw contact; operators must be trained, competent and wear protective clothinghse.gov.uk (https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20are%20potentially%20dangerous%20machines,they%20are%20required%20to%20do). Jamie explains how he built his own business, starting with any job he could find and gradually specialising in hedge‑laying, habitat work and providing traffic management for other tree teams. He highlights the importance of perseverance, networking and a willingness to invest in high‑quality equipment. Despite setbacks and injuries, Jamie loves working outdoors, values the adrenaline of climbing and felling, and enjoys seeing the immediate impact of his work—especially when reviving traditional skills like hedge‑laying, which creates living windbreaks and wildlife havens. Episode chapters &amp; key moments: 00:00 Introduction: Tom &amp; Jamie recap the podcast’s purpose – creating a library of land‑based career insights. They introduce Jamie, an ex‑Royal Signals soldier turned arborist. 03:00 Military background &amp; Rural Week: Jamie explains his farming upbringing, service career and desire to work outdoors. He describes attending a HighGround Rural Week, which opened his eyes to arboriculture. 07:00 What is arboriculture? The hosts discuss the sector—from forestry and commercial tree work to planting and tree science. Jamie outlines the basic qualifications, including chainsaw maintenance and cross‑cutting, small and medium tree felling, tree climbing and aerial rescuebali.org.uk (https://www.bali.org.uk/lisscscs/check-qualifications/check-your-qualification/arboriculture-qualifications/#:~:text=Chainsaw%20Maintenance%20and%20Cross). 11:30 Training, risk &amp; fitness: Jamie stresses that chainsaw work is dangerous: HSE notes five recent deaths and many serious injuries in forestry and arboriculturehse.gov.uk (https://www.hse.gov.uk/treework/safety-topics/chainsaw-operator.htm#:~:text=Chainsaws%20are%20potentially%20dangerous%20machines,they%20are%20required%20to%20do), so proper training and personal protective equipment are mandatory<a...

12. 

    29 May 2024

    HighGround Podcast Overview: Your gateway to Land-based Employment

    Episode Summary: Welcome to the HighGround Podcast, the definitive guide for service leavers, veterans, and reservists exploring new career opportunities in the land-based sectors. Launched by HighGround, a charity dedicated to providing life beyond the military, our podcast is hosted by Jamie Crisp, CEO of HighGround, and Tom Constable, both British Army veterans. Each episode of the HighGround Podcast is designed to help you navigate the transition from military to civilian employment by highlighting potential jobs that align with your skillset. We focus on a specific job role in every episode, split into two insightful segments. In This Episode: Introduction to the HighGround Podcast We expand upon how Service Leavers, Veterans and Reservists can get the best out of this new resource Introduction to the hosts (Jamie and Tom) Introduction to the High Ground Charity What you can expect from future episodes How to subscribe and stay connected Call to Action: Subscribe to the HighGround Podcast on your preferred platform. Follow us on social media LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/highground-charity/), Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/highgrounduk) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/highgroundcharityuk/) to stay updated on new episodes and special announcements. Visit our website https://highground-uk.org/ for more information and additional resources. Connect the hosts: Jamie Crisp: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamie-crisp-9b2a1a33/ Tom Constable: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-constable/

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