Best Student and Young professional of the Year Awards

Marcelo White

Islington Council

Ellie is currently studying city & guilds level 3 technical extended diploma in forestry & arboriculture and has just progressed onto her final year. She’s recently been awarded the student of the year award at South Staffordshire College for commitment and exemplary attitude to the course. Ellie has already achieved the level 3 technical extended diploma in land & wildlife management giving her practical knowledge and experience on management techniques for different habitats as well as soil science, indicator species and relationships between nature, trees and people.

She is now also working as a Countryside Ranger for the National Trust, looking after ancient woodlands and grassland meadows within the estate, and will continue to do this alongside completing the second year of her course with South Staffordshire College from September.

Ellie said:

“It’s a complete honour to have been selected for this award out of the whole of the UK and to now also be a Countryside Ranger for the National Trust caring for our natural environment using the skills I have learnt from my forestry and arboricultural course. I wouldn't be able to have done this without the support and guidance from my wonderful lecturers Dave and Heather!”

She is passionate about developing her knowledge further within the sector by working with several different arboriculture companies, expanding her skill set through attending courses, workshops and presentation as well as staying up to date with the latest's industry news and standards especially regarding safety.

“I wish to inspire future generations of arborists and support more females within the sector like myself to join this incredible industry. I also want to explore the link between tree work and conservation and pushing for trees to be maintained correctly from planting for the environment and surrounding ecosystem with a strong focus on education and accessibility for all.

Passionate about the outdoors and trees, educating people about the role trees play within ecosystems and the benefits they have for mental health especially for people who I support and lead on paddling expeditions who have physical disabilities or are less abled from life changing accidents.”

“I discovered Marcelo's talents during an interview in 2023. His passion for trees and ambition to green the UK were evident. In 2024, he joined Islington Council and showed diligence in monitoring planting standards and developing a modern tree palette. He is a knowledgeable and passionate arborist that began his UK tree work in 2014 with the London-based charity 'The Tree Musketeers'. Since then, he has grown and rejuvenated thousands of young trees across North London, inspiring positive change, and achieving local success. (Link here for context)

After achieving his Level-4 qualification in 2022, Marcelo played a key role in the nursery's growing operations, establishing a modern irrigation system in 2023. The nursery can now grow over 1,500 trees each season and aims to attain Plant Healthy certification, becoming a recognized supplier to London boroughs and aiding in the UK’s climate targets.

Through innovative species choices and plant trials, Marcelo aims to introduce new species to the city by 2026. He has already planted London’s first official Lemon street-tree, Fraxinus pallisiae and other various subtropical species. This pioneering work is crucial for 21st-century cities, which face unique pressures and rapid change to landscape.

Marcelo joined the London Tree Officers Association's Tree Species Selection Party in May. Where his digital skills and local insights help connect urban communities to trees, providing valuable observations on trends and desires for urban planting. It is ultimately Marcelo’s enthusiasm for trees and pleasant demeanour that help his excel as a community nurseryman in the city. He communicates well and engages both professionally and joyfully with a wide range of people. Having become a great asset to Islington over a short time and creating a lasting impact through the quality of his work. He deserves recognition for this notable contribution to arboriculture.”