Agriculture Summer Internship Programme Explores Forestry Operations Today by Shenequa Williams

Today 1st July, participants in the Agriculture Summer Internship Programme gained valuable practical experience during a visit to the Forestry Unit at Body Pond. The interns were introduced to several key forestry practices through interactive and hands-on activities.

The training session was led by Mrs. Wallace-Tonge with her colleagues Mr. Ambrose and Mr. Cochrane, guided the interns through the day’s activities and also shared their expertise in forestry management and conservation.

The interns were divided into three groups, with each group assigned to a different training station before rotating to ensure that everyone experienced each activity.

One group focused on nursery management, where they loosened the soil around young seedlings to improve airflow to the roots, promoting healthier plant growth. They also carried out de-weeding exercises to remove unwanted plants that compete with seedlings for nutrients, water, and sunlight.

Another group received practical instruction in air layering and tree propagation techniques. Under the guidance of the Forestry Unit team, the interns learned three different grafting methods—wedge grafting, eye (bud) grafting, and bark grafting. The session highlighted the importance of vegetative propagation in producing healthy, high-quality trees while preserving desirable plant characteristics.

The third group learned how to measure trees using standard forestry techniques. They were introduced to the methods used to determine tree size and collect important data that supports forest management, conservation planning, and the monitoring of tree growth.

After completing each activity, the groups rotated through the remaining stations, giving every intern the opportunity to participate in all aspects of the day’s training.

Today’s visit provided the interns with a greater appreciation for the work carried out by the Forestry Unit and reinforced the importance of sustainable forest management, conservation, and practical agricultural skills. Through experiences such as these, the Agriculture Summer Internship Programme continues to equip young people with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to better understand the country’s Biodiversity, Natural Resources and the role they play in environmental sustainability.