eAlert: 8 November 2022
Published 8 November 2022
Applies to England
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1. Ground-breaking apprenticeship programme for the forestry sector to re-open
Read about the Development Woodland Officer programme.
Building upon a successful intake of apprentices this year, the Forestry Commission has announced it will reopen its Woodland Officer programme in 2023, the first-of-its-kind apprenticeship initiative to foster a growing, highly skilled and diverse workforce within the forestry sector.
The Development Woodland Officer programme offers a three-year, paid development opportunity for passionate individuals from all backgrounds looking to kickstart their careers in forestry. It aims to grow and upskill the forestry sector workforce and is open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction. The programme supports jobs and opportunities in rural communities and helps increase capacity to meet tree planting and forest management needs to deliver the government’s tree planting and woodland creation ambitions over the coming years.
Development Woodland Officers will benefit from academic studies in forestry management at the University of Cumbria, practical experience in Forestry Commission area teams across England, and nine months of wider sector placements to further build their skills and experience, enhancing future employment prospects.
Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (equivalent to Level 6), a BSc (Hons) in Forest Management and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.
The Forestry Commission is looking for driven individuals who are eager to support ambitious tree planting plans and safeguard our precious woods and forests for generations to come. Visit Apply for a Forestry Apprenticeship - GOV.UK to hear the latest news and how to apply when applications open in 2023.
The Forestry Commission are also interested in working with partners within the sector to develop the offer on an ongoing basis. If you would like to find out more or are considering offering apprenticeship positions or would like to offer support with work placements, please contact: DWOenquiries@forestrycommission.gov.uk
1.1 Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship video
Our Development Woodland Officer programme, led with The Institute of Chartered Foresters and The University of Cumbria, is the UK’s first degree-level forestry apprenticeship. Meet Rikky, one of our current apprentices, as he explains why he applied and his ambitions for the future.
2. Woods for Nature - Local Authority Case Study Webinar
Hear how Birmingham City Council is planting more trees to support nature, enhance air quality and improve life for its citizens.
If you are working for a local authority that wants to plant more trees to support nature as well as improve air quality and enhance the quality of life for citizens, and you would like to see how another local authority is developing its tree planting approach, this webinar is for you.
Simon Needle, Principal Arboriculturist/Principal Ecologist at Birmingham City Council will talk through how the Council is increasing tree planting and canopy cover across the city. His presentation will cover:
- the approach being taken by the Council
- the creation of an urban forestry masterplan and its objectives
- how the plan is being implemented across the city, including mapping, gap analysis, identification of priority locations and species choice
- challenges and learnings
- results to date
- how tree planting ambitions align with Local Nature Recovery Network development
Monday, 14 November 2022, 10–11am
The webinar will comprise a 20 – 25-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute question and answer session.
3. New blog post - boosting biodiversity!
Our new infographic suggests 11 ways you can boost biodiversity in your woodland! Find out more details on how to do this using the UK Forestry Standard.
4. Creating species-rich and diverse woodland in Derbyshire - guest blog
Learn more about woodland creation.
Read our guest blog on creation of a new, dynamic landscape along the Derwent Valley corridor, stretching from the National Forest in the midlands to the Northern Forest in northern England.
This new thriving landscape will create a diverse range of species-rich habitats and deliver a range of critical ecosystem services, helping to alleviate the risks of flooding and soak up the carbon that is driving our climate crisis.