At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of forests by developing management plans and collaborating with stakeholders.
- Company: Join Forestry England, the largest land management organisation in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, discounts, free parking, and a strong pension scheme.
- Other info: Flexible working options and commitment to your professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and public access while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience in forest planning or related fields, with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 33854 - 33854 £ per year.
We are Forestry England. We live and breathe forests.
Forestry England is the largest land management organisation in England, responsible for the nation's forests. As a Forest Planner you will help shape the long‑term future of diverse landscapes by developing forest management plans that balance biodiversity, resilience, timber production and public access.
What you’ll do:
- Lead the development of forest management plans for the Chilterns, Bedfordshire, Weald and Kent areas of the East District, incorporating evidence, data and professional judgement to produce UKFS‑compliant Forest Plans and maintain UKWAS certification.
- Use GIS and field surveys to inform decisions, consult widely with stakeholders, and support operational teams by providing high‑quality data, mapping and specialist advice.
- Work independently outdoors when necessary, manage your own workload, and collaborate with Forestry England colleagues and external partners within a supportive district team and a national network of forest planning professionals.
Where you’ll work:
In the Chilterns office near Aston Clinton (HP22 5NF), with flexibility for some blended working. The role must be based in the UK.
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday a year, increasing by one day each year of service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
- Access to the STaRis employee benefits scheme offering discounts on supermarket shopping, travel, clothing, mobile phones, and other everyday items, as well as health, gym and household bill discounts.
- Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to the National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
- Commitment to lifelong learning; support for career development including professional development, learning plans and sponsorship of professional memberships.
- Contributory pension – Forestry England contributes an average of 28.97% towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme.
Eligibility and EEO statement:
Applicants must meet the nationality and language requirements set out by UK law. Forestry England is part of the Civil Service, offering the Disability Confident Scheme and supporting redeployment and veteran recruitment. Applications are judged by fair and open competition in accordance with Civil Service recruitment principles.
Closing Date: 28/06/2026
Forest Planner in Aston Clinton employer: Forestry England
Forestry England is an exceptional employer, dedicated to nurturing a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Forest Planner, you will enjoy a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances, access to employee discounts, and a commitment to lifelong learning, all while working in the beautiful Chilterns area. Join us in shaping the future of our forests and make a meaningful impact on biodiversity and public access.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Forest Planner in Aston Clinton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the forestry sector, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We can’t stress enough how valuable personal connections can be in landing that Forest Planner role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your GIS work, field surveys, and any relevant projects. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating how your experience aligns with developing forest management plans and working with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining Forestry England and making a difference in our forests.
We think you need these skills to ace Forest Planner in Aston Clinton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Forests:When writing your application, let your love for forests shine through! We want to see how your enthusiasm aligns with our mission at Forestry England. Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to forest management and biodiversity.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to the Forest Planner role. We’re looking for specific skills like GIS knowledge and stakeholder consultation experience. Highlight these in your CV and cover letter to show us you’re the perfect fit for the job!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate – just follow the prompts!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forestry England
✨Know Your Forests
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of forest management and biodiversity. Understand the specific challenges and opportunities in the Chilterns, Bedfordshire, Weald, and Kent areas. This will show your passion for the role and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your GIS Skills
Since the role involves using GIS for decision-making, be prepared to discuss your experience with GIS tools. Bring examples of how you've used data and mapping in previous projects, and be ready to explain how you would apply these skills to develop UKFS-compliant Forest Plans.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Demonstrate your ability to consult widely with stakeholders. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with different parties, and be ready to discuss how you would approach stakeholder engagement in this role. This shows you can work well within a team and value diverse perspectives.
✨Emphasise Your Independence
As a Forest Planner, you'll need to manage your own workload and work independently outdoors. Share experiences where you've taken initiative or worked autonomously. Highlighting your self-management skills will reassure them that you can thrive in this role.
