Woodland Officer in Penrith

Never has there been a more important time for trees and forests to help tackle the climate emergency and provide a much-needed sanctuary for people and wildlife. Our Prime Minister and our government are committed as part of the Environmental Improvement Plan to increasing the tree canopy cover across England from the current 14.5% to at least 16.5% by 2050 – this means 34,000 ha of new tree cover by 2028. This acceleration in current planting rates in England will contribute to meeting the net‑zero by 2050 ambitions, and to government’s wider environmental targets.

The Department for the Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and the Forestry Commission have set up a joint tree‑planting programme for England to support the forestry sector, landowners, and communities in the delivery of these ambitions. Forestry Commission will lead the delivery of the following parts of the tree‑planting programme:

• Developing sector capacity.
• Woodland creation on public land.
• Woodland creation on private land.

If you are passionate about the role of trees, woods and forestry in creating a better future for England and want to play a key part in realising that we want to hear from you. By joining the Forestry Commission, you will become part of a team of passionate, committed colleagues, and be able to build on a wealth of expertise to take this ambitious work forward. You will be able to make your mark by helping the Forestry Commission to revolutionise how we work together and reach new stakeholders. Our staff engagement levels are consistently well above the Civil Service average and staff turnover is well below. We value our people, we look after them, and we will look after you. We hope you will join us for the challenge.

We are seeking dynamic individuals with experience in forestry and/or land management, who are quick to learn and inspire and enthuse others. You have the opportunity to work in a blended manner from the office and at home covering an agreed geographic area, sometimes supporting colleagues in other areas. The post holder will work 44 hours per week.

In your ‘patch,’ you will be at the forefront of delivering the Forestry Commission’s incentives and Regulations, and able to provide advice and support to the private forestry sector in addition to Local Authorities and Defra colleagues. Internal team working is also integral in the Woodland Officer role, for example across the Area Team (e.g., assisting others in ‘alleged unlicensed felling’ investigations) and the wider Forestry Commission (e.g., opportunity for review of national guidance and procedure). Through both, you will have the ability to assist the Forestry Commission build strong working relationships to help create and manage diverse, resilient multi‑purpose woodlands.

Responsibilities

• Expand Woodland Cover: Champion the multiple benefits of new woodland as business opportunities for landowners and as natural capital (including biodiversity, water quality, flood management, carbon sequestration/substitution, etc.) for the wider environment and society; facilitate the design and delivery of new woodlands optimising the benefits they can deliver to the owner and as natural capital. Administer/process applications for grant aid including the England Woodland Creation Offer, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier and Woodland Tree Health Grant. Administer the forestry Regulations relating to woodland creation (Environmental Impact Assessment); and administer/process applications for grants.
• Protect our existing trees and woodlands: Administering Forestry Regulations including: Forestry Act – Felling Licences to ensure tree felling is carried out legally in accordance with the principles of the UK Forestry Standard. Environmental Impact Assessments – afforestation, deforestation, forest roads and forest quarries. Habitats Regulations – re forest operations within and/or impacting Special Protection Areas and Special Areas of Conservation. Advise on the links with other legislation such as those pertaining to European Protected Species. Provide specialist advice to planning authorities regarding the impact of proposals on existing woodland and how new trees and woodland could be used to enhance new developments.
• Improve the condition and resilience of our existing woodlands and wider treescape: Champion the benefits of actively managed woodland. Support woodland owners and managers in responding to key challenges of pests and diseases including Chalara ash dieback, Phytophthora ramorum, deer and grey squirrels. Work to increase resilience within woodlands to the challenges of a changing climate; and facilitate closer working across the forestry sector – for instance between markets, contractors, managers, etc.
• Engaging partners, stakeholders and the public: Encourage, enthuse and support key partners and stakeholders to help facilitate the expansion, protection and improvement of our woodlands and treescape; and champion the many values of trees and woodland to the wider public helping them understand and appreciate the importance and values of active management.