This is an excellent opportunity for a recently qualified forester to gain broad, hands-on consultancy experience across a wide range of woodland types and client relationships. You’ll be working directly with Nick Evans, the company’s founder and principal consultant, supporting the delivery of client work from day one while developing your own skills and client relationships over time.

This is a genuine career-building role — not a support position. As the business grows, so will your responsibility.

What you’ll be doing

• Assisting with woodland surveys, site assessments, and tree inspections across a varied private client base including estates and farms
• Supporting the preparation of woodland management plans, felling licences, and grant applications (including Countryside Stewardship and England Woodland Creation Offer)
• Carrying out species and habitat assessments and contributing to ecological reports
• Using GIS and mapping tools (e.g. QGIS, MapInfo, LandApp) to support site planning and client deliverables
• Liaising with the Forestry Commission, Natural England, and other statutory bodies as required
• Travelling independently to client sites across the Cotswolds, Chilterns, and South Midlands and representing Active Woodlands professionally
• Tracking time accurately and contributing to invoicing and project administration

About you

Essential

• A degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Environmental Science, or a related discipline (or near to completing one)
• A genuine interest in woodland management and private forestry consultancy
• Full UK driving licence — travel across the Cotswolds, Chilterns, and South Midlands is a core part of the role
• Confident working independently in the field
• Good written communication skills for report writing and client correspondence

Desirable

• Some practical forestry or countryside management experience (placement, volunteering, or employment)
• Familiarity with GIS software
• Knowledge of UK woodland grant schemes and the UK Forest Standard
• Working towards or interested in ICF membership

What we offer

• £26,000 – £28,000 salary depending on experience, with a structured pathway to increase as utilisation and skills grow
• Mileage reimbursed at HMRC rates
• Workplace pension (3% employer contribution)
• Direct mentorship from an experienced forestry consultant with 15+ years in the sector
• Exposure to a wide variety of clients, sites, and project types across some of England’s most beautiful landscapes
• 28 days holiday including bank holidays
• A small, flexible working environment where your contribution genuinely matters

How to apply

Please send your CV and a short covering letter (no more than one page) explaining why you’re interested in forestry consultancy and what draws you to Active Woodlands to info@activewoodlands.co.uk. Applications close 16th May 2026.