About the job
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 government are committed to creating 30,000 hectares of woodland a year across the UK, of which 7,500 ha per year are anticipated to be in England, by the end of this Parliament. 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.
This was supported by the announcement in the 2021 budget of £640m for a new Nature for Climate Fund ‘to support natural habitats like woodland and peat’ and the publication of the England Tree Action Plan.
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.
Job description
The Woodland Creation Officer role represents Forest Services front-line woodlands and forestry expertise. It involves ensuring the delivery of Government forestry policy through the effective use of advice and incentives. The role provides an important interface between Forest Services and landowners and forestry agents, promoting, advising on, and helping to facilitate a diverse range of woodland creation proposals. The post-holders will be expected to focus on woodland creation. They will advocate the benefits of woodland creation and proactively communicate with and advise landowners and investors considering woodland creation.
The post-holders will also understand and advise on the regulatory aspects of individual woodland creation applications where required. The post-holders will operate as part of the Area Delivery Teams and have close working links to the national incentives development team and the Promotion and Engagement, colleagues. They will also work closely with the national and regional specialists to ensure that proposals meet the requirements of the UK Forestry Standard. Regular travel across the FS Delivery Area (Southeast and London) and occasional overnight stays will be required.