Britain is a nation with an abundance of woodland areas. By definition forestry is the science of planting and taking care of large areas of trees. The forestry industry requires many different kinds of skills to continue t maintain our natural woodlands and forests.

Roles and Responsibilities

Here is a brief view of some of the careers available in the forestry industry.

• Forestry Workers are involved in maintaining forests and areas of natural woodland. Forestry workers make up the largest sector of employers in the forestry industry.

  The work on offer will vary between regions and compliance with land management issues. Generally work will involve planting and maintaining areas, thinning out clearings and felling damaged or diseased trees.

  No particular academic qualifications are required to become a forestry worker. NVQ training in crafts based skills is often required and if you need to work with equipment such as chainsaws and substances such as pesticides you may also need to pass relevant training schemes.

  Agricultural colleges and training centres offer courses offering tuition for the relevant skills. Work experience placements may be available with local companies which can provide an insight into the industry.

• Forestry Contractors are required to oversee forestry workers and plan and initiate new projects within woodland areas. Increasingly more self employed contractors are being introduced.

  As a self employed contractor you will need good organisational and interpersonal skills. You will also need good manual skills and knowledge of forestry work.

  There are some NVQ courses available which offer training in business and management aspects as a self employed contractor.

• Forest Managers oversee the work of the forestry workers and contractors. Forest managers will have a qualification such as a BTEC national diploma or higher national diploma in forestry or the national equivalent. Applicants with these qualifications usually start out in supervisory roles and progress on towards management level.

  Applicants may receive the opportunity to work in specialised sectors including conservation work, research, training and harvesting. Positions may also be open abroad as a representative of British government agencies.

  Depending on where you work you may be involved in health and safety protocols, research work, initiating new tree planting sites and dealing in timber supplies.

  Once qualified, employment can be found with local government agencies, woodland management firms and timber companies amongst other firms and employers.

• Work is often available working for various national and international conservation authorities.

  Authorities such as the forestry commission, the royal forestry society and other organisations require an extensive workforce to help preserve our environment. These authorities have organized structures with many employees covering all aspects of the forestry industry.

  To find out about vacancies with conservation authorities look out for industry publications online. Many of these organisations offer membership where you can register interest and receive regular updates.