Forest/woodland manager : Job description

Forest/woodland managers or foresters are responsible for managing forests and woodlands for the multiple objectives of timber production, conservation and recreation.

They maintain and manage the balance between various issues associated with woodland areas, such as commercial interests, biodiversity and public access. The challenge for modern forestry is to establish a balance between competing economic and social demands for forest and land use. This challenge includes a change of emphasis towards multipurpose forests, regeneration of native woodlands and sustainable forest management.

Typical work activities

Tasks typically involve:

• advising clients on good forestry practice and providing a contract service to woodland owners, including those interested in acquiring land for afforestation;
• advising woodland owners on the establishment of the most appropriate tree species (whether by planting or natural regeneration), budgeting, public access, ecological surveys and forest certification;
• organising the growing, harvesting, marketing and sale of timber;
• planning and implementing annual work programmes and ensuring the effective use of resources to meet the current objectives of the forest area;
• supervising forest workers and contractors in the field, which may include negotiation with subcontracting companies;
• liaising with customers, landowners, timber merchants, the public and local authorities - varies according to the specific post and the nature of the employer but, in general, is becoming a greater part of the role;
• liaising with and working on many projects with other professionals, such as landscape architects, archaeologists, biologists, geologists, chartered surveyors and engineers, and charitable bodies;
• attending meetings of professional bodies;
• keeping up to date with changes to legislation and other developments;
• working to and maintaining globally-recognised forest certification;
• planning and controlling budgets and preparing costing and financial forecasts;
• promoting the expansion of new woodland coverage and, where possible, the restoration of ancient woodland in the UK.

Forest managers/foresters are also involved in forest protection, which is a wide-ranging part of the role reflecting the government’s desire to promote sustainable forest management. This includes:

• conducting research in areas such as silviculture, pathology, tree improvement and entomology;
• monitoring existing forestry practices;
• protecting forests from illegal felling, pests and diseases;
• ensuring that the presence of forests does not detrimentally affect the surrounding environment and wildlife by damaging wildlife habitats, water supplies or soil.