Head Foresters are responsible for the management of Forestry Workers. They also plan planting and harvesting activities and the monitoring and management of woodland areas. The role usually includes significant conservation work, such as creating and restoring native woodlands. The type of practical work carried out on site will vary depending upon the employer, and the type and location of the woodlands being managed.
Working in private woodland or for government agencies or departments will often require a wide range of skills and knowledge, including land management skills. A Head Forester will have an excellent understanding of sustainable forestry and be able to achieve high standards of environmental quality, protection and conservation.
You’ll need:
experience in forest or land management
an interest, understanding and enthusiasm for the environment and conservation and good knowledge of the local setting
to analyse and solve problems
excellent communication skills, enjoy working with people and sharing your knowledge with different audiences
physical skills such as mobility and co-ordination, and a good level of fitness
practical skills to use hand tools and machinery such as chainsaws
to lead a team, with experience of controlling staff costs and contracting budgets
to think strategically and identify consequences of plans
good knowledge of the UK Forestry Standard (UKFS) and UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS)
to produce reports – use of computer programmes and GPS mapping systems will be expected
A driving licence is necessary, and you will be given access to a vehicle. You’ll have completed courses such as first aid, working at height and how to use equipment such as chainsaws and sprayers.
Around 40 hours a week however the hours may vary, and weekend or bank holiday work can be required. Depending on the area covered, there may be a significant amount of travelling between different sites.
Review and update woodland management plans in collaboration with the Planning Forester
Plan, implement and control work programmes for staff and contractors, keeping to planned budgets
Plan, carry out and maintain planting schemes
Survey and inspect sites and individual trees
Select and mark up timber to be harvested
Obtain licenses for felling when required
Plan, monitor and evaluate habitat management
Ensure full health and safety compliance and safe working practices
Confirm all equipment, machinery and PPE are in good, safe, clean and functional order
Maintain records of work and rota schedules
You will work between the office on administrative tasks and working outside in all weathers – a uniform and protective clothing (PPE) will be provided. This will include heavy boots, gloves, masks, goggles and harnesses.
Training is an essential part of any job, giving you the skills and knowledge you need to do your job safely and correctly. It also helps to strengthen your current skill set and prepares you for the next stage in your career.
Apprenticeships help you build the experience and skills that employers want to see. No matter what stage you’re at, they’ll help set you up for a bright future. There are lots of ways to get involved.
Achieving chartered status from the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) is a good way to obtain the right skills and experience for promotion.
The opportunities open to you will depend on the size and structure of the organisation - you may move into roles influencing government policy on the nation's woodlands.
Head Forester will usually work in one of the following industries. Click below to find out more about possible career paths.
Trees don’t only bring pleasure to millions of us – they provide a broad range of career options to help manage habitats and fight climate change.
Woodlands and forests enhance and support our lives. Trees absorb and store carbon dioxide, provide wood, moderate climate, help regulate our supply of fresh water, prevent erosion and flooding, provide a wide range of habitats for people and wildlife, and bring huge pleasure and wellbeing to millions.
Forestry and timber also play a major role in developing a low carbon economy: planting new trees offsets emissions and helps lock-up carbon in construction. Each nation has their own tree-planting strategy and target to help achieve their net zero goals.
Careers tend to split into two main areas. Forestry is the science and practice of planting, managing and harvesting forests for wood and timber, while arboriculture involves cultivating and managing trees in urban environments, like parks, community spaces and private properties. While there’s some overlap in skills, foresters tend to manage forests and timber on a larger scale while arborists look after trees in smaller green spaces. Both options offer diverse, challenging career opportunities.
The area of woodland in the United Kingdom is estimated to be 3.2 million hectares
The UK has a tree-planting target of 30,000 hectares a year by 2024 – the equivalent of at least 90 million trees
69% of the UK population visited woodland in 2021
In the Republic of Ireland, the area of forest is estimated to be 770,020 ha or 11% of the total land area of Ireland - over 50% of this is in public ownership, mainly through Coillte
These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
To find out more about qualification levels in England please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) .
To find out more about qualification levels in Northern Ireland please visit Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) for England and Northern Ireland or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
To find out more about qualification levels in the Republic of Ireland, please visit National Framework of Qualifications for Ireland (NFQIE)
To find out more about qualification levels in Scotland please visit Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).
To find out more about qualification levels in Wales please visit Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales (CQFW) or Framework for Higher Education Qualifications for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ).
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These courses are perfect if you are starting out on your career but they are also great for people already in jobs who want to improve their skills.
Whether you’re just starting out in the workplace, want to upskill or are considering changing direction, Apprenticeships are a fantastic way to build your career. Apprenticeships combine work with on-the-job training, so if you want to earn as you learn, there’s an apprenticeship out there for you – you can even start an apprenticeship if you already have a degree.
Work, earn and learn – no matter where you are in your career, an apprenticeship can set you up for a bright future.
Let’s get started!
Want to take on an apprentice? Employers start here.
An apprenticeship is a unique blend of work experience and study to help build the skills and knowledge you need for your career. Apprentices are employees – they have a contract, are paid and get the same benefits as everyone else. But the difference between an apprenticeship and a normal job is that apprentices are regularly released from work for training. Sometimes that’s a day a week, sometimes it’s for a longer block – it all depends on the job and the apprenticeship.
Apprentices work for all kinds of people at all kinds of stages in their lives. Most apprentices fall into one of three categories:
Previously restricted to school leavers and young people, apprenticeships are now a dynamic way of retraining people of all ages - there’s no upper age limit. The minimum age to become an apprentice is 16 and candidates can’t be in full-time education.
Apprenticeships offer a unique combination of paid work and study. They’re an exciting option for anyone who wants to gain experience, upskill or change career while working.
They offer a chance to work, learn and earn:
Interested in becoming an apprentice? Search for current opportunities and apply here.
Find your apprenticeship
You can also check vacancies on employer websites or get in touch with your local careers service.
What’s it like to work, earn and learn? Find out what apprentice life is really like.
Explore apprenticeship stories
Arboricultural Association
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The Institute of Chartered Foresters
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Confederation of Forest Industries (Confor)
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Royal Forestry Society
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Woodland Trust
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Forestry and Land Scotland
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Scottish Forestry
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Forestry England
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Forestry Commission
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Natural Resources Wales
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Thinking about your finances is important when you're looking at courses and training - different types of funding support is available depending on what type of course you're interested in and where you are located. We recommend you contact the training provider for more information on course costs and financing, but here are some links to connect you to support available:
Skills Hub Scotland is an online skill sharing marketplace creating new opportunities to learn and share skills. Wherever you are located - if you have a skill to share, or a skill to learn, Skills Hub Scotland can help.
Initially founded as a response to the Scottish Government’s CivTech 5 programme in 2020 and aiming to offer a platform for those in rural or remote locations, Skills Hub Scotland has been developed into an important sectoral resource. If you have a skill to share with others or are a training provider, list your workshop or course (all skills from all sectors are welcome). If you are a learner, use Skills Hub Scotland to search for and book a course!
STEM is an approach to learning and development that incorporates the areas of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Learning in STEM connects to Education for Sustainable Development/Learning for Sustainability and the Sustainable Development Goals – this helps learners to understand that STEM plays a vital role in finding solutions to real world issues or challenges such as protecting biodiversity and tackling climate change. There are multiple pathways into a land-based STEM career including apprenticeships, further and higher education. This means that a career in STEM is open to everyone!
STEM Learning is the largest provider of STEM education and careers support in the UK. Their STEM Ambassadors programme sees volunteers representing a vast range of STEM-related jobs work with young people to bring STEM subjects alive through real life experiences. They help to open the doors to a world of opportunities and possibilities which come from pursuing STEM subjects and careers. To become a STEM Ambassador, you can register via the STEM Learning website: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors/join-stem-ambassador-programme
Lantra have worked in collaboration with STEM Ambassadors in Scotland to create two specific UK-wide Ambassadors schemes - Forestry and Aquaculture. Through these schemes, we want to make sure that those working in forestry and aquaculture have the support materials they need to take part in STEM activities. To find out more and register for the schemes, please follow the links below:
Smart Futures helps young people in Ireland discover the STEM subjects and careers that might be right for them. Co-ordinated and managed by Science Foundation Ireland, their programme allows young people to connect with people that are working in STEM, the organisations they’re working in and what their interests and skills are.
Why not take a look at the Industries Explorer as an introduction to the different areas you could work in.
If we can support you with any specific information, please click the button below to get in touch.
