Forester

Foresters plan, develop and manage forestry activities. They have overall responsibility for operations such as tree planting and maintenance and harvesting timber for sale. Foresters also protect the forest environment, advise landowners, and manage public access for recreational activities.

Also known as:

• Forest officer
• Forest manager

Work activities

Foresters plan, organise and lead the development of woodlands and forests. They might be involved in timber processing or woodland management. Forests and woodlands have an important role in recreation, tourism and biodiversity. They are involved in aspects of conservation and sustainable forestry, landscaping and recreation, as well as producing timber for sale. Foresters can be involved in all stages of development, from valuing and buying land through to planting new woodland.

In timber processing, they plan the delivery of the timber harvest to merchants, sawmills and processing companies. Foresters manage workers and contractors as they go about tasks such as clearing sites, planting young trees, pruning and other tree maintenance, felling trees, spraying insecticides, drainage work and putting up fences. This involves staff recruitment, setting pay rates, and ensuring that staff have appropriate training and are competent to carry out their tasks. Foresters have to keep up to date with safety legislation and put this into practice, as forestry work can be dangerous.

There is also a financial side to the work, including budget planning, deciding on resources to buy, and managing contracts to sell or buy timber. To secure new selling contracts, foresters have to market their timber, and negotiate. Foresters also ensure public access to forested areas. This can mean directing workers to create and maintain picnic areas, pathways, signposts, nature trails and caravan parks. Before developing a forest, they will need to advise and consult with landowners, to meet their requirements. Foresters need to liaise with neighbouring landowners and organisations wishing to use forestry areas for sports and recreation.

Foresters are increasingly concerned with protecting the forest environment. For example, they monitor fire breaks and ensure that workers and the public are aware of environmental issues. Foresters have to follow and enforce Tree Preservation Orders, which protect trees that are of particular importance, for example, to wildlife or to an area’s character. Foresters can also be involved in wildlife conservation and research. Other aspects of the work include writing reports, issuing permits and managing nurseries, which produce new plants (this is called propagation). Depending on the number of workers, foresters may also be involved in some of the practical forestry activities.

Personal qualities and skills

To be a forester, you’ll need:

• Excellent management skills, including the ability to plan, organise and make decisions.
• Communication skills to lead workers and build good relationships with landowners, local authorities and the public.
• Written skills to produce reports.
• The ability to use computers, for tasks such as budget management and report writing. Foresters might also use Geographical Information Systems.
• Negotiating skills, for example, to secure contracts.
• Willingness to keep up to date with health and safety and tree protection laws.
• A full driving licence.

Foresters need an awareness of environmental issues.

Pay and opportunities

Salaries vary depending on role and responsibilities. The pay rates given are approximate. Foresters earn in the range of £19,000 to £30,000 a year. Higher salaries are available, depending on role, responsibilities and experience.

They usually work a 42-44-hour week, although early starts and some weekend work may be required.

Employers include the Forestry Commission (for example, in the national Forest Enterprise agencies or Forest Research), local authorities, private forestry companies, consultants and contractors, and owners of private sector estates and forests. There are also opportunities in forest research, teaching and in the technical management of commercial forests and timber firms. Opportunities for foresters occur in regions of the UK with large commercial forests, such as Wales, Scotland and northern England.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local newspapers, on the Government’s Find a Job service, and on the websites of the Forestry Commission and the Institute of Horticulture.

Entry routes and training

To become a forester, you’ll usually need an HND, foundation degree or BSc degree in a subject such as forestry or forest management. A small number of postgraduate courses are available.

A number of apprenticeships are available in this area:

• Forest craftsperson (level 3 / advanced)
• Professional forester (level 6 / degree)

Some foresters join the Institute of Chartered foresters. Full professional membership of the Institute recognises a forester’s professional and technical competence. Professional members can use the title of chartered forester.

To be able to carry out practical tasks such as using a chainsaw and spraying chemical fertilisers, you will need to have had approved training and to have passed City & Guilds land based services awards, certificates or diplomas.

Foresters could progress to higher-level management positions, with wider responsibilities. Some foresters go on to specialise in particular areas of work, such as research, planning or technical development. It is possible to become a self-employed consultant, for example, doing surveying work. Chartered forester status could be an advantage for progression.

Qualifications

For entry to a degree in forestry, the usual minimum requirement is:

• Two to three A-levels, including at least one science subject or maths. Biology and/ or chemistry might be preferred subjects. Other preferred subjects can include environmental studies, geography and geology.
• GCSEs at grades 9-4 in your A-level subjects.
• A further 2/3 GCSEs at grades 9-4. English and/or maths might be specified.

Entry to an HND or foundation degree in forestry is usually with:

• One A-level (a science subject might be preferred) and four GCSEs (9-4).

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship, you’ll need GCSEs in English and maths. To qualify for a degree apprenticeship, you will need two relevant A-levels, plus GCSEs.

Adult opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Some entrants have gained relevant skills and knowledge through experience as a forest worker, or by working in a related area such as arboriculture.

If you don’t have the qualifications you need to enter a degree, foundation degree or HND course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course. You don’t usually need any qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check individual course details. Universities and colleges of higher education (HE) will usually consider applications from adults who don’t meet their usual entry requirements. You should check the admissions policy of individual universities and HE colleges. A few colleges and universities offer degrees in Forestry Management, including at Master’s level. Study can be full or part time/flexible or via distance learning. Courses have been developed in partnership with industry.

Related careers

• Countryside manager
• Farm manager
• Forest worker
• Horticultural manager
• Manager
• Tree surgeon