Who is actually doing the forestry work?

There’s a lot of talk about the need for more woodland creation, better management, stronger timber supply chains and greater resilience in the face of pests, disease, drought and fire. But all of that relies on one thing: people to actually do the work..

Forest Research has launched a new Forestry Workforce Census for Great Britain, working with the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry and the Welsh Government. The aim is simple enough. Build a clearer picture of the people and businesses carrying out the operational work across forestry, from planting and establishment through to maintenance, harvesting and contracting.

The sector has no shortage of ambition. There are planting targets, management plans, new grants and a lot of discussion around timber, carbon and nature recovery. But politicians and their targets do not plant trees, maintain restocks, repair tracks, run machines or manage woodland.

People do.

For employers, contractors and self-employed workers, this is a chance to make sure the reality on the ground is counted. That includes the smaller businesses and one-person operations that can be easy to overlook but make up a vital part of how forestry actually happens.

The census will take two snapshots of the workforce, on 1 October 2026 and 1 March 2027, recognising that forestry is seasonal and that the picture can look very different across the year. It will not solve the skills challenge on its own, but a better understanding of the workforce is a sensible place to start.

If you run a forestry business, employ people, contract work or are part of the operational workforce, it is worth taking part when the time comes. You can sign up to get alerted by email (and find out more) here. The better the data, the stronger the case for the training, recruitment and support the sector will need in the years ahead.

Jack

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In this section, we highlight standout opportunities each week, including selected sponsored listings.

What?: Woodland Agent

Who?: South Downs National Park Authority

Where?: Midhurst, West Sussex

How Much?: £43,806–£48,266 + pension

Apply directly

🌲 The workforce census will gather information on two separate dates, 1 October 2026 and 1 March 2027, this is to catch people who may be working in the industry on a seasonal basis (clever, eh?)

Interested in featuring a sponsored job listing in this newsletter? Email us at [email protected].