The UK Forestry Jobs Newsletter shares the best curated forestry jobs in the UK, from tree planting to director level.
If you're finishing a degree this year, or you know someone who is, now is the time to pay attention. The forestry graduate schemes are opening for 2027, and the best ones fill up fast.
First up is Scottish Woodlands, whose 2027 Graduate Development Programme is now open (and top of this week's Jobs Spotlight).
What does a graduate scheme actually involve?
The Scottish Woodlands programme runs for two years, with places in both its Forestry and Harvesting divisions across Scotland and the north of England and now Northern Ireland. Graduates learn the real job: forest planning, woodland creation, timber harvesting, grant applications, working with contractors and forestry finance. It's accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, and the package includes a company vehicle and a share incentive plan in what is now an 80% employee-owned business.
It's a well-trodden path, too. The programme has offered 65 young people a start in forestry so far, and seven more graduates were recognised at the company's graduate event in Crieff last month.
The bit I like most? You don't need a forestry background. Recent graduates include a former primary school teacher from Norway, a biology graduate who'd been working in hospitality and someone who admits they knew nothing about forestry when they started. A degree in forestry is ideal, but geography, environmental and other land-based subjects are considered too.
The rest of the graduate calendar
Scottish Woodlands isn't the only option this winter:
Tilhill – applications for its graduate scheme open on 1 December and run until 28 February, with a two-to-three-year route to Forest Manager.
Forestry England – applications for the 2027/28 Graduate Leadership Programme open in December.
Forestry Commission – its Development Woodland Officer apprenticeship (a paid three-year route to a BSc with the University of Cumbria) recruited earlier this year. Worth watching for the next round, especially if you're changing career.
My advice? Get your CV and cover letter ready now, make sure your driving licence is sorted (it's essential for most of these roles), and apply early rather than on the closing date.
Stay safe!
Jack
P.S. Know a student, a recent graduate or someone thinking about a career change? Forward this to them – it might be the nudge they need.
🔦 Jobs Spotlight 🔦
In this section, we highlight standout opportunities each week, including selected sponsored listings.
What?: Graduate Development Programme
Where?: Scotland, Northern England, Northern Ireland
How Much?: £Market rate plus car and other benefits
What?: Landscape Recovery Farming & Forestry Officer
Where?: Hexham
How Much?: £35,570–£39,481
Forestry Fact Corner…
🌲 How do you become a Chartered Forester? The Institute of Chartered Foresters uses a points system. Any degree earns you four points, and ICF-accredited forestry degrees earn more. Add a point for every year of work experience, and once you reach ten you can start the process for chartered status.
Interested in featuring a sponsored job listing in this newsletter? Email us at [email protected].
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