The UK Forestry Jobs Newsletter shares the best curated forestry jobs in the UK, from tree planting to director level.
Over the last couple of weeks, we have talked about pay and about what comes after that first job in forestry. Both conversations come back to the same thing: if we want good people to join the sector and stay, we need to think about what working in it is actually like.
A Royal Forestry Society survey of more than 500 people working in forestry and arboriculture found that 76% named financial issues as a major source of stress. More than a third reported chronic burnout. Those are survey respondents, not a measure of every person in forestry, but they are difficult figures to brush aside. (rfs.org)
It is not just about being tough
The work can be satisfying, and many of us would not swap it for a desk job. But long hours, uncertain work, pressure to keep jobs moving and time spent working alone can add up. Telling someone to be more resilient does little if the pressures around them stay the same.
That is why it is good to see people in the industry talking about this openly. The RFS has brought forestry workers and sector leaders back together to reflect on what has changed over the past year, with further conversations taking place at APF this week. Talking is a start. Paying people fairly, communicating clearly and making sure nobody feels they have to carry everything alone matter too. Groups like Andys Man Club offer group counselling for suicide prevention for men.
Many of us know people who have found it all to much and are left wishing we’d been able to reach out and help when it mattered.
If someone you work with seems quieter than usual, check in. And if things are difficult for you, please tell someone you trust. Forestry looks after a lot of living things. We need to look after our people as well.
Stay safe and look after yourself and others.
Jack
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🔦 Jobs Spotlight 🔦
In this section, we highlight standout opportunities each week, including selected sponsored listings.
What?: Forestry Assistant
Who?: COOMBES Forestry
Where?: Upper Meon Valley, Hampshire
How Much?: £Competitive plus comprehensive benefits
What?: Forestry Consultant (Infrastructure)
Who?: RTS Forestry
Where?: Scotland-wide (Based in Crieff, Scotland)
How Much?: £Competitive + benefits
Forestry Fact Corner…
🌲 In the RFS Breaking Points survey, only 43% of respondents said they had someone they trusted to talk to regularly each week. It is a reminder that checking in with a colleague can matter more than we realise.
Interested in featuring a sponsored job listing in this newsletter? Email us at [email protected].