The UK Forestry Jobs Newsletter shares the best curated forestry jobs in the UK, from tree planting to director level.
If you only get off site once this year, make it this: The APF Exhibition runs on 24, 25 and 26 September at the Ragley Estate in Warwickshire (Confor). It is the biggest gathering of forestry, woodland, tree work, fencing and grounds kit in the country, and almost everyone there works in the industry. Nobody has to explain to you what a forwarder does.
This one is a bit special. It is 50 years since the first show, held at Longleat back in 1976, and this is the 25th time it has been held. To mark it, the organisers are putting on a ‘look back’ at how the industry has changed over those five decades, with old machines and old chainsaws on display, plus a short booklet on the history of the show. There is also axe throwing and have-a-go tree climbing if you’re feeling brave!
The real reason to go, though, is the people. Machines get demonstrated properly, in the wood, doing the work rather than sitting on a stand. Dealers are there. Trainers are there. So are the big employers and contractors, and a lot of hiring starts as a chat by a machine. If you are thinking about your next move, why not bring a few copies of your CV and be ready to talk about what you can bring to prospective employers?
Worth knowing before you go
Book ahead if you can. Advance tickets are cheaper than paying at the gate, and sales close 10 days before the show opens — so you have got until roughly the middle of September. Group tickets for 10 or more are cheaper again, but only if you buy them in advance. Parking and the show programme are free, and under 16s get in free too (APF).
Take boots. It is a working estate, most of it is outdoors, and September weather can go either way.
Shows like this are easy to skip when you are busy. But it comes round only every two years, and it is one of the few days where you can see the kit, meet the people and get a feel for where the industry is heading, all in one place. Worth a day of your time.
Happy job hunting,
Jack
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🔦 Jobs Spotlight 🔦
In this section, we highlight standout opportunities each week, including selected sponsored listings.
What?: Apprentice Forest Craftsperson
Who?: Forestry England
Where?: Various: Cumbria
How Much?: £24,492 per year
What?: Forestry Worker (Sub Contractor)
Who?: Action Forestry Services
Where?: Biggar
How Much?: £150/day
Forestry Fact Corner…
🌲 The very first APF was held at Longleat in 1976, the same year as the famous drought summer of ‘76. Fifty years and 25 shows later, it has grown into the UK's largest forestry and arboriculture exhibition (and it’s been another dry year)
Interested in featuring a sponsored job listing in this newsletter? Email us at [email protected].