The Development Woodland Officer programme is an exciting new career pathway into the forestry sector through the degree Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship Programme. It is designed for people seeking a forestry career, including those without prior experience. This 3-year programme has been developed to lead and coach through a wide range of learning activities, supported by on the job training to build on forestry experience and knowledge, not just from within the Forestry Commission but across the entire forestry sector.
You will develop the skills and knowledge required to become a modern Professional Forester through a blend of academic study and practical experience. Although there are practical forestry elements to the work, the significant focus is on a rigorous academic programme. This is not “a walk in the woods”! On completion of the 3-year programme, successful graduates will earn a Level 6 Professional Forester Apprenticeship, a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester degree and the potential to gain Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters, in addition to gaining 3 years’ work experience. This will provide the building blocks to continue a career in the forestry sector as a professional forester, planning, advising, managing, and supervising forestry activities and operations. The programme includes:
Training
An opportunity to learn how to convert coppiced Sweet Chestnut into fencing materials.The growing and coppicing of Sweet Chestnut (Castanea sativa) has generally been confined to the southern counties in the UK. However, around 15 years ago Tim Nicholson of Sleastonhow Farm decided to try…
Volunteering
Join Raise’s new Neuroaffirming Volunteer Programme, launching January 2026. This inclusive woodland volunteering initiative is designed for neurodivergent people – and anyone who values accessible, welcoming outdoor spaces. Volunteers will help create and care for community woodlands across…
Job Vacancy
The University of Cumbria is one of the largest providers of degree apprenticeships in the country and our programmes are delivered to apprentices across the whole of England. With experience of assessment, you will conduct assessments in line with the requirements set in the appropriate…
Volunteering
Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Coppicing is a manual method of tree maintenance to encourage new growth from old trees. A great way of managing our woodlands and ensuring they last for generations to come.
Volunteering
Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. The following years after young trees have been planted they need maintenance to ensure they get the best possible chance! This includes removing competition, checking on tree guards and laying hedges.
Volunteering
Volunteer with West Cumbria Rivers Trust. Throughout the winter months we plant trees and hedges along riverbanks and across the catchment. This helps to increase biodiversity, create a haven for wildlife and provide great habitat as well as protects riverbanks, helps to slow the flow and reduce…
Apprenticeship
Level 3 Forest Craftperson. The broad purpose of the apprenticeship is to carry out the practical operations required to create, maintain and harvest forests and woodlands. Most employers will specialise in either establishment and maintenance, or harvesting. Employees in both sub-sectors would be…
Apprenticeship
Level 4 Arboriculturist Apprenticeship Standard. This occupation is found in arboricultural, utility, facilities management and grounds maintenance organisations. These include local authorities, arboricultural consultancies, estates, commercial organisations and charities. The broad purpose of the…
Apprenticeship
Level 2 Arborist Standard (CUMBRIA or LANCASHIRE). The arboricultural industry manages trees for their benefits and values in diverse urban and rural locations from city parks and urban woodlands, to country estates and private gardens. The industry manages trees adjacent to highways, railways,…
Volunteering
Get stuck in to practical task on a hands-on conservation day. There's plenty of wildflower planting to do, scrub and bramble removal, bracken bashing, and invasive plant removal, as well as path, bridge and boundary repairs. Lace up your boots and come and join us!
Lancaster University Open Days and Campus Tours
Myerscough College Open Days 7 February and 18 April 2026
Furness College Apprenticeships Open Evening 12 February 2026
