Woodlands and Forests

Woodlands and forests are a valuable renewable resource worldwide, as they offer a wide variety of life-supporting and life-enhancing benefits to millions of people.They provide wood, absorb and store carbon dioxide, moderate the climate, regulate our supply of fresh water, help prevent erosion and flooding, provide habitat for people and wildlife, and deliver numerous recreation opportunities. Forestry and wood will play a major role in the development of a low carbon economy.

What do Forestry Professionals do?

Forestry is an interdisciplinary field, linking environmental, social and economic values. Therefore forestry professionals need to develop an understanding of the broader economic, environmental, and social dimensions of managing a renewable resource – woodlands and forests - to consider all users and uses. Forestry professionals work for a great variety of employers: tree nurseries, forest management companies and consultancy firms as well as private estates. Many are self-employed, working, for example, as harvesting contractors, management agents or woodfuel producers. The forestry workforce has traditionally been male-dominated but this is changing, especially in forest management and the charitable sector. Others are employed by national and local governments working in publicly owned woodlands, by research establishments, colleges and universities as well as by non-government agencies and environmental charities. Some work as urban foresters or arboricultural consultants - managing trees in parks, streets and gardens. Forest tourism, social forestry – working with a range of communities - and the emerging global carbon trading sector also offer the prospect of a career in the forestry sector.

Starting wage for a forest worker is usually from around £14,000, estate head foresters may earn in excess of £31,000, social foresters and rangers earn between £23,000 and £28,000, senior consultants and researchers can expect to earn from £30,000.

[Type the company name] [Edition 1, Volume 1]

“More than just a job – it’s a passion”

Types of jobs - examples Forest managers: - The forest manager has a more managerial role. He/she will be involved in the creation of forest design plans and management plans as well as scheduling of forest operations. This could include planting and harvesting activities and the management of the site for recreation and conservation. Some carry out the functions of a forestry agent (see below). While forest managers may spend much working time in offices, often working with computers using for example GIS, most forestry roles involve working outside, in all weather. A good level of fitness is required and walking over rough terrain is a normal part of the job. Private estates employ one or more forest workers, led by a head forester who is usually a forest manager. Many forest managers are self-employed and work under contract to their clients. Forest workers / Forest craftsperson - Forest workers carry out a range of practical activities including planting, weeding, thinning and felling trees and protecting them from pests, diseases and damage. Forest rangers - Some forest rangers predominantly protect and conserve wildlife in the forest. They will undertake a mix of practical forestry work and site management and may also provide information to visitors and lead guided walks. For other forest rangers working with people is the focus; organising and delivering guided walks, events and education programmes with duties that may also cover working closely with communities and volunteers. Community foresters – Community foresters are often employed by local authorities or charities. They work with communities to establish tree planting schemes and promote the benefits of tree planting in urban and rural settings. They assist with and provide technical advice on tree and woodland planning, planting, establishment and management. Community foresters organise events, activities and projects to raise awareness of environmental conservation and increase community involvement. Urban foresters - plant and maintain trees, support appropriate tree and woodland preservation, conduct research and promote the many benefits trees provide as well as appreciate policy challenges and economic limitations. Urban forestry is practiced, for example by arborists, city planners and environmental policy makers. Green wood workers / coppicers - undertake practical coppice management and add value to the coppice products by producing a range of greenwood crafts. Forestry agents –provide a range of advisory and management roles to landowners (small to large, private to public institutions), to advise on acquisitions and disposals, the planning and implementation of management, sourcing grant opportunities, arranging timber sales on daily or periodic basis. Arborists - Plant, care for, and remove trees in an urban setting. They deal with tree pest and diseases and tree safety. They are employed by local authorities, not-for-profit organisations or are self-employed. The arboricultural / tree officer, for example, may be based in the planning, grounds maintenance or environmental services section within local authorities. An arboricultural consultant provides advice to tree owners and managers and may be self-employed or work for a tree surgery business. Horse loggers - Horse loggers use horses to extract timber in less accessible / protected woodlands minimising damage to the remainder of trees, the soil, or to the flora and fauna. Horse logging has an important niche in smaller-scale forestry. Forest and wood scientists - Depending on their specialism, forest and wood scientists research, e.g. tree growth, wood qualities and processing, forest biodiversity, pest and diseases, and different species and varieties of trees and how these can be used. They typically work in offices, in laboratories, as well as outdoors, often doing fieldwork. Forestry carbon-traders - work on international carbon-, forestry or sustainable investments markets bringing together the buyer and seller of carbon credits. They manage large and complex projects in international settings or smaller schemes in the UK, related to forests or other ecosystems. Many of the international traders are bi-lingual. Case studies of some of the above jobs can be found in the section below – ‘Careers Case Studies’

Haulage

Raw material, i.e. wood, has to be transported from the forest to the processing site, for example a sawmill. Road haulage using lorries is the dominant form of timber transport. Information on this part of the sector can be found at www.timbertransportforum.org.uk/

Primary processing

As trees are felled during forest management, the wood is sorted into its potential end-uses with larger higher quality logs usually heading for the sawmill. Sawn timber

usually goes into construction, landscaping products (such as fencing) or packaging. A growing number of UK homes are constructed with a timber frame. Smaller logs and forest thinnings are destined to make paper, biomass fuel, landscaping products and wood-based panels like MDF. Companies undertaking this initial conversion of wood are called primary processors. The primary processing sector in the UK is highly advanced and at the forefront of technological

innovation. In addition to wood grown in the UK, it may also process wood sourced from many other countries, including Scandinavia, Europe, North America, South America, Africa and the Far East.

Type of work

Primary processing includes sawmilling and planing of wood, manufacture of wood-based panels such as plywood or veneer sheets, pulp & paper, and woodfuel production. The industry needs a wide range of skills and knowledge. The manufacture of wood products has traditionally involved skilled crafts and, although becoming increasingly automated, the industry still classes more than a quarter (26%) of its workforce as being employed in “skilled trades”. Plant/process machine operatives and managers are the next largest occupational groups, each accounting for around 21% of the total wood industry workforce. The Wood Skills Ladder (http://www.woodskillsacademy.co.uk/career-ladder) or Prospects4U (http://www.prospect4u.co.uk/england/wood.html) websites provide information on types of jobs, careers pathways and salary figures.

Useful Statistics

The forestry and primary timber processing industry contributes £1.7bn in GVA to the UK economy (2012). In 2010, 14,000 thousand people in forestry and 29,000 in primary wood processing (sawmilling, panels and pulp & paper) were employed by 3,170 forestry businesses, 605 sawmilling businesses, 135 wood-based panel businesses and 250 pulp & paper businesses. The vast majority of these businesses are among the small and medium sized enterprises. The estimated turnover of forestry and the wood-based products industry is £8.9bn (2011).

Secondary processing

This section of the supply chain covers the manufacture of furniture and shaped wood products, carpentry and joinery.

The secondary processing sector offers a good range of jobs to choose from. The http://www.prospect4u.co.uk/england/furniture.html website provides information on types of jobs, careers pathways and salary figures The Furniture, Furnishings and Interiors industry comprises around 12,000 UK workplaces, employing around 147,000 employees. Over 90% of the industry employs fewer than 50 employees. Almost 90% of the total workforce is based in England.

Types of jobs – examples

Log buyer: The log buyer is responsible for ensuring the right quantity and quality of wood to meet production needs. They may also act as the interface between the growers, the harvesting contractors, the haulage contractors and the sawmill manager or production manager. Sawmill manager/Production Manager: Is responsible for all functions in a sawmill or other wood processing plant, from the input of logs through to the delivery of the product to the customer. They ensure that maximum efficiency and profitability is maintained in a safe environment. Saw doctors: Technicians that look after the saws in saw mills. Saws used in timber mills are very large and expensive. They need careful maintenance for safe operation. Repair of damaged saws requires a high degree of skill. Quality Assurance Managers: QA Managers primarily focus on quality management systems within their companies. In some businesses, quality assurance responsibilities may be combined with other ‘compliance’ disciplines, i.e. environment, health and safety etc.

Types of jobs include for example:

Wood Machinists: Manufacture furniture and components using machinery to perform precision tasks. They set up, operate and maintain woodworking machines such as planers, moulders, lathes, routers and saws to cut, plane, shape and sand all types of wood components to the right size. These components are then fitted together by other tradespeople to make desks, chairs, beds, cabinets, boxes and most other items of wood. Whilst most of the work is done by machine, hand tools and manually operated machines are still used.

Carpenters: Carry out a range of tasks including the fitting of wooden stairs, windows, kitchens, doors. Production Managers: Develop the production systems to ensure they deliver the highest rate of production at the best possible cost to benefit the business. Duties usually include controlling, organising and monitoring production. They oversee the work of staff and monitor the quality of the production, ensuring deadlines are met. They may have to liaise with other departments and deal with customers. They manage and approve production schedules, specifications, and internal budgets. Estimators / surveyors: Deal with all customer enquiries and prepare quotations for the customer. They also liaise with the different departments regarding any special requirements, including all CAD drawing requirements. Estimators and surveyors maintain a filing structure as defined by company policy and meet agreed targets. Timber engineers: Timber is becoming increasingly popular as a sustainable construction material, creating more and more opportunities for engineers who want to work with timber.

Research and development managers: Research latest and future trends, techniques and materials taking into account quality, costs, safety and production constraints. Arrange for prototypes to be produced and develop ideas. Appraise viability and commercial considerations.

The Wood Supply Chain

The various careers pathways in the forestry and wood sector can be best illustrated by looking at the wood supply chain.

The wood supply chain offers diverse opportunities for employment and career development, in a wide range of disciplines and in a variety of business types and sizes. The sector offers excellent opportunities for people with a range of abilities and levels of education.

Getting in

Forestry There are many routes of entry into forestry, including, by undertaking full or part-time qualifications at college, but some practical experience is recommended for all new entrants. Some start, for example, with a Level 2 Diploma in Forestry & Arboriculture, a Level 3 Diploma in Forestry or a Level 3 Certificate in Forestry & Arboriculture. The Forest School Practitioner Award Level 3 (or similar qualifications) provides a route of entry, for example, for community foresters or rangers. There is also a good range of college and university courses leading to various Higher Education qualifications, for example, HNC/HND, Foundation Degree, BSc Hons, and post-graduate courses. Academic entry requirements vary, so applicants should check with individual institutions. Intermediate Apprenticeships (Work-based Diploma Level 2) and Advanced Apprenticeship (Work-based Diploma Level 3) within the Trees and Timber Apprenticeship Framework are available. Forestry apprentices undertake a period of paid employment alongside college-based learning to gain the skills required to enter the forestry workforce. Pathways open to apprentices include General Forestry & Treework and Coppicing & Greenwood Trades. They are open to all ages above 16 years. The selection process for Trees and Timber apprentices is likely to include an interview. Showing enthusiasm, good communication skills, providing proof of a mature attitude and problem-solving skills will all help an Apprenticeship application and an Apprentice's successful completion of the framework. For those considering a change of career, many skills acquired in other sectors are valued in the forestry and wood sector. Depending on the field of interest, there are various courses available on specific subjects for example, forestry or wood science. Some of the professional membership bodies, for example, the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Royal Forestry Society also offer courses that might aid entry into the sector. The most appropriate qualification will depend on the person’s age, experience, existing qualifications and aspirations. Almost all forestry roles require entrants to hold or work towards a full driving licence; many also require a licence to tow a trailer. Budding foresters should seek to acquire the basic competency qualifications, such as brushcutter, chainsaw, pesticide application, and all-terrain vehicle driving. First Aid at Work is also useful for those working outdoors. While technical forestry skills remain essential, entrants should aim to acquire sound organisational and communication skills. Working in the forestry sector can be hazardous, in particular for those using equipment such as chainsaws or heavy machinery, often under time pressure. However, the sector works closely with the Health and Safety Executive to provide guidance and training for all those working in the sector. See www.ukfisa.com

Wood There are many routes of entry into the Wood Industry. For further information on qualifications in wood processing see: http://www.proskills.co.uk/wood/standards-qualifications http://www.furnitureskillsacademy.co.uk/qualifications Level 2 Diploma in Wood Machining Level 2 Award in Timber and Panel Products and their Uses in Construction (QCF) Award in Timber and Panel Products and their Uses (SQA) Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Tooling Technologies – Saw Doctoring (QCF) Level 2 Award in Tooling Technology Materials and Processes (QCF) Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Merchant Supplies – Timber (QCF) Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Sawmilling (QCF) Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Wood Preserving (QCF) Level 3 Diploma in Wood Machining Level 3 Diploma in Wood Machining - CNC Machines Level 3 Certificate in Wood Technology

Apprenticeships Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship in the Wood and Timber Industry are available. Pathways include sawmilling or timber merchanting. (Course details at for example: http://didac.co.uk/courses/apprenticeshipswt) Apprenticeship, work-based qualifications such as NVQs/SVQs/AVCEs (Vocational A Levels) and BTEC Diplomas related to wood sector careers are widely available. GCSEs also provide a solid base to build on, with subjects such as Art, Science and Design and Technology all seen as useful by wood sector employers, along with English, Mathematics and IT. The selection process for all wood industry apprentices is likely to include an interview. Showing enthusiasm, good communication skills, providing proof of a mature attitude and problem-solving skills will all help an apprenticeship application and an apprentice's successful completion of the framework. Many wood industry jobs, require manual skills and involve working with your hands. Good attention to detail is very important as is good hand-eye co-ordination.

Job Vacancies and more information on jobs

There are many journals and on-line sources that provide a good insight of the type of vacancies available in the Forestry and Wood product sector. For example: Forestry Timber News (online), Royal Forestry Society E-Briefing, Countryside Job Services, Forestry Commission, Timber Trade Journal (Jobs on-line), Forestry Journal, and others.

Career case studies

Forest Craftsperson: http://icould.com/videos/laura-heron/ Forest Officer: http://icould.com/videos/michael-pittock/ Forestry Management Supervisor: http://www.realcoolfutures.com/case-study.php/john-everitt-forestry-management-supervisor International forestry policy: http://icould.com/videos/jonathan-taylor/ Mechanical engineer: http://icould.com/videos/alan-gray/ Forestry equipment operator: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKLcXldANSk

Horse logger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5AoCpbIsXHc Community, recreation and tourism forester: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/case_studies_forest_woodland_manager_case_study_1.htm Forest Carbon Specialist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jSs5UpU7TII Sawmill operator, saw doctor and machinist: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TCaqBBR63sU Greenwood chair bodger: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ulLT9JS89o Forestry Agent: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=floXiNgzs2o

Useful links

This list of web links is not complete but it signposts to websites that provide a good overview of the forestry and wood sector. Arboricultural Association http://www.trees.org.uk/ Institute of Chartered Foresters http://www.charteredforesters.org/ Confor http://www.confor.org.uk Woodland Trust http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/ Royal Forestry Society http://www.rfs.org.uk/ Association of Scottish Hardwoods www.ashs.co.uk Forestry Contracting Association www.fcauk.com

Small Woods http://smallwoods.org.uk Timber Trade Federation http://www.ttf.co.uk/ UK Forest Product Association http://www.ukfpa.co.uk/ Wood Panel Industries Federation http://www.wpif.org.uk/ Wood Recyclers’ Association http://www.woodrecyclers.org/ Forest Research www.forestresearch.gov.uk Forest Products Research Institute http://www.napier.ac.uk/forestproducts/Pages/Home.aspx Building Research Establishment

http://www.bre.co.uk/ Forestry Commission UK http://www.forestry.gov.uk/ Forest Education Initiative (Scotland / Wales) http://www.foresteducation.org Forest Education Network http://www.lotc.org.uk/fen/ Forest School Association http://www.outdoor-learning.org/Default.aspx?tabid=336 Tree Council http://www.treecouncil.org.uk/ England’s Community Forests http://www.communityforest.org.uk/

Higher Education providers – Forestry / Arboriculture (January 2013):

Provider: Undergraduate courses Post-graduate

courses

HNC/ HND

FdSc BSc (Hons) Top-up BSc

MSc PhD PGDip

University of Cumbria – National School of Forestry www.cumbria.ac.uk/

x x x x x

University of Oxford x

University of Aberdeen www.abdn.ac.uk/biologicalsci/study/undergraduate/

x x x x

University of Wales, Bangor www.bangor.ac.uk/senrgy/index.php.en?menu=0&catid=0

x x x

University of Edinburgh www.ed.ac.uk/schools-departments/geosciences/undergraduate/ecological-sciences/programmes/forestry

x x

University of the Highlands and Islands – Scottish School of Forestry www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/contact-us?pageIndex=2

x x (not Hons) x

Askham Bryan College - Harper Adams University www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/

x x x x x

Moulton College - University of Northampton www.moulton.ac.uk/

x x

Myerscough College - University of Central Lancashire www.myerscough.ac.uk/

x x x x x

Warwickshire College - University of Worcester - Pershore Campus www.warwickshire.ac.uk

x x x

Plumpton College – University of Brighton www.plumpton.ac.uk/

x

Sparsholt College – University of Portsmouth www.sparsholt.ac.uk/

x x x

Further Education Providers – Forestry / Arboriculture (August 2012):

Provider

Forestry Arboriculture Other

Level 2 Level 3 Apprenticeship Trees & Timber Level 2 and / or 3

Level 2 Level 3 Apprenticeship Trees & Timber Level 2 and / or 3

Myerscough College - Croxteth Park / Preston www.myerscough.ac.uk/

x x x

Moulton College www.moulton.ac.uk/

x x

Askham Bryan College www.askham-bryan.ac.uk/

x x x x x

Kingston Maurward College www.kmc.ac.uk/

x x

Hereford College of Technology / Holme Lacy www.hct.ac.uk/Courses/app_forestry.html

x x x x x x

Bridgwater College www.bridgwater.ac.uk/

x x x

Capel Manor College - Enfield and Crystal Palace Campus www.capel.ac.uk/

x x x x

Merrist Wood College www.merristwood.ac.uk/

x x

x x

East Durham & Houghall College www.eastdurham.ac.uk/

x x x x

Bicton College www.bicton.ac.uk/

x x x x

Northumberland College Kirkley Hall www.northumberland.ac.uk/

x x x

Hadlow College www.hadlow.ac.uk

x x x x

Provider

Forestry Arboriculture Other

Level 2 Level 3 Apprenticeship Trees & Timber Level 2 and / or 3

Level 2 Level 3 Apprenticeship Trees & Timber Level 2 and / or 3

Berkshire College Of Agriculture in Maidenhead www.bca.ac.uk/

x x

Easton College www.easton-college.ac.uk/

x x x

Plumpton College www.plumpton.ac.uk/

x x

Warwickshire College - Moreton Morrell / Pershore www.warwickshire.ac.uk

x x x x x x

South Staffordshire College - Rodbaston Campus www.southstaffs.ac.uk/about-us/rodbaston-campus#campus-map-anchor-304

x x

Sparsholt College – University of Portsmouth www.sparsholt.ac.uk/

x x x x x

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), Barony Campus http://www.sruc.ac.uk/

x x x x x

Derby College www.derby-college.ac.uk/

x x

Deeside College www.deeside.ac.uk

x x X

Otley College http://www.otleycollege.ac.uk/arboriculture/index.php

x x x

Deeside College Group: Llysfasi http://www.deeside.ac.uk/llysfasi/subjects/forestry-and-conservation.php

x x

Coleg Meirion Dwyfor: Glynllifon http://www.llandrillo.ac.uk/courses/forestry-countryside-management-and-gamekeeping/

x x x

Provider

Forestry Arboriculture Other

Level 2 Level 3 Apprenticeship Trees & Timber Level 2 and / or 3

Level 2 Level 3 Apprenticeship Trees & Timber Level 2 and / or 3

Coleg Sir Gar: Carmarthen http://www.colegsirgar.ac.uk/index.php?option=com_zoo&task=item&item_id=9013&lang=en

x

Coleg Gwent: Usk http://www.coleggwent.ac.uk/index.php?Cid=2871&operation=showD

x

University of the Highlands and Islands – Scottish School of Forestry http://www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/courses/forestry-courses

x

Providers – Wood (August 2012)

Provider Qualification

IOM3 Training Academy http://www.iom3.org/content/iwsc-wood-technology-society-courses

Level 2 Award in Timber and Panel Products and their Uses in Construction (QCF) by Distance Learning Level 3 Certificate in Wood Technology

Napier University (Timber Engineering) www.napier.ac.uk/forestproducts/centres/pages/centrefortimberengineering.aspx

B.Sc MSc PhD

Didac

http://didac.co.uk/courses/apprenticeshipswt Level 2 Apprenticeship Merchant Supplies – Timber Level 2 Apprenticeship – Sawmilling Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Tooling Technology - Saw Doctoring Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeships - Furniture & Wood

Chichester College http://www.chichester.ac.uk/Course/Construction/CandG-5780-22-L2-Dip-in-Wood-Machining/CON236/

Level 1 Certificate in Furniture Making and Furnishings (QCF) Level 2 Diploma in Wood Machining (QCF) Level 2 Diploma in Furniture Making

Liverpool Community College http://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/subjects/

Level 2 Construction Diploma in Wood Machining Level 1-3 Certificate in Furniture Production Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeships Furniture Making

Petroc http://www.petroc.ac.uk/courses/c357868449/apprenticeship-in-wood-occupations-bench-joinery

Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeships in Wood Occupations (site carpentry, bench joinery or wood machining) Level 2 or 3 Diploma Wood Occupations

Cornwall College http://www.cornwall.ac.uk/cc/index.php?sitesig=cc&page=shared&subpage=_Course_Finder&pagetype=2&searchfield=wood&submit=Search

Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship Wood Machining Level 3 Diploma Wood Occupations Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship Furniture Making

Stoke on Trent College http://www.stokecoll.ac.uk/course-view.php?group_code=28&courseid=1449

Level 2 Diploma Wood Machining

Warwickshire College http://www.warwickshire.ac.uk/courses/search_results/course_details.aspx?Id=12268

Level 2 Wood Machining Level 2 Diploma in Furniture

Ceredigion College http://www.ceredigion.ac.uk/courses/furniture/

Level 2 or 3 qualifications in furniture production

North Lancs Training Group http://www.nltg.co.uk/apprenticeships/woodmachining

Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship in Wood Machining, Carpentry/Joinery and Furniture

Leeds College of Building http://www.lcb.ac.uk/course-search.php?type=division&division=timber

Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeships in Wood Machinery, Furniture Manufacture, Carpentry / Joinery and Bench Joinery

Darlington College http://www.darlington.ac.uk/index.asp?ID=11&disp=FOLDER&cde=&contentID=1

Level 1-3 Diploma Carpentry /Joinery

K College http://www.kcollege.ac.uk/carpentry-a-wood-trades.html

Level 1-3 qualifications in carpentry and wood trades (Diploma / Apprenticeships)

Derby College http://www.derby-college.ac.uk/index.php/courses.html

Level 2 or 3 Apprenticeship Wood Occupations Level 2 Diploma Wood Occupations

The Manchester College http://www.themanchestercollege.ac.uk/apprenticeships/courses/wood-occupations-site-carpentry-2

Level 3 Apprenticeship Wood Occupation – Site Carpentry Level 2 Diploma – Site Carpentry / Joinery

Webs Training Ltd http://www.webstraining.com/

A range of qualifications in Cabinet making, Frame Making, Upholstery, Cutting and Sewing, Wood Machining, Polishing and Kitchen Installation.

Oxford & Cherwell Valley College (OCVC) http://www.ocvc.ac.uk/study_with_us/subject_areas/furniture http://www.ocvc.ac.uk/study_with_us/subject_areas/construction/construction_skills/construction_courses

Level 2 or 3 qualification, including apprenticeships in furniture making, upholstery. Part of the National School of Furniture, a partnership with Bucks New University to offer furniture training from level 1 to level 8 Level 3 Diploma in bench joinery Level 1 Diploma in carpentry and joinery

All pictures are from the Forestry Commission’s Picture Library