Forest Craftsperson

About the role

The Forest Craftsperson will support the beat forester in managing and maintaining the forest estate based at the Cookworthy office in North Devon. You will carry out a variety of operational tasks, inspections and health‑and‑safety duties to ensure the land is sustainably managed and safe for users.

Key responsibilities

• Restock and establishment work: hand planting, tree‑guard installation, fence repair and vegetation control.
• Tree maintenance: high pruning, cutting back, felling and safety‑related inspections (LANTRA Basic Tree Survey certification).
• Tree safety management: install safety signs and fencing, manage forest users, carry out remedial work and assist arboricultural contractors.
• Estate maintenance: manage vegetation and trees along roads, rides, rights of way and permissive paths; install and repair gates/barriers.
• Conduct surveys and inspections for timber marketing, stocking density, ecological assessments and recreation trails.
• Gather operational data, maintain accurate records and support Wild Areas and woodland creation projects.
• Operate and maintain tools to required standards and perform risk assessments in line with FISA guidelines.

Required profile

• Professional and technical experience in forestry or countryside/environment management.
• General understanding of forestry, arboriculture, nature conservation and outdoor recreation.
• Competent use of a range of hand tools.
• Awareness of health and safety systems relevant to forest work.

Required skills

• LANTRA Basic Tree Survey certification
• Hand tool operation
• Tree safety inspection and risk assessment

What we offer

• Opportunity to work in a dynamic forest environment.
• Supportive team focused on health and safety culture.
• Professional development in forestry and environmental management.