Forest Planner (SSSI)

About the role

The Forest Planner (SSSI) will be based at The King's House in Lyndhurst and will travel regularly across Forestry England's South District. The role focuses on developing, reviewing and consulting on forest plans to ensure compliance with UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) and UK Forest Standard (UKFS), supporting sustainable and resilient forest management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the review and revision of the New Forest Inclosures Forest Plan, ensuring compliance with UKFS, UKWAS and statutory requirements.
• Evaluate existing plan objectives, assess effectiveness, and propose evidence‑based revisions.
• Plan, coordinate and undertake consultation with internal teams, statutory bodies, stakeholder groups and partner organisations.
• Prepare clear planning documents and supporting materials for internal governance and approval.
• Collect and verify data for forest‑plan areas, ensuring plans are spatially informed and deliverable.
• Design long‑term forest management prescriptions that balance people, wildlife and timber objectives.
• Monitor progress, report on delivery, and contribute to data‑mapping and monitoring activities.

Required profile

• Experience in forest planning or related environmental management.
• Knowledge of UKWAS, UKFS and relevant statutory requirements.
• Ability to work independently, manage time effectively and spend up to one third of time outdoors.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Proficiency in data collection, verification and basic mapping concepts.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence national forest strategy and resilience.
• Varied work environment with a mix of office‑based planning and field work.
• Collaboration with a wide network of forestry professionals and partners.