Forest Planner SSSI

About the role

The Forest Planner 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 alignment with UKFS, UKWAS and statutory requirements.
• Evaluate existing plan objectives, assess effectiveness, and propose evidence‑based revisions.
• Coordinate consultation and engagement with internal teams, statutory bodies, stakeholder groups and partner organisations.
• Prepare clear planning documents and supporting materials for internal governance and approval.
• Ensure Forest Plans are spatially informed, realistic and deliverable through operational programmes.
• Collect, verify and analyse data to inform the planning process.
• Design long‑term forest management strategies that balance people, wildlife and timber objectives.
• Monitor progress, report on delivery and contribute to resilience initiatives.

Required profile

• Experience in forest planning or related environmental management.
• Knowledge of UKFS, UKWAS and relevant statutory frameworks.
• Ability to work independently, manage own time and spend significant time outdoors.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to influence the sustainable management of national forests.
• Varied work environment with a mix of office‑based planning and field work.
• Collaboration with a dedicated team of forestry professionals.