Forest Planner – SSSI

About the role

The Forest Planner (SSSI) will be based at The King’s House in Lyndhurst and will work across Forestry England’s South District. The role involves developing, writing, reviewing and consulting on forest planning to ensure compliance with UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) and UK Forest Standard (UKFS), supporting sustainable management of the nation’s forests.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the review and revision of the New Forest Inclosures Forest Plan, ensuring statutory and policy compliance.
• Evaluate existing plan objectives, assess effectiveness, and propose evidence‑based revisions.
• Coordinate consultation and engagement with internal teams, statutory bodies, stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Prepare clear planning documents and supporting materials for governance, approval and operational delivery.
• Collect, verify and analyse data and mapping information to inform planning decisions.
• Design long‑term forest management prescriptions that deliver resilient forests for people, wildlife and timber.
• Monitor progress, report on delivery and ensure plans are spatially realistic and implementable.

Required profile

• Experience in forest planning, habitat or heritage plan development within a statutory framework.
• Knowledge of UKWAS, UKFS and related Forestry England policies.
• Ability to work independently, manage own time and spend significant time outdoors.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills

• Understanding of forest management principles and resilience planning.
• Data collection, verification and basic analysis capabilities.