Forest Planner – Sustainable Management (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 that meet UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) and UK Forest Standard (UKFS) requirements, ensuring sustainable and resilient management of the nation’s forests.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the review and revision of the New Forest Inclosures Forest Plan, aligning it with UKFS, UKWAS, statutory duties and Forestry England policy.
• Assess existing plan objectives, evaluate 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 internal governance and approval.
• Ensure plans are spatially realistic and can be delivered through operational programmes.
• Collect and verify data for forest‑plan areas, supporting mapping and monitoring activities.
• Monitor progress and report on delivery against resilience and sustainability targets.

Required profile

• Proven experience in forest planning, habitat and heritage plan development.
• Ability to work independently in the field, spending up to one‑third of time outdoors.
• Strong organisational skills and the capacity to manage own workload efficiently.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑engagement abilities.

Required skills

• In‑depth knowledge of UK Woodland Assurance Standard (UKWAS) and UK Forest Standard (UKFS).
• Familiarity with forest‑plan data collection, mapping and monitoring processes.