What you’ll do…
The Westonbirt Woodland Management Project strengthens the management of ancient woodland in Silk Wood while creating opportunities for community groups to take part in hands‑on woodland management. The project will include activities to support the establishment of recently planted trees, strengthen the resilience of Westonbirt’s coppicing programme and further develop woodland management in line with existing plans and legislation. It will also support community engagement opportunities in practical woodland management, monitor habitat quality and raise awareness of the importance of ancient woodlands. The Westonbirt Woodland Manager will lead these activities with delivery supported by an Engagement Officer to enable access to community groups. The project will build on a strong foundation for woodland management in Silk Wood with scope to expand the project and activities as additional funding becomes available.
Where you’ll work…
Westonbirt, The National Arboretum, Tetbury, Gloucestershire, GL8 8QS
Key responsibilities & accountabilities
Woodland Management
* Support establishment of trees planted as part of Silk Wood Community Planting Project
* Ensure successful delivery of Westonbirt’s coppice management plan in alignment with Forestry England’s Forest Design Plan
* Ensure management practices are undertaken in compliance with relevant legislation including UKWAS and PEFC
* Manage coppicers and contracts on behalf of Forestry England
* Oversee expansion of the area of active coppice management at Westonbirt
* Liaise with Forest Research colleagues on existing and future research projects in Silk Wood
* Assess and record woodland habitat quality by carrying out regular surveys to monitor biodiversity
Community engagement
* Engage with Learning and Participation team to enable community involvement in woodland management practices
* Ensure continuity in capability to undertake coppicing at Westonbirt via community engagement
* Develop activity programme for community groups appropriate to woodland operations
* Upskill volunteer workforce in traditional woodland management techniques
Stakeholder engagement
* Communicate and raise awareness of the importance of ancient woodland management to professionals and the wider public
* Represent the arboretum at meetings and conferences both internally and externally
* Provide expert advice on woodland management extending engagement to professionals internally and externally
* Contribute to publications for a range of audiences
* Work closely with Forestry England and Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum senior leadership teams to deliver project objectives and develop and expand the project scope
Line management and supervisory
* Line management of project staff as required
* Supervise volunteer groups as required
And any other tasks, reasonably requested by your line manager.
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