Overview

North England Forest District is the largest in England, covering some 86,000ha, made up of 61,000 ha of forest and 25,000ha of open land in Cumbria, Durham, Lancashire and Northumberland. The District is managed by a multi-disciplinary team of more than 130 staff under the leadership of our Forest Management Director, Kevin May. Because we operate in some of England’s most remote areas, the economic activity we generate has a big impact locally and we are important stakeholders in many regional initiatives.

The forest area is 90% conifer and 10% broadleaf. Annual timber production is in the region of 550,000m3. The District has 45 SSSIs covering over 10,000ha and is a major contributor to nationally significant biodiversity projects which help red squirrels, water voles, ospreys, red kites, forest re-wilding, limestone pavement and blanket bog restoration. Our built and agricultural non-woodland estate is extensive and we are engaged in a programme of business development which will create opportunities for additional revenue.

Our visitor offer and experience is focussed on our five Forest Centres; Grizedale, Gisburn, Hamsterley, Kielder and Whinlatter. The Nation’s Forests in North District attract over one million visits per annum with a high proportion of these from tourists as opposed to day visitors. We currently receive over £1 million annually from our Forest Centres and we are challenging ourselves to increase this year on year.

Purpose of the Job

To support the protection and enhancement of biodiversity (species and habitats) in North England Forest District.
This role will support core business activities including timber production, Estates and Recreation developments by helping maintain UKFS/UKWAS and legislative compliance. Maintaining SSSI management plans with implementation and continue to conserve important protected habitats and species. It will guard against reputational harm and potential breaches of UK/EU law and UKWAS
Job description
Key Work Areas

Superb Forests
Conserve protected and/or important habitats and species:

• Support district teams with provision of ecological advice during planning and delivery of operations and projects
• Identify opportunities for operations and projects to add ecological value
• Work with environment team to ensure SSSI management plan coverage with active implementation and delivery

Increasing natural capital
Identify and deliver opportunities for biodiversity enhancement:

• Support the development and implementation of a District Environment/Conservation Strategy
• Support the development and implementation of landscape restoration and woodland creation projects
• Support the development and implementation of species projects

Telling our story
Support the Recreation and Public Affairs team within the district with ecological input:

• Support Forest Centres with ecological input as part of the visitor experience
• Liaise with Marketing and Communications team providing ecological input

High quality investments and sustainable finance
Support District Estates and Recreation departments with ecological input during planning and delivery of projects

Being an outstanding organisation
Represent the organisation in partnership projects and with stakeholders and academia