Forestry and Arboriculture as a Career Choice

The forest and timber industry provides a great opportunity for a varied and interesting career. You could be working in areas such as woodland management, timber processing and arboriculture. Forestry is the science and practice of managing forests and woodlands. Timber processing includes the measurement, sawing, preparing and transportation of timber. Arboriculture is all about the planting, care and maintenance of amenity trees.

Forests and woodlands are an important resource for recreation, tourism and biodiversity and the industry employs specialists in design, education, conservation and engineering amongst other disciplines.

The increase in environmental awareness and outdoor recreation has highlighted the need for professionally trained foresters and arboriculturists capable of managing Britain’s woodlands and trees. There are jobs for environmentalists, ecologists, countryside managers and rangers.

Advances in research and innovation provide jobs in timber engineering producing new wood-based products and new methods for bonding and treating wood for use in the construction and furniture business.

Where can I get more career information?

LANTRA, the Sector Skills Council for the Environment and Land-based Sector, has two careers sites for Land Based Industries. One is aimed at adults looking for a new career, a change in career or how to get further up the ladder.

The second site is aimed at 14 to 19 year olds who want to know what sort of work there is, the qualifications required, where they can be gained and who might have jobs. 

The Forestry Commission also has information on careers in forestry.

The Arboricultural Association has more information on careers in arboriculture and provides a useful leaflet ‘A Guide to Qualifications & Careers in Arboriculture’.