Woodland Advisor – Treescapes

The Wildlife Trusts; Shrewsbury; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Life assurance

Generous pension

Flexible working

Employee assistance

Staff discounts

Training & development

Career progression

Inclusive environment

Job summary

The Wildlife Trusts in Shropshire is seeking a Woodland Advisor to work with farmers and landholders to increase woodland coverage across the Severn Treescapes project area. You will provide specialist advice on woodland creation, agroforestry and tree planting, helping landowners access relevant funding.

You will undertake site surveys, prepare management plans, and liaise with schemes like EWCO, Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agroforestry, and Biodiversity Net Gain to deliver

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in forestry, agriculture or related countryside discipline.
• At least three years’ experience delivering agricultural advice and/or land management.
• Strong knowledge of woodland creation, agroforestry and lowland farming policy/frameworks.
• Current UK driving licence and access to transport.

Responsibilities

• Undertake site visits, woodland and farm surveys, and prepare management plans.
• Appoint and manage contractors; oversee habitat creation and land management work.
• Coordinate and participate in events; contribute to promotional materials and progress reports.

Skills

Forestry knowledge

Land management

Stakeholder engagement

Project coordination

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in forestry, agriculture or equivalent

Job description

Fixed-term contract for one year, with an extension intended subject to further funding ¦ 35 hours per week

Closing date: 23rd October 2026
Interviews will be held on 4 November

The Severn Treescapes project aims to create a 60-mile north-to-south corridor across four counties, working towards 30% woodland cover by 2035. The project tests woodland creation at scale across productive landscapes, helping to connect people with nature.

This post has been kindly funded by Reconomy as part of its commitment to sustainability. Through this role, Shropshire Wildlife Trust will focus its delivery in Shropshire, with particular emphasis on the area between the Wyre Forest and the Clee Hills.

What you will be doing

As our Woodland Advisor, you will work closely with farmers and landholders to increase woodland and wooded habitat coverage across the Severn Treescapes project area in Shropshire. You will provide specialist advice on woodland creation, agroforestry and tree planting, helping land holders and farmers to identify suitable planting opportunities and access relevant public and private funding.

You will undertake site visits, woodland and farm surveys, prepare management plans and compile reports that balance positive outcomes for nature with the needs of farm businesses. You will support landowners with applications to schemes such as the England Woodland Creation Offer (EWCO), Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier agroforestry options, Farming in Protected Landscapes, Biodiversity Net Gain and carbon investment opportunities.

A key part of the role will be creating a strong pipeline of woodland creation opportunities and supporting farms to access relevant funding. You will also support the Clee View Farmers group to develop an area-wide tree planting plan to benefit Hazel Dormouse populations and help extend tree planting activity beyond the Clee Hills towards the Wyre Forest National Nature Reserve.

You will appoint and manage contractors, oversee habitat creation and practical land management work, and involve volunteers in surveys, monitoring and planting activities where appropriate. You will also coordinate and participate in events, contribute to promotional materials, monitor project budgets and timescales, and provide progress reports to ensure funding requirements and project objectives are met.

About You

To succeed in this role, you will have a degree or equivalent experience in forestry, agriculture or another relevant countryside discipline, alongside at least three years’ experience of delivering agricultural advice and/or land management. You will have a strong working knowledge of woodland creation, traditional woodland management, agroforestry and the lowland farming sector, as well as an understanding of relevant policy frameworks and land-based funding incentives.

You will have experience of undertaking environmental, woodland or farm surveys and producing management plans. You should also be confident managing practical land management projects and contractors to deliver environmental improvements. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organisational abilities and the confidence to build positive relationships with a wide range of landowners, farmers and partners are essential.

As the role involves regular travel to meet farmers, landowners and colleagues, you must hold a current UK-valid driving licence and have access to appropriate transport. Experience of supporting farm businesses into agri-environment or woodland schemes, facilitating farmer clusters, or holding relevant forestry, arboriculture or BASIS qualifications would be advantageous.

The Trust is committed to building an equal, diverse and inclusive workforce we encourage applications from a diverse range of suitably qualified candidates. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to make our recruitment process more accessible.

Why work for us - benefits we offer:

• 25 days holiday plus Bank Holidays and Service related holiday (pro-rated for part time staff)
• Salary sacrifice benefits
• Life assurance
• Generous pension - company contribution 7%, employee contribution 3%
• Enhanced Sick Pay
• Flexible working policy
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Staff discounts
• Employee away days
• Enhanced pay for maternity and adoption leave
• Coaching
• Support with training and development to assist career progression
• Inclusive & supportive work atmosphere