10 fully funded places on unique Continuous Cover Forestry training programme
***** Applications now closed. New opportunities will open in 2026*****
Starting in October 2025, this unique course combines hands-on experience in thinning, a vital technique transitioning forests to Continuous Cover Forestry, with tailored mentoring and peer support to equip participants with the skills and confidence to lead Scotland’s woodland transformation.
Applications close at midnight on Sunday 7 September 2025.
Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) has been shown to improve resilience, biodiversity and multifunctionality compared to conventional clear-fell forestry. Yet it is currently used in only 1% of Britain’s forests, compared to an average of 22% across Europe. A shortage of professionals confident in delivering the careful thinning required for CCF is a major barrier to wider adoption. To help create more diverse and resilient forests in Scotland, we are launching this programme to build essential skills in forest professionals.
Future Woodlands Scotland has engaged TreeStory, a specialist forestry company focused on sustainable woodland management, to develop this first-of-its-kind programme that aims to close that skills gap and prepare a new generation of foresters to put CCF into practice.
Participants will gain hands-on experience in thinning, a vital technique for sustainable forest management. Over the year, the programme combines:
Funding for subsistence and accommodation may be available for those facing financial barriers.
We are prioritising applications from foresters living and working in Scotland who:
“Our forests are facing increasing pressures from climate change and biodiversity loss. Continuous Cover Forestry offers proven benefits for resilience, biodiversity and multifunctionality, yet it is still used in only a small proportion of Scotland’s forests. A major barrier to adoption is the shortage of professionals confident in carrying out the careful thinning these systems require. This is Scotland’s only training programme of its kind. By combining practical training with dedicated mentoring, we can give foresters the skills and support they need to deliver this vital work and help create more diverse, resilient woodlands across the country. I’d encourage anyone who meets the criteria to apply.”
Shireen chambers, ceo, future woodlands scotland
Applications for the Thinning for Continuous Cover Forestry Training programme were accepted until 7th September.
This opportunity is part of our wider Skills programme, designed to help people gain the skills they need to care for our woodlands.
Future Woodlands Scotland launches Forestry Skills Programme to bridge Scotland’s forestry skills gap.
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