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Future Woodlands Scotland

A new Forestry Skills Programme

We’ve launched a two-year Forestry Skills Programme to help more people gain the skills needed to care for Scotland’s woodlands.

Right now, there aren’t enough skilled workers to ensure our woodlands are sustainable, diverse, and resilient. Research shows Scotland’s forestry workforce needs to grow by 72% between 2022 and 2027 to meet ambitious tree-planting targets.

Our programme is designed to bridge this gap by providing targeted training and support for individuals, local communities, and small forestry businesses, helping to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals.

Boosting business and technical skills

In partnership with trusted delivery partners, the programme will provide targeted training and resources to create lasting impact. It will focus on five key areas to develop the business and technical skills needed to care for Scotland’s precious habitats:

Lantra Scotland’s Women in Forestry and Future Foresters Funds

A key feature of the Forestry Skills Programme is the reopening of Lantra Scotland’s Women in Forestry and Future Foresters Funds. These funds provide vital training opportunities to women and new entrants to the sector. Both funds are designed to help participants develop the skills necessary to advance in their forestry careers and contribute to a sustainable future for Scotland’s woodlands.

Both funds cover up to £500 per course, and applicants are encouraged to apply more than once to allow for progression. With previous rounds of funding being oversubscribed, the reopening of these funds offers a significant opportunity for many individuals to gain the qualifications and practical experience needed in the industry.

Learn more and apply for training

Get involved

If you are interested in learning more about or supporting our Forestry Skills Programme, get in touch with us today. Whether you’re a woman looking to enter or progress in the forestry sector, a young professional, or part of a small-scale nursery, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved.

The Forestry Skills Programme has been made possible thanks to a generous £200,000 donation from energy company bp.

“Giving communities and individuals the right skills is key to building a sustainable future for Scotland’s forestry sector. This pilot programme is a big step forward in developing the workforce needed to grow and protect Scotland’s woodlands. By working together with our delivery partners, we’re setting a new benchmark for the sector. We hope this will encourage more investment to meet the growing demand for forestry professionals and reach the UK’s woodland goals.”

shireen chambers, ceo, future woodlands scotland