Are you a forester who wants to make a real change to the way Scotland’s forests are managed? Do you want to see a more diverse and resilient woodland landscape in Scotland?

There is evidence that managing forests under Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) can provide improved resilience, biodiversity value and multifunctionality compared to forests managed under conventional clear fell rotations. Yet, it’s estimated only 1% of Britain’s forests are managed under CCF compared to the European average of 22%. Diversifying Scotland’s silvicultural strategies to include more CCF is therefore one option for improving the resilience of Scotland’s forests in an uncertain future. However, transformation of forests to continuous cover silvicultural systems requires careful thinning throughout the rotation to develop stand stability and a lack of skilled professionals confident in delivering this management is a recognised obstacle to greater adoption.

To encourage more diverse and resilient forests in Scotland, Future Woodlands Scotland has secured funding to help build these essential skills in forest professionals. We have engaged TreeStory to develop a comprehensive training programme which will include follow up mentoring and peer-to-peer support alongside a three-day practical forest-based course. Over the year-long programme, participants will be required to undertake seven days of training and mentoring plus two 2-hour online sessions. Participants will also be required to engage in feedback exercises after completing the programme and are expected to maximise the peer-to-peer support they will build throughout the year.  

Future Woodlands Scotland wants to equip a new cohort of foresters with the skills and confidence to undertake adequate thinning operations to support transformation to continuous cover forestry where appropriate and we are now looking for applicants to this fully-funded programme. 

We welcome applications from individuals who are currently living and working in Scotland. To benefit most from the follow up mentoring and support, we are prioritising applications from foresters who can demonstrate opportunities to put their new skills into practice following the training course. We will also be prioritising applications from foresters who have not previously undertaken thinning training.

Applications are now closed. New opportunities will open in 2026

Additional funding to cover subsistence and accommodation may be available for applicants who would otherwise face difficulties covering these costs.

If you have any questions, contact Project Manager Kieran Leigh Moy