Forestry Commission update

Thanks to the Forestry Commission for continuing to update

View this email in your browser 08/11/2023   Today read about…   The Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme opening soon, our new blogs on British Game Week and woodland advice available through the PIES project. We are working on the consultation public register and book onto a webinar!     Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme – opening soon for 2024 applications     Are you passionate about forests, woods and trees? Do you want to help tackle the climate emergency? Have you ever thought about a career in forestry? The Forestry Commission’s Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme offers an exciting career pathway into the forestry sector.   Applications for the Forestry Commission’s 2024 programme will be opening soon.   The apprenticeship is a three-year, paid development opportunity for passionate individuals who want to make a difference to the environment. It is the first-of-its-kind apprenticeship initiative to foster a growing, highly skilled and diverse workforce within the forestry sector.  Open to school leavers, graduates or anyone looking for a change in career direction, the Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme gives applicants the opportunity to earn while they learn, and study at the National School of Forestry in Cumbria.   Students will benefit from academic studies in forestry management at the University of Cumbria, practical experience in their sponsor organisation’s workplace, and the potential of wider sector placements to further build their skills and experience, enhancing future employment prospects.  Upon completion of the programme, successful graduates will earn a Professional Forester Apprenticeship (Level 6), a BSc (Hons) Professional Forester, and will be able to apply for Chartered Forester status with the Institute of Chartered Foresters.   Find out more on GOV.UK: Apply for a Forestry Apprenticeship. If you have any questions about the Forestry Commission’s Professional Forester Apprenticeship programme, please email apprenticeships@forestrycommission.gov.uk.     Find out how to apply for a Forestry Apprenticeship   Are you interested in hosting an apprentice?   We are looking to work with employers who are able to take on apprentices who will join the Forestry Commission apprentices cohort for the formal part of their training. We may be able to help with the process and are happy to talk through what’s involved.   If you would like to find out more, please contact apprenticeships@forestrycommission.gov.uk      Read our new Blogs!   Its British Game Week: we are focusing on wild venison    This British Game Week David Hooton, Deer Officer for the Forestry Commission, looks at the impact of deer on woodland and the importance of the British Quality Wild Venison Standard launched earlier this year.   Read the blog     Find out about funded woodland advice available through the PIES project   Hear from Dr Gabriel Hemery is CEO of the Sylva Foundation about the PIES (Protect Improve Expand Sustain) project aims to support landowners in bringing existing woodland back into management and to support woodland creation projects.   Read the blog     Essential IT service work on the Consultation Public Register   Find out if this will impact you?   Due to essential IT service work, comments made on the Consultation Public Register this week (week commencing Monday 6 November 2023) will not be received by the Forestry Commission until the following week. Please be assured that this will not affect the Forestry Commission’s consideration of any comments made during this period.     Join a webinar   Resilient Woodland Creation in the Face of a Changing Climate Join us on Tuesday 28 November: 13:00 – 15:00 for our training webinar. Covering setting aims and objectives for a new woodland, understanding the site limitations including soil, building a resilient mixture of site adapted species, practical steps for establishing and maintaining the young trees, and biosecurity to keep them healthy into the future.  Please book your place.   British Quality Wild Venison Standard This webinar is hosted by the Forestry Commission on behalf of the British Wild Venison Working Group. It will cover the new British Quality Wild Venison Standard and is an opportunity for producers and processors in England, Wales and Northern Ireland to find out more about what the standard means for the sector, how to join and ask any questions about the application process. Please Book your place.     UK Biosecurity and innovation boosted with new funding award   New Fund   Defra and UK Research & Innovation have announced the opening of a new fund to improve UK Biosecurity and tackle the threat of regulated plant pests and diseases. If you are interested in looking at innovations for biosecurity and tree health then take a look at this fund.   Read the news story     Copyright © 2023 Forestry Commission, All rights reserved. You have been sent this message by the Forestry Commission as you have subscribed to receive our newsletter. Our mailing address is: Forestry Commission 620 Bristol Business Park Coldharbour Lane Bristol, Avon BS16 1EJ United Kingdom Add us to your address book