Forest Planner SSSI

Job Reference: forestryengland/TP/2269/681

Number of Positions: 1

Contract Type:
Fixed Term Appointment (3 year fixed term with possibility of extension or permanency)

Working Hours:

37 hours per week

Location:

Kings House, Lyndhurst, Hants SO43 7NH

Closing Date: 26/07/2026

Job Category:
Land Management

Region:
South

We are Forestry England.

We live and breathe forests.

Job title: Forest Planner SSSI

Salary: £33,854 per annum

Contract type: 3 year fixed term appointment with the possibility of extension or permanency

As Forest Planner, you will develop, write, review and consult on forest planning matters to ensure Forestry England remains UKWAS compliant and delivers the Forestry England strategy. The role includes the preparation of Forest Plans, habitat and heritage plans, and other supporting management documentation to ensure the forests and woods of the Forest District are sustainably managed to UKFS standards.

A key focus of this role will be leading the full review and revision of the New Forest In closures Forest Plan, a particularly significant and sensitive Forest Plan due to the highly designated landscape, the range of statutory and non‑statutory interests, and the wide number of stakeholders. The postholder will be responsible for reviewing the existing plan, developing proposals for its revision, and leading engagement with stakeholders throughout the process.

The Forest Planner works closely with colleagues across the Forest District, including ecology, land management, harvesting and external partners, to turn high-level policy ambitions into on-the-ground delivery that improves woodland resilience while balancing biodiversity, recreation and timber objectives.

The role is geographically focused within the South Forest District, working across a defined set of woodlands or beats. You can expect to spend around one third of your time outdoors, often working independently, and will be expected to manage your own time to maximise efficiency and effectiveness.

The post will be based at The King's House, Lyndhurst, Hants SO43 7NH
. Regular travel around Forestry England's estate in the South District will be required, with occasional trips outside the District for meetings, which may require an overnight stay.

• 25 days holiday a year, rising by one day each year’s service, up to 30 days (pro‑rated for part‑time employees) plus additional days off such as bank holidays.
• STaRis employee benefits scheme offering discounts on supermarket shopping, hotel stays, clothing, mobile phones, other electrical items, medical and car insurance, holidays, gym discounts, household bills, and the Headspace wellbeing app.
• Free parking at Forestry England sites and free entry to our National Arboretums at Westonbirt and Bedgebury.
• A commitment to lifelong learning through career development, including professional development, support for individual learning plans and sponsored membership of professional bodies.
• 28.97% contribution towards pension (member of Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension Scheme).

Within Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016, applicants must provide accurate spoken English.

The Civil Service has a Disability Confident Scheme guaranteeing an interview for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. Current civil servants at risk of redundancy are also offered a Redeployment Interview Scheme.