Future Woodlands Scotland launches Forestry Skills Programme

Scotland’s forestry workforce must grow by 72% between 2022 and 2027 to meet the country’s ambitious tree-planting targets. 

This skills gap presents an urgent challenge to ensure the sector is equipped with the professionals needed to meet these goals. 

In response, Future Woodlands Scotland (FWS) has launched the Forestry Skills Programme. This two-year initiative is designed to strengthen Scotland’s forestry workforce by focusing on underserved, community-driven areas. The programme will support young professionals, local communities, and small forestry businesses, helping the country achieve its tree-planting targets, create green jobs, and protect woodlands for future generations. 

By working with trusted local training delivery partners, the programme will provide tailored training and resources where they are most needed, ensuring a long-lasting impact across the sector.

The Forestry Skills Programme will concentrate on five priority areas: 

• Women and individuals new to forestry
• Regenerative forestry for young foresters
• Community woodland support
• Urban professionals
• Small-scale nursery support

Women in Forestry and Future Foresters Funds

A feature of the programme is supporting the reopening of the Scottish Forestry and Lantra Scotland’s Women in Forestry and Future Foresters Funds, providing vital training opportunities for women and new entrants to the sector.

The funds will  cover training or assessment costs for a wide range of courses, all of which can help new entrants and women to develop their skills and support career development. Funding is available to cover up to £500 per course, and applicants can apply more than once to allow for progression. The two funds are:

• Women in Forestry Practical Training Fund: Focused on supporting women—who currently represent just 14% of Scotland’s forestry workforce—by offering practical and technical training to help them build their careers. 
• Future Foresters Fund: Designed to help new entrants (within the last five years) to forestry gain qualifications and training, increasing workforce capacity and fostering sustainable careers.

Both training funds are now open. We encourage applicants to apply early to secure their place and avoid disappointment.

Shireen Chambers, CEO of Future Woodlands Scotland, commented:

"Giving communities and individuals the right skills is key to building a sustainable future for Scotland’s forestry sector. This pilot programme is a 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.”

Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE MICFor, Lantra’s Scotland Director, says that the relaunch of the Scottish Forestry Women in Forestry and Future Foresters Training fund, made possible by this additional support, will have an immediate and positive impact on the forestry industry.

She explained:

“We know that women are still under-represented in forestry, and the Women in Forestry Fund is specifically designed to start addressing that imbalance by supporting their skills development. We also need more new entrants, and support those entering the sector to develop the skills they need to work safely and productively. The demand is clear, with previous rounds of funding being fully allocated within weeks of opening, so I am delighted that both funds will be reopening to applicants.”

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

Giles Mackey, head of health, safety and sustainability in BP’s offshore wind business and a trustee of Future Woodlands Scotland, said:

“BP has been providing funding towards Scottish woodland creation for over 20 years, beginning with the Scottish Forest Alliance and now through our partnership with Future Woodlands Scotland.

"Having helped create more than 5,000 hectares of new or restored native woodlands so far with those partners, we’re pleased to be able to support this complementary new workforce development programme to enable Scotland to continue to develop the people and skills needed to maintain momentum in this important work.”