Senior Woodland Officer

Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a regional charity established in 1998 to conserve the Ribble Catchment, particularly its rivers, brooks, becks, and streams. Over the last 15 years, RRT has developed and grown into a sector-leading organisation, trusted and known for getting things done, strong partnership working and a collaborative approach.

Integrated and holistic team working.

We have five teams focusing on Data and Evidence, Land Management, People and Learning, River Conservation and Core Services. Every team member is empowered to achieve their best. Our teams work together on projects to improve, protect and create a mosaic of habitats and land uses that will lead to a healthy river environment. This is underpinned by a science-driven approach that helps us to focus on areas that have the greatest issues and could benefit the most from our efforts.

Make a meaningful difference to the local environment.

With support from a wide range of funders, the Trust delivers significant amounts of on-the-ground habitat conservation activities, including woodland creation, farm advice, river channel habitat improvement, wetland creation and fish passage projects, to name a few. We also work extensively with local volunteers, including tree planters, and a growing group of Citizen Scientists who help us to monitor the health of the catchment and the impacts of our projects. We work collaboratively and in partnership with a range of organisations. These include the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Jamie’s Farm, Woodland Trust, Lancashire Wildlife Trust, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, RSPB, The Forest of Bowland National Landscape, and many Local Authorities. 

Be part of an innovative, collaborative, and values-driven team.

The Trust has a passionate and creative team, committed to making a difference to the environment through an evidence-led approach. Working together the team pool knowledge, skills and experience to help each other, problem solving collaboratively, and delivering multiple benefits from our actions. 

Why Woodlands?

Woodlands are one of the most beneficial habitats for rivers, delivering a range of benefits including, better habitat, cooler, shaded streams, reduced nutrient input and reducing downstream flood risk. Of course, woodlands themselves are a hugely valuable habitat supporting unique biodiversity and also bring amazing benefits to people’s health and well-being. As such the Trust is looking to recruit a positive and pro-active person to lead our woodland creation and maintenance programme. 

This role will have responsibility for delivering the annual programme of woodland creation projects, including leading the growing woodland team, from concept through to delivery. The duties will specifically include:

• Establishing a pipeline of woodland creation projects covering a minimum of two planting seasons (building on our existing pipeline for 25/26 and 26/27).

• The development of new woodland creation projects, including contacting, visiting and working with Landowners.

• Preparing and submitting applications to obtaining necessary consents and permissions (including Environment Agency permits, and landowner legal agreements).

• Responsibility for the procurement associated with woodland creation.

• Supervision of others in the Woodland Team.

• Supervision of contractors delivering works.

• Co-ordinating work with other project managers and officers.

• Supporting volunteer activity with the Trust’s Volunteer Supervisor.

• Responsibility for co-ordinating and ensuring woodland maintenance.

• Undertake site visits to monitor progress of works, keeping records and reporting onward.

• Responsibility for managing finances of woodland projects, including forecasting, monitoring, reporting and ensuring all funds are claimed and received.

• Work with the RRT team to ensure project costs are in line with overall project budgets.

• Identifying and applying for funding for woodland creation schemes (such as Forestry Commission English Woodland Creation Odder and Woodland Trust Grow back Greener), and funding to support the activities of the Woodland part of the Land Management Team. 

• Complete all necessary reports and keep suitable records in line with the funding requirements and document retention policy.

• To help in identifying and applying for funding for woodland creation schemes, including Forestry Commission woodland creation grant schemes.

• To maintain and develop partnerships with stakeholders, including the Forest of Bowland AONB, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, The Woodland Trust, Environment Agency, Natural England, United Utilities and other related partners.

• Contribute to and assist in the production of publicity and marketing materials.

• To work with and help the wider Trust team to engage with local communities including attending events, speaking to volunteers and supporting other RRT activities, e.g. Rivers in the Classroom.

• Any other reasonable duties as required by RRT.

The role will be based principally within RRT offices in Clitheroe but will be expected to work across the catchment. Pool vehicles, including 4x4’s, vans and an ATV, are available to aid team members in their work. 

Ribble Rivers Trust is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and apprentices. 

The benefits of working for Ribble Rivers Trust

• The post holder will be based in a hybrid working environment, based a minimum of 3 days a week at RRT’s offices in Clitheroe (Tuesday to Thursday), with the option to then work 2 days a week from home (Monday and Friday) subject to operational requirements.
• The Trust operate core hours of 10:00 – 16:00, and remaining contracted hours can be undertaken flexibly, as well as a TOIL policy where extended working is required.
• Following the probationary period, we offer entry into our Stakeholder Pension Scheme.
• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising by 1 day for each years’ service to a maximum of 30 days total.
• Opportunities for growth and learning through internal and external training, as well as opportunities to try different roles and responsibilities, supporting professional development.
• 45p per mile for work travel from place of work to site, claimed through expenses.
• Regular team away days, and social activities.