A Career in Forestry

The Forestry Commission are responsible for the management of forests and woodlands throughout the UK. Their priority is to create and implement systems that enable the forests to become a sustainable source of environmental supplies and services while ensuring the systems implemented are socially acceptable. Ten forestry districts manage and maintain Scotland's woodlands and forests. Their duties include planting, forest design, marketing timber and providing public access and facilities. They also advise clients on good forestry practice and provide a contract service to woodland owners, including those interested in using land for forestation. The educational requirements for employment with in the forestry sector may range from college bachelor's degrees to Ph.D.'s for more specialised jobs. A suitably trained forester may be qualified in general biology, botany, genetics, soil science, climatology, hydrology, economics and forest management. Developing better methods for the planting, protecting, thinning, felling and extracting and processing timber is also a part of the forester's job. Reforestation has also become an important issue and a forester must balance the woodland so that timber is not only being cut down it is also being replanted, thus ensuring a future supply. There are many risks involved in working in forestry. Due to the nature of the work staff may find themselves working with heavy machinery, working alone or find themselves in noisy or isolated areas. It is therefore vitally important that all of the correct health and safety procedures are followed to avoid accidents. Forestry workers will often come into contact with wildlife and care must be taken to ensure they follow wildlife protection legislation, mainly the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. Some of the potential offences include: Killing or injuring any bird species (with some exceptions) Disturbing a specially protected animal species while it is occupying a structure or place used for shelter or protection Uprooting or destroying any other wild plants without permission from the landowner or an authorised person Destroying, damaging or obstructing access to any birds' nests while in use. The forest is of great ecological, economic and social importance. Since the 1990's third-party certification systems which provide independent verification of sound forest stewardship and sustainable forestry, have become commonplace. These systems were developed due to criticism of some forestry practices, in particular the deforestation in less developed regions along with concerns over resource management inthe developed world. The UK forestry commission are currently working with the Scottish government to deliver the ScottishForestry Strategy. They are also contributing to other aspects of government policy such as energy,environment and climate change, biodiversity,healthy living, rural transport, tourism and education.