Senior Woodland Officer

Ribble Rivers Trust (RRT) is a regional charity established in 1998 to protect and restore the
Ribble Catchment, particularly its rivers, brooks, becks, and streams. Over the last decade,
RRT has grown into a sector-leading organisation, recognised for delivering results, strong
partnerships, and a collaborative approach.

With support from a wide range of funders, we deliver practical habitat conservation work,
including tree planting, woodland maintenance, fencing, wetland creation, river habitat
improvements, and fish passage projects. We also work extensively with volunteers and an
expanding network of Citizen Scientists who monitor the health of the catchment and the impact
of our projects.

Our work is driven by science and delivered through five dedicated teams: Data and Evidence,
Land Management, People and Learning, River Conservation, and Core Services. Together, we
create a mosaic of habitats and land uses that improve and protect rivers, wildlife, and
communities. Collaboration, creativity, and evidence-led action are at the heart of everything
we do.

Senior Woodland Officer

Woodlands play a vital role in improving river health by providing habitat, shading streams,
reducing nutrient input, and helping to manage flood risk. They also support unique
biodiversity and bring significant benefits to people’s health and wellbeing.

We are seeking a proactive, positive individual to lead our woodland creation and maintenance
programme. This role will manage the annual woodland creation programme from planning through
to delivery, leading the growing woodland team and working closely with partners and
landowners.

Key Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain a pipeline of woodland creation projects covering at least two
  planting seasons, building on the existing pipeline for 2025/26 and 2026/27.
• Develop new woodland creation projects by identifying opportunities, engaging with
  landowners, conducting site visits, and preparing and submitting applications to secure
  necessary consents and permissions.
• Oversee the procurement process for all woodland creation activities, ensuring value for
  money and compliance with Trust procedures.
• Identify and apply for funding opportunities to support woodland creation projects and the
  wider Woodland Creation Team.
• Manage project finances, including forecasting, monitoring budgets, reporting, and ensuring
  all funds are claimed and received in line with funding agreements.
• Complete all necessary reports and maintain accurate records in line with funding
  requirements and the Trust’s document retention policy.
• Supervise the Woodland Team and external contractors to ensure safe and effective delivery
  of works.
• Support volunteer activity in collaboration with the Volunteer Supervisor and coordinate
  work with other project managers to ensure an integrated approach.
• Coordinate woodland maintenance activities, including undertaking site visits, monitoring
  progress, maintaining accurate records, and reporting as required.
• Maintain and develop strong partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Forest of
  Bowland AONB, Yorkshire Dales Millennium Trust, The Woodland Trust, Environment Agency, Natural
  England, United Utilities, and other relevant partners.
• Contribute to the production of publicity and marketing materials to promote woodland
  creation and related activities.
• Support the wider Trust team in engaging with local communities, including attending
  events, speaking to volunteers, and assisting with other activities such as the Rivers in the
  Classroom programme.

The application deadline is the 22nd September at 5pm,
and interviews will be conducted on the 7th October.