Hamsterley Forest Craftsperson

BackgroundNorth England Forest District has a complement of 132 staff who care for 61,000 hectares of forest and 25,000 hectares of open land. Annual timber production is 550,000 m3 and there is a planting programme in excess of 3 million trees a year. The District has 45 SSSIs totalling over 10,000 ha and is a major contributor to local and national biodiversity. The District has four visitor centres at Grizedale, Whinlatter, Kielder and Hamsterley. The public forest estate in North England District attracts over one million visits per annum.

The Hamsterley Beat includes mature mixed woodlands on the urban fringe at Chopwell and conifer dominated upland forests at Slaley and Hamsterley.

The beat’s timber harvesting programme is circa 20,000 cubic metres per annum, all delivered via standing sales. The majority of the harvest is through clear fell however, Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) and conventional thinning also feature, most notably at Chopwell which is gradually being restored to semi-natural forest. Restock activity mixes replanting of clear felled areas with opportunities for shelterwood approaches in less exposed locations.

Hamsterley Forest is an important recreation destination, attracting 200,000 day visits per year. Visitors come to enjoy nationally renowned mountain bike trails, walking and horse riding routes, an innovative play trail and a café. Throughout the year a range of activity and cultural events are hosted in the forest. There is significant opportunity to position this forest as an important part of County Durham’s tourism offer.

All our sites across the Beat are vital recreation resources to neighbouring communities and host a wide range of volunteering activity with local charities. Two Active Forest co-ordinators deliver outreach activities into the communities around Chopwell Wood and Hamsterley.

Purpose of the job

To help maximise the value of the nation’s forests for the benefit of people, nature and the economy on the Hamsterley Beat, by using a full range of practical forestry and countryside skills. To support the delivery of a high quality experience for visitors. To help maintain productive links with neighbours, local communities, external partners, contractors and volunteers.

Key Work Areas

Forest and Estate Management: Carry out a wide range of practical works including tree planting, weeding, fencing, dry-stone walling and tree felling.

Recreation Facility Maintenance: Carry out a wide range of practical works including trail and path repairs, vegetation cutting, litter picking, installation and maintenance of signs, picnic tables and other fixtures.

Surveying and Record keeping: Undertake condition surveys of recreation facilities, potentially hazardous trees, forest boundaries and other estate features. Mark, count and measure trees.

Represent Forestry England: Actively maintain productive relationships with a variety of stakeholders. Represent Forestry England at recreation events and on volunteer work days. Be willing to take time to help visitors enjoy their experience.