The Devonshire Group

Trainee Forestry Worker (Forestry Roots Traineeship)

BD23 6EX

Key information

Pay
£12.81 per hour
Hours
Full-time
Contract
Permanent
Posted date
16 Oct 2026
Closing date
15 Nov 2026

About this role

Job Advert

Trainee Forestry Worker - Forestry Roots Traineeship

The Bolton Abbey Estate manages 1,500 acres of woodland, comprising broadleaf and coniferous woodland. The woodlands are managed for commercial, conservation and amenity purposes.

We recognise our role in addressing global sustainability challenges such as climate change, natural resource shortages and declining biodiversity.

Purpose of the Role

To assist the Forestry Manager and Forestry Team Leader to manage a profitable commercial forestry business and deliver our objectives regarding Countryside Stewardship and the UKWAS certification at Bolton Abbey.

Main Responsibilities

Responsibility for

  • Carrying out instructions given by the Team Leader/Forestry Manager
  • Forestry maintenance operations including planting, fencing, walling, bracken weeding and spraying
  • Chainsaw operations including cross cutting, felling, clearing wind blow and thinning
  • Tree surgery work including tree climbing, chainsaw work and chipping
  • Maintenance of all forestry vehicles and equipment
  • Working as part of a team or alone without direct supervision
  • Interacting with other departments on the estate
  • Working safely at all times, being aware of your own and others health and safety
  • To ensure all work is carried out to the high standard required
  • As a representative of Bolton Abbey Estate, being friendly, helpful, polite and enthusiastic when dealing with members of the public and other estate staff
  • Having a flexible approach to carrying out other work on the Estate

Added duties may also include

  • Cutting, splitting and delivering firewood
  • Tractor driving including towing trailers and operating the forwarding trailer

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who is practical, reliable, and safety-conscious who

  • Enjoys working outdoors in all seasons
  • Works well both independently and as part of a team
  • Has a flexible approach to wider Estate duties such as firewood production and tractor

driving

Essential Skills

  • Holds a driving license

Please be aware this job is part of our Forestry Roots traineeship which is charitably funded and all applicants must fulfil the below eligibility criteria:

  • Aged 18-30 years old
  • Faced a barrier to education or employment
  • Not currently gainfully employed, or working within the forestry or arboriculture sector
  • You will need to be available to start work by the end of this year.

Early submission is encouraged as we reserve the right to close these vacancies early if we receive a high volume of applications.