Shadow Volunteering at Forestry England
Our Shadow Volunteer scheme puts successful applicants into the heart of the work we do by placing them into teams where they will learn from Forestry England colleagues as they carry out their day-to-day tasks.
Shadow volunteers are given training and will develop on-the-job skills and experience during their placements, which run one to three days a week for a period of six months.
The scheme runs twice a year in a selection of the nation’s forests. Watch the video below to find out more.
Could you be a Shadow Volunteer?
We are looking for individuals who want to gain practical experience in the forestry sector and who are also interested in pursuing a career in conservation, community engagement, recreation, site management, or working with volunteers and the public.
Recruitment for September 2026 is now open
The deadline for applications is midnight of Sunday 5 July.
Why we run the Shadow Volunteer scheme
Not only does the Shadow Volunteer scheme give valuable experience to those taking part, but it also provides the nation's forests with extra hands to support habitats, timber resources, trails, recreation facilities and community engagement.
Through this scheme we reach a diverse range of people and give them a taster of what it means to manage our magnificent forests and make a positive impact at a local and global level.
‘If I had not done the Shadow Programme, I am not sure I would have got my current job. The scheme gave me a hugely valuable insight into an organisation I was keen to work for.
The people I met were generous with their time and encouragement to make me believe that I could apply for the job I got.'
- Former Shadow volunteer
Apply now for the September 2026 intake
Recruitment for September 2026 is now open. Applications close on midnight of Sunday 5 July. Interviews will take place 20 – 24 July and there will be an induction day on Wednesday 2 September.
The Shadow Volunteer roles for this recruitment round are listed below. The role profiles provide background information, a person specification, information on how to apply and a link to an online application form.
If you are interested in more than one role, you will need to complete a separate application for each. It's fine to use the same information in each different application.
