
Shadow Volunteer opportunities at Forestry England
We are looking for individuals with an interest in pursuing a career in conservation, community engagement, recreation, site management, working with volunteers and the public and wanting to gain experience in the forestry sector.
Successful applicants are given training and develop on the job skills and experience shadowing a Forestry England member of staff one to three days a week over six months.
The scheme runs twice a year in a selection of the nation’s forests. Watch the video below to find out more.

"The Shadow Volunteer scheme has offered me amazing experiences to further my goals of becoming a recreation ranger."
Jacob Goodier, ex Shadow Volunteer
Discover more stories on our Shadow Volunteer video playlist
Interested?
Why does Forestry England run the Shadow Volunteer scheme?
We are proud to be able to offer the shadow volunteer program to individuals with an interest in pursuing or considering a career in the forestry sector.
Not only does it give valuable experience for those taking part in the scheme, but it also provides the Nation’s Forests with an extra pair of hands to support our forest habitats, timber resources, trails, recreation facilities and community engagement.
We have the opportunity to outreach to a diverse range of people, to give them a taster of what it means to manage our magnificent forests, and through decision making and management of the environment to make a positive impact at a local and global level.
Recruitment for September 2022 is now open!
The application deadline is 10 July 2022
Explore below and find out about the job roles available.
Shadow Volunteer roles in the New Forest
For more details and how to apply use the below links:
New Forest recreation conservation role
Shadow Volunteer permissions team role
Shadow Volunteer roles in the Central district
For more details and how to apply use the below links:
Cannock Forest recreation role
National Forest community role
North Notts community conservation role
North West community ranger role
Peak District recreational role