This Spring Northwoods successfully delivered Working Week in the Forest, a programme of activities and field visits which aimed to provide prospective entrants with a broad introduction to the growing and vibrant forestry sector in the North East.

Working Week in the Forest offered essential experience of career paths available in the forestry sector - from planting, growing and managing trees, to timber harvesting and processing. Based from the National Trust Gibside Estate, the programme of events included classroom based introductory sessions and field visits across the region. 

Organisations and businesses involved included the Forestry Commission, UPM Tilhill, David Olivers Tree Services, forest nursery Trees Please, panel board manufacturer Egger (UK) Ltd, green wood worker Maurice Pyle, Wentworth Leisure Centre (biomass boiler installation) and Ward Timber Ltd at Rogerley Sawmill. Through field visits delegates had the opportunity to meet and talk to a wide range of employers, and find out first hand what its like to work in the industry. The programme also introduced the important role forestry plays in nature conservation and amenity.

Almost 30 delegates attended and provided very positive feedback. 3 delegates have registered their interest in the Northwoods ForStart NE new entrant project as a result of the event, and several more have signed up for Ignite woodfuel training courses through the NULogs project. Further detail on these projects, and other support and training courses available through Northwoods, can be found on the relevant project pages.

The forest industry is constantly looking for energetic and motivated new recruits. Working Week in the Forest was the first event of it's kind to be run in the region, and was a great success generating high interest. The organisations and businesses involved provided excellent support, providing a strong basis to run the event again the future.

Working Week in the Forest was funded by LandSkills North East as part of the Rural Development Programme for England. LansSkills North East is managed by Lantra on behalf of One North East.

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