Scottish Woodlands Graduate Development Programme 2026

Are you a talented individual with drive, enthusiasm and ambition, with a passion for the outdoors and ready to grow a sustainable career? If so, we are excited to hear from you for our 2026 Graduate Development Programme.

The UK government has committed to a target of net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, resulting in an increasing interest in both existing forestry and new woodland creation. Scottish Woodlands Ltd is well placed to take advantage of developing opportunities and challenges the industry faces. These are exciting opportunities to join our progressive teams to service both existing clients and our expanding business, and to play a key role in shaping the future of forestry in the UK. We want you to be part of our future.

We work in a changeable, commercial, and challenging environment and are currently looking to recruit Graduates to train, mentor, and develop to become an integral part our succession management plan. For 2026, we have graduate openings in both our Forestry and Harvesting divisions of the business. During the 2-year Graduate Development Programme, you may be given the opportunity to move around the Company and spend time in some different yet fantastic locations. Therefore, successful candidates should be flexible in terms of working location. Opportunities to be placed throughout Scotland and North England.

The company is 80% owned by staff. Opportunities to acquire shares, offering a unique position within the forestry sector and promoting employee ownership. Applicants will also be given excellent personal and career development opportunities and will be part of a highly professional, motivated team.

What We Look For

• Ideally minimum 2.1 Bachelor's degree in a Forestry related discipline,or other relevant degree or qualification (Geography, Environmental, other Land based studies will be considered).
• Excellent communication & organisational skills
• Great interpersonal skills with ability to work collaboratively within a progressive team
• Commercial awareness
• We will encourage and support ICF membership, with a view to become Chartered.
• A Full UK Drivers Licence is essential due to the nature of the role.

What You Will Be Doing

• New woodland creation projects
• Restocking projects
• Forest grant applications
• Timber harvesting operations
• Frontline supervision of contractors
• Managing client relationships
• Field visits and surveys
• Financial planning and analysis
• Management plans
• Forest planning
• Digital mapping work

What Will You Get in Return for Your Hard Work and Commitment:

• Highly Attractive and Competitive Graduate Salary with Incremental Rise
• Opportunity for Equity Participation through the unique Company Share Scheme
• Bonus Scheme
• Company Vehicle
• Company Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Permanent Health Insurance
• Private Healthcare
• Enhanced Family Friendly Leave
• Excellent Personal and Career Development Opportunities

Application Process
Applications can be made online through our Applicant Tracking System. Please note as part of the application process, you will be required to upload a Cover Letter and CV, as well as any relevant qualification certificates. Successful applicants will be contacted to participate in our phase- two selection process which will consist of video interviews.

For more information on the 2026 Scottish Woodlands Graduate Development Programme, please go to the careers section of our website where you can download our Graduate Brochure.

Please note that Scottish Woodlands are unable to sponsor any candidates for our graduate, trainee and placement opportunities as these roles will not meet the Home Office eligibility criteria for sponsorship.

Closing Date
: 1st February 2026