Woodland Ranger - The Ernest Cook Trust

Scotlink; Fairford; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK charity is seeking a Woodland Ranger to join their team in Gloucestershire. The role involves maintaining the natural environment, implementing woodland management plans, and ensuring safe public access to footpaths. Ideal candidates should have experience in woodland management and wildlife control, with a strong focus on public engagement. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to work within a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Experience in woodland management and biodiversity practices.
• Ability to engage with the public and promote safe land usage.
• Knowledge in habitat management strategies.

Responsibilities

• Maintain and enhance the natural environment across the Home Estates.
• Implement Woodland Management Plans and habitat management strategies.
• Review and maintain public footpaths for safe access.

Skills

Woodland management

Wildlife management

Public engagement

Job description

Salary: £27,000 - £31,000

Hours: 08:00 to 16:30 Monday - Thursday, 08:00 to 15:30 Friday

Location: This role is primarily based at our Home Estates in Gloucestershire (Filkins, Hatherop, Barnsley & Fairford). This role will be operating from our new Estate Yard near Quenington

The Ernest Cook Trust is a landowning organisation and an educational charity - one of the UK’s foremost providers and funders of Outdoor Learning. We see a future where land and lives enrich each other, a future where anyone can find their place, purpose and potential through connections to thriving land.

The Role

The Woodland Ranger will play a key role in maintaining and enhancing the natural environment across the Home Estates, with responsibilities that shift seasonally. During the winter months, the primary focus will be on woodland management and tree safety, while the summer months will involve vegetation management and mowing.

The Woodland Ranger will work closely with the Estates team to ensure the effective implementation of woodland and habitat management plans, as well as maintaining public access to footpaths and bridleways across the estates and works required at tenanted properties. The Woodland Ranger will also provide support to third-party contractors and stakeholders on-site as required.

Main Accountabilities

Woodland Management and forest habitats

• Support the implementation of Woodland Management Plans and habitat management strategies to promote strong woodland compartments, biodiversity and ecological health.
• Wildlife management focusing on control of squirrel population, embracing technology and innovation
• Identify and assist with tree work and other tasks, using initiative and as directed by the Conservation and Woodland Manager

Access and Pathway Maintenance

• Review and maintain public footpaths to ensure they remain clear, accessible, and safe for use throughout the year.
• Respond to issues such as fallen trees, wind damage, and other environmental challenges that may impact estate access.
• Seek opportunities to engage with the public, welcome access and promote safe and responsible ways of doing so

Collaboration with wider teams

• Work closely with the wider estates team, property management teams, and the Trust as a whole, covering a broad area of land and river management tasks.
• Provide direct support to the Conservation & Woodland Manager, particularly with tree work and other conservation-related projects.
• Contribute to project working across the Trust, with a willingness to bring ideas and expertise to be brought.
• Willing to lead and support volunteer working parties.

Closing Date: Sunday 8 February 2026 at 23:59

Interview: Thursday 19 February 2026 at Fairford, Gloucestershire, GL7 4JH

For further information and to apply, pleaseclick here