Women in forestry training fund reopens in Scotland

With the aim of supporting the personal development of women, the Women in Forestry Practical Training Fund will provide them with additional skills to progress their careers and employment opportunities in forestry beyond their current role. 

Launched by Scottish Forestry and Lantra Scotland, training courses include forwarder operating, felling, and the safe use of brush cutters. 

• READ MORE: Ros Wardman: Forester hopes to encourage more women into industry

Ros Wardman, forest industries advisor with Scottish Forestry, said: “It’s great to open up another round of this funding which was developed with the Scottish Forest and Timber Technologies group as a way to grow women’s participation in forestry careers and increase diversity in the sector."

Ros Wardman is encouraging other women to join the industry

Dr Liz Barron-Majerik MBE, Lantra’s Scotland director, said: “It has been widely recognised that women have been more impacted by the cost of living crisis. 

"To support their access to the workplace which in turn will help support the resilience of our rural businesses in a challenging economic climate, we are delighted to be working with Scottish Government and Scottish Forestry on delivery of training funds.

• READ MORE: Women in Forestry: Forestry and Land Scotland's Victoria Potts

"We know that women are underrepresented in forestry, and this fund is specifically designed to start addressing that imbalance. By making it easier for women to access relevant and high-quality training, our intention is for Scotland’s forestry workforce to become more representative of the population in general.”

Find out more at the Skills Hub.