A TRAINING fund for aspiring foresters and arborists has reopened.

The Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund (FATF) – formerly known as the Forestry Training Fund - is primarily aimed at those considering changing their careers to one in either industry, as well as those already working in the sector. It is only available in England. 

The scheme will cover the full cost of training courses in a range of areas, including in:

  • planning and planting a new woodland
  • coppicing
  • deer stalking
  • chainsaw maintenance
  • marketing and selling timber
  • aerial tree pruning
  • branch removal and crown reduction
  • assisted felling and tree surveying

Richard Stanford, Forestry Commission chief executive: "Encourage anyone who is considering a change of career or those seeking to build and diversify their skills in forestry and arboriculture to apply.

"We need more people working to enhance and protect our nations trees, woods and forests now and for the future; with this funding covering 100 per cent of training costs for short, practical forestry and arboriculture courses, it provides a tangible way for people to upskill themselves to do so."

There is no deadline for applications, however funding for courses is limited so you are encouraged to apply early. 

Priority will be given to those individuals who either have not previously been awarded grant funding through the programme, or who have been awarded funding for less than three courses since February 2023.

If you have been awarded funding for three or more courses, you may still apply, but there is no guarantee that any further grant funding will be awarded.

Visit here to apply.