Benjamin B

Woodland Officer, West Sussex | Former Woodland Creation Officer – Forestry Commission | Sustainable Forestry | UKFS Compliance | Y1 & Y3 Apprentice Manager | RFS Member | ICF Associate

South East, England, United Kingdom

About

Building on my previous experience as a Woodland Creation Officer with the Forestry Commission, where I guided landowners through funding avenues, advised on best practices, and ensured woodland proposals met the UK Forestry Standard, I now serve as a Woodland Officer, integrating these skills into broader woodland management responsibilities. In my current role, I work closely with internal teams, external stakeholders, and local communities to foster woodlands that deliver environmental, social, and economic value, aligning with national forestry objectives. My expertise also extends to deer management and consultancy, allowing me to address deer-related challenges that can influence woodland health and resilience. By applying practical strategies to control deer populations, protect young plantings, and maintain balanced habitats, I ensure that our woodlands remain productive, diverse, and sustainable over the long term. From shaping new woodland creation initiatives to strengthening existing woodlands and mitigating deer impacts, I combine my past focus on expansion and compliance with my current emphasis on strategic management. This approach ensures that each project I contribute to supports resilient woodlands, benefiting both people and the environment. Woodland Creation Grant: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/woodland-creation-planning-grant Woodland Creation Offer: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/england-woodland-creation-offer UK Forestry Standard: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uk-forestry-standard #WoodlandOfficer #Forestry #SustainableForestry #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalStewardship #WoodlandManagement #TreePlanting #NaturalCapital #ClimateResilience #EcosystemServices #HabitatConservation #UKForestryStandard #RuralEconomy #FutureForests #SustainableLandUse

Experience

  • Forestry Commission (On-site)
    • Woodland Officer
      Dec 2024 - Present · 1 yr 7 mos

      As a Woodland Officer in West Sussex, I am dedicated to enhancing and safeguarding the region’s trees, woodlands. My role involves working closely with landowners, forestry agents, community groups, and environmental stakeholders to promote best practices in sustainable woodland management. By applying the UK Forestry Standard and relevant legislation, I help ensure that woodland expansion, protection, and improvement initiatives deliver tangible benefits for biodiversity, landscape resilience, and local economies. I support the creation of new woodlands—advocating for their multiple values, from carbon sequestration and flood mitigation to habitat enhancement and natural capital development. I also facilitate active management of existing woodland to address challenges such as pests, diseases, and climate change impacts, while encouraging collaboration across the forestry and arboriculture sectors. #WoodlandOfficer #Forestry #SustainableForestry #Biodiversity #EnvironmentalStewardship #WoodlandManagement #TreePlanting #NaturalCapital #ClimateResilience #EcosystemServices #HabitatConservation #UKForestryStandard #RuralEconomy #FutureForests

    • Woodland Creation Officer
      Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 · 5 mos

      As a Woodland Creation Officer with the Forestry Commission, I am responsible for advancing sustainable forestry by promoting, advising, and supporting the development of woodland creation projects. My role involves engaging with landowners, forestry agents, and stakeholders to ensure that woodland proposals meet the UK Forestry Standard. I work closely with various teams to administer and oversee woodland creation initiatives that deliver environmental, social, and economic benefits, aligning with national forestry goals. #woodlandcreation #forestry #environmental

  • Swarovski Optik Opinion Leader at SWAROVSKI OPTIK
    2024 - 2026 · 2 yrs

    As a Swarovski Optik Opinion Leader, I represent the brand by providing insights and feedback on their high-precision optical equipment. My role involves testing and evaluating products, sharing informed opinions with the community, and contributing to product development through detailed assessments. I engage with a network of enthusiasts and professionals, offering guidance on the use and benefits of Swarovski Optik’s products. Additionally, I play a key role in promoting the brand’s reputation for quality and innovation within the optics industry. https://swarop.tk/xdv #optics #productdevelopment #brandambassador

  • Deer Management Consultant at Wildscape Deer Management
    2002 - 2026 · 24 yrs

    As a Deer Management Consultant with Wildscape Deer Management, the role focuses on providing expert advice and tailored solutions for sustainable deer population control and habitat management. This involves collaborating with landowners, conservationists, and stakeholders to develop and implement effective deer management plans that balance ecological integrity with land use objectives. Responsibilities include conducting assessments, offering strategic guidance on population control methods, and ensuring all management practices adhere to best practices and legal requirements. The goal is to help maintain healthy ecosystems and support biodiversity conservation efforts through careful planning and collaboration. https://wildscapedeermanagement.co.uk #deermanagement #deercontrol

  • Mental Health Consultant at Private Clinic
    2004 - 2023 · 19 yrs

    As a Clinic Director, I oversaw the operations of a Harley Street mental health clinic, where I was responsible for managing a team of professionals and ensuring the delivery of high-quality mental health services. With over 20,000 hours of direct counselling experience, I provided expert guidance and support to clients facing a wide range of mental health challenges. My role involved developing tailored treatment plans, conducting in-depth assessments, and implementing best practices for mental well-being. I also collaborated with healthcare providers and stakeholders to create a supportive environment that prioritised mental health and promoted resilience. #mentalhealth #clinicmanagement #counselling #harleystreet

  • Estate Management at Philip James Estate & Letting Agents
    2005 - 2008 · 3 yrs

    As the Owner and Founder of an estate agency, I oversaw the full spectrum of operations, from property sales and lettings to client relations and business strategy. My role involved managing a dedicated team, conducting market analysis, and ensuring that our services met the highest standards of professionalism. I worked closely with clients to understand their needs, providing personalised guidance throughout the buying, selling, and renting processes. Additionally, I focused on strategic growth and building lasting relationships within the community, positioning the agency as a trusted partner in the property market prior to the sale in 2008. https://www.phillip-james.co.uk/ #estateagency #propertymanagement #estatemanagement