Be counted – take part in the Forestry Workforce Census

Forest Research, on behalf of the Forestry Commission, Scottish Forestry, and Welsh Government, is launching the Forestry Workforce Census. It aims to better understand what the forestry operations workforce in Great Britain looks like today.  

The Census will capture the size of the workforce and the scale of forestry operations taking place, providing vital evidence to support the future of the sector.  

Organisations across the forestry sector in Great Britain are being asked to submit information about their workforce on two separate dates to account for roles that are seasonal – 1 October 2026 and 1 March 2027. Every organisation, from those with just one person to larger companies with many people and sub-organisations, whether employed and/or contracted, are invited to take part.  

Find out more about the Census

The Census will capture information about people that work (employed, contracted or other) on the following activities for forestry operations: 

• planning
• tree production/nursery operations
• ground preparation, planting, establishment or maintenance
• managing woodland and/or managing people working on woodland
• harvesting
• extracting timber and haulage
• surveying and inventory work.

Who should take part

• Companies with just one individual, like sole traders and single-person organisations, right through to larger organisations 

Who should not take part

• Individuals employed by an organisation. The survey is aimed at employers rather than employees. Senior decision makers, like CEOs and HR directors should complete the survey on behalf of the whole company.  

Sheila Ward, Head of Forest Information and Statistics, Forest Research said: “Having accurate and up-to-date information on the size and make-up of the forestry operations workforce will help the sector to plan for the future. Understanding current and future workforce needs is vital in identifying skills gaps, and a clearer understanding will help identify measures that could maximise forestry’s potential. We need all organisations in the forestry sector to take part to help build a really comprehensive picture.” 

The Welsh Government’s Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said: “Our forestry workforce is vital to Wales. This census helps us understand what skills the sector needs to thrive and support business growth in forestry. I urge every organisation to take part.” 

Anna Brown, Director of Forest Services, Forestry Commission, said: “The Forestry Workforce Census will provide the most comprehensive picture in over 20 years of the people who support forestry operations across Great Britain. The findings will help inform workforce planning, support delivery of the Forestry Sector Skills Plan, and strengthen efforts to attract, develop and retain the skilled workforce the sector needs. I encourage organisations across the forestry sector to take part.”

Jason Hubert, Head of Forest Sector Development, Scottish Forestry, said: “I would urge people to respond to this census. It is really important for forestry as a whole to have better data in order to make better decisions for the future and to help governments ensure that funding for training and sector support is going into the right areas. Forestry is a significant part of Scotland’s economy, contributing around £1.1 billion each year. The insights from this census will help to ensure the sector has the skills, workforce and support it needs to thrive in the years ahead.” 

Going forward, the Census will take place every five years. Results will be made publicly available.  

Find out more about the Census

Contact

If you have any queries, please call 0300 067 5238 or email statistics@forestresearch.gov.uk.