Recreation Manager – New Forest

Based at The Queen’s House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7NH 

Contract type: 2 year contract, with the possibility of extension or permanency 

Salary £31,973 - £34,650

Reference number: 221498

We are Forestry England. We are the country’s largest land manager, caring for the nation’s forests for people, nature and the economy. The foundation of our organisation is our world-class sustainable forest management. 

Our South District team consists of around 160 people. From Foresters to Volunteer Co-ordinators, we all contribute towards the management and care of some 46,000 hectares of land across public woods and forests, and two national parks. 

Many of the forests in South District are of high national and international importance for nature conservation, wildlife, and biodiversity. Creating a sustainable future for our forests, and the wildlife within, for people to be able to enjoy sits at the heart of everything that we do. 

As Recreation Manager for the New Forest, you will form part of our Recreation and Public Affairs Team. We are responsible for managing the facilities used by visitors to the New Forest such as walking/cycling trails, car parks and amenities. 

Putting the sustainability of visitor management at the heart of our business, you will build strong working relationships with New Forest stakeholders, providing access to public recreational needs, whilst ensuring these activities also protect habitats and allow wildlife to thrive.

You will lead the New Forest Recreation and Public Affairs Operational Team and oversee the development of sustainable recreational facilities. To do this effectively, you will engage with our internal teams and key external partners to raise understanding of Forestry England’s critical role in providing sustainable recreation on the Crown Lands of the New Forest. Through your leadership skills you will provide your team with a clear purpose, embedding a safety-first culture across all our teams and partnerships. As budget manager for the team, you will manage our commercial relationships and seek out new opportunities to deliver financial sustainability within the environmentally sensitive landscape.

Forestry England is a progressive and inclusive organisation, where benefits include a generous holiday entitlement, substantial training, development, and volunteering opportunities, as well as flexible working and membership of the excellent Civil Service Pension Scheme. 

For more information on how to apply please visit www.forestryengland.uk/careers/ or click this link to apply now. For an informal chat, please contact [email removed - click apply for more details]. 

Closing date: 23:55 on 20/07/2022

Closing Date: 20/07/2022  Location: The Queen’s House, Lyndhurst, Hampshire SO43 7NH