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Andrew Wright

Qualifications and Experience

Experience Highlights​

  • Over 20 years’ experience in forestry and woodland management across public, private, and third sectors

  • Proven ability to deliver sustainable, multi-purpose woodland management solutions

  • Track record of achieving profitability from small and challenging portfolios

  • Passionate about exceeding client expectations through efficient project delivery

  • Former Director at English Woodlands Ltd (2010–2019), leading forestry operations

  • Experience as a Forestry Advisor at East Sussex County Council

  • Held roles with the Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, and in woodland surveying

  • Extensive background in farm and woodland management (1995–present)

 

Certifications & Skills

  • Chartered Forester (ICF) since 2010

  • Proficient in Microsoft Office, GIS, and database software

  • Certified in chainsaw operation for small and medium tree felling (City & Guilds)

  • First Aid qualified, including specialist forestry first aid training

  • Full, clean driving licence and completed Institute of Advanced Motorists course

 

Education

  • BSc (Hons) in Forest Management – University of Wales, Bangor (2:1)

  • A Levels: Biology (B), Geography (B), History (B)

  • GCSEs: 2 A grades, 6 B grades, 2 C grades

Nick Shanks

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

  • MSc Environmental Analysis and Assessment

  • BSc Hons Environmental Earth Science

  • FISA Forestry Works Manager

  • Lantra Professional Tree Inspection

  • ETUK QGIS for Ecologists and BNG

  • CIEEM Statutory Biodiversity Metric Training

  • Practical Qualifications: NPTC CS 30, 31, 32, 36,37; PA1, 6, 6AW

  • Emergency First aid at work +F

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Industry involvement

  • Committee member of RFS South East Division

  • Associate Member of the Institute for Chartered Foresters

  • Skills and experience:

  • Woodland Management Plans and implementation

  • Forest and Tree Surveys

  • Ancient Woodland Surveys

  • Woodland Creation Designs and implementation

  • Grant applications and implementation such as Countryside Stewardship (CS), England

  • Land Management Scheme (ELMS), Tree Health Grants, Woodland Creation Grants

  • GIS mapping including Arc and QGIS

  • Felling Licence Applications

  • Ecological Condition Assessments and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric for BNG

  • Contract Management - planning and supervision and organising of forest operations,

  • including harvesting, timber sales and re-stocking

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Andrew
Nick
Nicks Mug (1).jpeg

Nick Shanks

Qualifications and Experience

Qualifications

  • MSc Environmental Analysis and Assessment

  • BSc Hons Environmental Earth Science

  • FISA Forestry Works Manager

  • Lantra Professional Tree Inspection

  • ETUK QGIS for Ecologists and BNG

  • CIEEM Statutory Biodiversity Metric Training

  • Practical Qualifications: NPTC CS 30, 31, 32, 36,37; PA1, 6, 6AW

  • Emergency First aid at work +F

​

Industry involvement

  • Committee member of RFS South East Division

  • Associate Member of the Institute for Chartered Foresters

​

Skills and experience

  • Woodland Management Plans and implementation

  • Forest and Tree Surveys

  • Ancient Woodland Surveys

  • Woodland Creation Designs and implementation

  • Grant applications and implementation such as Countryside Stewardship (CS),

  • Environmental Land Management Scheme (ELMS), Tree Health Grants, Woodland Creation Grants

  • GIS mapping including Arc and QGIS

  • Felling Licence Applications

  • Ecological Condition Assessments and the Statutory Biodiversity Metric for BNG

  • Contract Management - planning and supervision and organising of forest operations, including harvesting, timber sales and re-stocking

Rob
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Rob Coltman

Qualifications and Experience

Experience Highlights

  • Field Manager, Forestry Commission (2023–Present) – Lead and support a team of five Woodland Officers across Kent; deliver recruitment, training, and strategic input for SE & London region.

  • Tree Health Lead – Specialist advisor on pest/disease grants and support; represent FC on the South Eastern RFS Committee.

  • Woodland Officer, Forestry Commission (2021–2022) – Managed grants, regulations, and compliance across East Sussex; supported woodland creation and Tree Health initiatives.

  • Operational Grant & Regulation Experience – Administered felling licences, management plans, Countryside Stewardship, and Tree Health Grants.

  • Assistant Forest Manager, Tilhill (2018–2021) – Managed eight estates and multiple contracts; delivered woodland operations, stakeholder engagement, and planning.

  • Broad Project Delivery – Led new planting/restocking, PAWS restoration, ash dieback operations, and ecological projects.

  • Strong Client & Contractor Liaison – Delivered services aligned with client goals; managed contractors and budgets.

  • Community Engagement – Produced educational content, signage, and outreach materials for public-facing projects.

  • ‘Dragons’ Den’ Winner – Won internal innovation competition by pitching a business idea to company directors.

  • GIS & Technical Proficiency – Used ArcGIS for mapping and planning; conducted surveys and authored management reports.

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Early Career & Voluntary Roles

  • RFS Internships (2016 & 2017) – Developed plant ID guide and educational content; collaborated with FC and stakeholders.

  • Self-Employed Forester/Arborist – Delivered hands-on forestry work including tree surgery, planting, and scrub clearance.

  • Forest School Leader (2013–2016) – Designed and delivered outdoor learning for children aged 10–16; led teams and ensured H&S compliance.

  • Teaching Assistant, Albourne Primary (2013) – Supported classroom delivery and co-created a nature club and outdoor learning space.

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Qualifications & Training

  • Forestry BSc (Top-Up), University of Cumbria – First Class Degree, 2018.

  • FdSc Forestry & Woodland Management, University of Brighton – 2:1 with academic achievement award.

  • Level 3 Certificate in Forest School Leadership (OCNWMR) – Merit grade via Sussex Wildlife Trust.

  • Professional Tree Inspection (Lantra) – Specialist training in tree risk and health assessment.

  • Chainsaw, Climbing & Aerial Rescue – CS30, CS31, CS38, CS39 certified (Plumpton College).

  • H&S, First Aid & Machinery Training – SMSTS, SSSTS, pesticide use, 4x4 off-road driving, trailer towing, and +F First Aid.

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