Skiddaw Forest Project Manager

Hours per week: 35 (FTE)

Cumbria Wildlife Trust has the chance to create a huge nature reserve at Skiddaw Forest thanks to the incredible help from our funders, members and supporters. As part of our plans, we are now recruiting for a passionate, dedicated and knowledgeable Project Manager to help lead and develop this ambitious Project.

The development of Skiddaw Forest presents an unparalleled opportunity to put nature firmly into recovery on a vast scale. Our ideal applicant will have previous experience as a Nature Reserves Manager, with a specialism in upland habitat re-creation and restoration, plus the drive and vision to turn our aspirations into reality.

We are looking for a practical conservationist with a passion for upland habitat re-creation and restoration. You will take forward our incredibly ambitious and visionary project across our new 1200ha Nature Reserve, Skiddaw Forest, in the heart of the Lake District.

The role:

The postholder will lead the development and management of the Trust’s relationships and partnerships at Skiddaw Forest. This will involve working with a broad range of partner organisations, local farmers and commoners, neighbouring landowners, the local and wider community, recreational users and their representative groups. Key partners for whom the post holder will be the main point of contact for Skiddaw Forest will include: Commoners Associations, The Skiddaw House Foundation, Natural England, Forestry Commission, Lake District National Park Authority, local Parish and Town Councils, Cumberland Council, neighbouring landowners and farmers, fell running clubs, ramblers and local residents. 

Main responsibilities:

• Create a Wilder Skiddaw Forest by developing a Nature Reserve Management plan which includes plans for peatland recovery, species recovery and woodland and montane scrub creation.
• Lead and manage all allocated project staff, placements and volunteers.
• Involve people in all aspects of the project including through volunteering, as individuals, or working in partnership with others.
• Foster and promote excellent communications and connectivity between external partners and local communities.
• Implementing site risk assessment, for all activities and liaise with regulators to ensure all consents and permissions are in place.
• Establish baseline surveys and monitoring of all aspects of Skiddaw Forest including species, habitats and features of geological and geomorphological interest.

A full UK driving licence is essential and this role will be subject to reference checks and an enhanced DBS check. The role will largely be based at Skiddaw Forest.

The closing date for applications is 9 am on Monday 4 November 2024.

First interviews will be held on Monday 11 November 2024 and second interviews will be held on Tuesday 19 November 2024 at our Headquarters in Kendal.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust is devoted to the conservation of the wildlife and wild places of Cumbria.