Gareth Hopkins

Biography

I started my journey as a Forester in the late 80’s following the 1987 hurricane as a machine operator, before making my move into the Forestry Commission Research Department. Spending nearly 10 years honing my practical skills managing forest-based experiments, ranging from air pollution and soil studies to the effectiveness of different silvicultural practices and pesticides.  

After this I spent a couple of years running my own forestry contracting business concentrating on woodland management, mensuration and railway line clearance. This was also the point in my career when I jumped back on the academic bandwagon doing my HND and then a Honours Degree in Woodland Management part time at the National School of Forestry at Newton Rigg.

I then had a couple of positions as a Work Foreman and Forester within Cannock Chase and the Marches, planning and managing all types of forestry operations from large scale timber harvesting and planting to conservation works and recreation enhancements. All of this put me in good stead for my next move into the Forestry Commission Technical Training Team, joining first as the Supervisory / Forester training specialist before moving into the role of managing the southern Technical Training Team while also still been able to get my hands dirty.

After a short spell with Natural England I rejoined the Forestry Commission managing Woodland Officers, granting felling licences and woodland grants, before securing my current role as the Forestry Commission Apprenticeship Programme manager. In my current role I have the pleasure of leading a Team of Forestry Professionals delivery on the Professional Forestry Apprenticeship in partnership with the University of Cumbria. Supporting the first ever Degree level Forestry Apprenticeship in the UK as well as delivering upskilling training within the Forestry Commission and the wider Forestry Sector. 

Qualifications and memberships

BSc (hons) Forest management 

Level 4 – IQA Assessment and Quality Assurance 

Level 3 – A1 Certificate in Assessing Candidates 

Level 3 - Train the Trainer Instructional Techniques - City & Guilds 7331 in Training Techniques 

NEBOSH Award in Health and Safety at Work L2 

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