Sid Cooper

Biography

I graduated from the Cumbria College of Agriculture and Forestry in 1989 with a National Diploma in Forestry, awarded with Distinction. 

Prior to attending college I had worked for two years as a Forest Worker on  a private estate in Norfolk. I gained further practical forestry experience working for the Forestry Commission in Wales during my college mid-year. 

After graduating I joined the Forestry Commission in 1989, and subsequently enjoyed a 34-year career which has included the roles of Beat Forester, Technical Trainer, Woodland Officer, Business Development Advisor and Field Manager. I have gained significant and comprehensive knowledge of forestry and silviculture in the UK, and have been responsible for the management of a wide variety of woodlands from Ancient Woodland Sites through to commercial conifer plantations. My responsibilities have given me a sound understanding and application of  woodland creation methodologies, and have embraced all aspects of the silvicultural, environmental and recreational management of existing woodlands.  

I joined the Professional Forestry Apprenticeship team as a Lecturer in April 2023, primarily working on development and delivery of the Measuring Trees and Forests, Practical Forest Skills, Wood Utilisation and Processing, Forest Policy and Governance and Managing Forest Operations modules. 

Qualifications and memberships

National Diploma in Forestry – Distinction 

City & Guilds – Instructional Techniques 

City & Guilds – Training and Development