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Forestry & arboriclture

Forestry & Arboriculture at Plumpton College

If you’re looking to build a career working with trees, woodlands and the natural environment, Plumpton College offers specialist Forestry & Arboriculture courses in a truly practical setting. Surrounded by extensive grounds and industry-relevant outdoor facilities, you’ll develop the hands-on skills, technical knowledge and confidence needed for progression into employment, apprenticeships or further study.

Our Forestry & Arboriculture curriculum is designed for learners who enjoy practical, outdoor work and want to train in a specialist land-based college environment. With expert teaching, access to professional equipment and strong links to the industry, you’ll gain valuable experience in tree care, forestry operations and wider land-based skills.

Financial Support at Plumpton College

Full-time students at Plumpton College may be able to access financial support to help with the cost of study. This can include travel, equipment and other course-related expenses. If you are applying for Equine Studies, take a look at our Fees and Finance information to explore the support available.

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Get outdoors and get hands-on with trees, woodlands and the natural environment while developing practical skills for a career in forestry and arboriculture.

The Forestry & Arboriculture Sector

Forestry and arboriculture are vital industries that support woodland management, tree care, conservation, timber production and the wider rural economy, creating a wide range of skilled career opportunities. Government figures show average UK employment in forestry was 21,000 in 2023, with a further 8,000 jobs in sawmilling and 5,000 in panel mills, highlighting the scale of employment across the wider sector. Furthermore, the UK had 3.28 million hectares of woodland in 2024, underlining the ongoing need for skilled workers to manage these environments.

According to official government and Forest Research statistics, this means learners entering the sector have opportunities in a well-established industry that needs practical, technical and environmentally aware staff. By studying Forestry & Arboriculture at Plumpton College, learners can develop those skills in a specialist land-based setting, with hands-on experience, industry-relevant equipment and training that prepares them for employment, apprenticeships and progression in the sector.

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Why Forestry & Arboriculture at Plumpton College?

  • Learn from expert Forestry & Arboriculture lecturers
    At Plumpton College, we combine practical training with expert teaching, helping you build the technical knowledge and hands-on skills needed for a career in the forestry and arboriculture industry. Our experienced lecturers understand the demands of the sector and support you to develop professional confidence.
  • Train using industry-standard forestry and arboriculture equipment
    We give you access to specialist equipment used across the sector, including tractors, a WoodMizer saw mill and a range of wood chippers. This helps you develop practical, job-ready skills and gain experience with the tools and machinery     used in forestry and arboriculture work.
  • Develop your skills across extensive outdoor grounds
    Our extensive grounds give you the opportunity to learn in a range of real outdoor environments, including farmed land, hedgerows and streams.
  • Benefit from our strong local industry links
    We have strong links with local landowners and estates, giving you valuable opportunities to develop practical experience and build your understanding of the forestry and arboriculture industry. These industry connections enhance your learning and help prepare you for employment across the tree care, woodland management and wider land-based sectors.
  • Build skills for careers in the Forestry & Arboriculture sector
    Our Forestry & Arboriculture courses are designed to help you progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study. By combining practical training, specialist facilities and industry-relevant learning, we help you develop the skills employers are looking for in the forestry and arboriculture industry.
  • Study Forestry & Arboriculture in the heart of the South Downs
    Located within the South Downs National Park, Plumpton College offers a unique setting for Forestry & Arboriculture training, with a large rural campus that supports hands-on outdoor learning. Our extensive grounds give you space to develop practical skills in a range of natural environments.

Our Personal Development Programme supports students

We ensure students have the knowledge needed surrounding personal finance, health, wellbeing and careers. Furthermore, we seek to develop their skills in being able to put that knowledge into practice in their daily and future lives. We aspire to develop their attitudes and values so that they have opinions about key aspects of society and know how to appropriately share their own and also challenge other people’s opinions.