Woodlands in south Wales could offer unemployed people a route back into work.
Forestry Commission Wales has joined forces with BTCV to give jobseekers valuable experience on a variety of tasks – and the environment is set to benefit, too.
Under the link-up, volunteers will perform a range of duties such as improving forest entrances, habitat management on Sites of Special Scientific Interest, removing regenerating conifer trees from heathland and clearing overgrowing vegetation around Scheduled Ancient Monuments.
They will also undertake drainage work on walking trails in Welsh Government woodlands and have a chance to try their hand at dry stone walling.
It’s hoped the experience they gain carrying out the tasks under the supervision of FC Wales staff will give the volunteers a vital edge as they try to get back into work.
FC Wales community ranger Mike James said, “The expanding forest sector employs thousands of people in Wales and offers a variety of career opportunities across a broad range of professions.
“We want to encourage the use of our woodlands for training purposes so that they can help people to gain the skills they need to improve their prospects in the jobs market.”
This is the second year that FC Wales has awarded a contract to the Cardiff-based BTCV to help carry out habitat management and environmental improvements in the Rhondda Cynon Taf, Merthyr and Bridgend county borough areas.
People are referred to BTCV after claiming benefits for a period of time and are offered the opportunity to re-build their confidence, self-esteem and become a part of their own working community once again.
BTCV can overcome barriers by helping to engage with employers to offer “trials of work”, financial assistance, re-training and development, and by offering in-work support.
Terry Rowlands, BTCV manager, said, “Our partnership with FC Wales enables BTCV to offer a clear route into employment with the conservation and environmental sector, ensuring our volunteers are fully prepared for the world of work.
“All our volunteers gain accreditation in a range of skills and competencies relating to woodland management, such as basic chainsaw operation, brushcutting and wood chipper work.”
