Meet our Instructors: Iwan Lloyd-Williams

At Focus on Forestry First, our instructors bring years of industry experience and expertise to the training they deliver, helping ensure our courses reflect the realities of working in the sector.

Iwan, a Chartered Forester with more than 20 years of experience across forestry, timber and harvesting operations, has been a key part of this from the outset. As the first instructor we brought on board for our Manager and Supervisor training suite, he has played an important role in shaping its development and delivering the training ever since.

His extensive industry knowledge and longstanding involvement have helped establish and evolve the training we offer, making him a valued member of the Focus on Forestry First instructor team.

As a Forestry Works Manager and specialist in forestry operations, harvesting and health and safety, Iwan has built a career spanning operational management, timber purchasing, consultancy and industry leadership.

Through his consultancy business, Iwan Meirion Consultancy, he provides forest management, timber sales and safety consultancy services throughout the UK.

His previous roles include Director of DSHWOOD UK Ltd and Head of Timber Purchasing for Clifford Jones Timber Group, alongside senior harvesting management positions with UPM Tilhill. This breadth of experience gives him a thorough understanding of the demands of forestry work, from managing harvesting operations to overseeing the commercial side of the timber industry.

Iwan also plays an active role in supporting the wider forestry sector. He is past Chair of Confor Wales, Assistant Honorary Director of Forestry for the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and a past member of the Natural Resources Wales Regional Advisory Committee. Through these positions, he contributes to the development of forestry in Wales and remains closely involved in the issues affecting the industry.

Iwan’s expertise covers harvesting operations, forest management, timber sales, forestry leadership, health and safety, and strategic forestry. Alongside his technical knowledge and management experience, Iwan has made a significant contribution to the development of our training programmes. He was instrumental in launching both the Forestry Works Manager Awareness and Chainsaw Operations for Supervisors and Managers courses and continues to work closely with us to refine and improve our training.

Always willing to share new ideas and challenge how things can be done better, he plays an important role in ensuring our courses remain relevant and effective. We’re also working together on our upcoming Managing Public Safety in Forestry Operations for Supervisors and Managers course, reflecting our ongoing collaboration and shared commitment to developing high-quality training for the sector.

Delivering excellent training

Iwan is a regular and valued member of our training team, frequently delivering courses, particularly our Forestry Works Manager Awareness and Chainsaw Operations for Supervisors and Managers programmes. A recent example was his delivery of the Chainsaw Operations for Supervisors and Managers course for private client Scottish Woodlands, in Perth, Scotland. The excellent feedback received from participants reflects the quality of his training and the experience he brings to every course.

Iwan received 5/5 for both delivery and knowledge, with participants praising his engaging approach and the enjoyable atmosphere he created. His ability to combine extensive industry experience with an approachable teaching style helps participants get the most from their training - which is essential to us!

Olivia Weaver, our Managing Director, said:

“With over 20 years of experience across forestry, timber and harvesting, Iwan has been instrumental in the development of Focus on Forestry First over the past several years. As one of our lead instructors, he played a key role in launching both our Forestry Works Manager Awareness and Chainsaw Operations for Supervisors and Managers programmes, and continues to work closely with us on course development and improvements.

“One of the things I particularly value about working with Iwan is how reliable, approachable and easy to work with he is. He brings extensive practical experience and technical knowledge, with a great ability to make training engaging without losing sight of the detail. He is always willing to share new ideas, challenge how we do things, and look at ways to improve the training we deliver.

“His contribution goes beyond the classroom; he has helped shape our supervisor and manager training offer and continues to play an important role in its development. Iwan is a true asset to our team.”

Iwan said:

“It’s a pleasure to be part of the Focus on Forestry First team and its instructor network. The team are a delight to work with, and the quality of the course content is excellent, giving us a great foundation to deliver engaging and worthwhile training.

“I enjoy being able to share my experience with course participants and help them build their knowledge and confidence in their roles. It’s great to be part of an organisation that’s so committed to developing skills across the forestry sector.”

The people behind our training

At Focus on Forestry First, the experience of our instructors is central to the training we provide. Their continued involvement in the sector helps ensure that our courses reflect current legislation, informed and updated industry guidance, as well as the practical demands of forestry work.

We’re proud to work with experienced professionals like Iwan, whose commitment to forestry extends beyond their own roles to supporting the development of others across the industry.

Through our instructor network, we continue to support a skilled, safe and sustainable forestry workforce across Wales and beyond!