Organised in collaboration with Woodland Trust, with special thanks for kindly providing the site for this course.
Overview
This two-day course is designed specifically for the Forestry Works Managers, Site Supervisors, Team Leaders and those managing chainsaw operations.
The aim of this course is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to oversee chainsaw operations within the workplace, ensuring safety, compliance with regulations, and high operational and environmental standards.
The course also endeavours to instil an understanding of safe and unsafe chainsaw practices, good and bad environmental practices, enabling the participants to identify, address, and mitigate potentially hazardous situations.
It is strongly suggested that the participants have attended the (Forest) Works Manager Awareness Course before attending this event.
Objectives
At the end of the course the participant will have an understanding of:
Their role as a supervisor and/or manager of chainsaw operations;
Site preparation, risk assessment, and PPE, including PUWER and LOLER;
Chainsaw competencies, tools and equipment.
Safe and unsafe chainsaw techniques and practices;
Troubleshooting bad practices, learning from issues, identification of alternative approaches;
The identification of good and bad environmental practices.
Objectives 1, 2 and 3 establish the foundation for effective supervision by providing the necessary knowledge and skills for the safe and efficient management of chainsaw operations.
Objectives 4, 5 and 6 then build upon this foundation looking into health and safety supervision, safe and unsafe working practices, and potential impacts on the environment.
Instructor
Toby Allen - Lead Instructor
Toby Allen is the co-owner and founder of Say It With Wood, and has been working with timber since the mid-1990s. Beginning his fencing career in Cornwall, he went on to establish his own coppicing and chestnut fencing business in 2001, building a reputation for combining craftsmanship with sustainability.
With deep roots in sustainable woodland management, Toby and his team harvest, cleave, mill, and craft products from local, naturally durable timber—collected as part of responsible forestry practices. His approach blends environmental stewardship with craftsmanship, bringing the character and sustainability of local woodlands into every piece.
Alongside his practical expertise, Toby is recognised for his holistic approach to training, blending hands-on woodland skills with pragmatic, people-focused health and safety guidance. Toby applies continuous-improvement principles to everything from forestry operations to team learning. This mindset underpins his belief that the most effective training happens when people feel both empowered and engaged.
Known for his warmth, humour, and ability to connect with participants from all backgrounds, Toby still says that, on a good day, he considers himself to have “the luckiest job in the world.”
Ceri Hughes - Lead Demonstrator
Ceri Hughes is an accomplished professional in both the forestry and engineering fields, he has built a career that integrates academic achievement with extensive hands-on experience. He graduated with a BEng Honours in Automotive Engineering and Motorsport Design from Cardiff University and Swansea Metropolitan, laying a strong engineering foundation.
Growing up managing an estate woodland, Ceri developed his skills from an early age, advancing from the basics like small thinnings and cleanings to complex operations such as felling for highlead and skylines, and eventually, felling for harvesters.
With over 20 years of experience as a cutter across Wales and England, Ceri has become a highly sought-after operator, collaborating with top contractors such as Huw Thomas and Euroforest. His expertise with chainsaws and small machinery is certified by his extensive qualifications, including Lantra Instructional Techniques and NPTC Trainer / assessor roles. Ceri's depth of field experience and leadership in supervising work gangs have established him as a crucial figure in the forestry industry.
Who should attend?
Existing Forestry Works Managers
Site Supervisors
Team Leaders
Managers within Forestry
Cost (booking fee)
£490.00+VAT per person
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.
This course is eligible for funding via the Flexible Skills Programme | Business Wales Skills Gateway.
Point of contact
If you have any issues booking this event please contact - info@focusonforestryfirst.co.uk
If you are having trouble paying using your credit or Debit Card, please see our Quick Guide.
Other Information
PPE: The course will include visiting site in a forestry and woodland environment. The ground will be uneven so there will be a need to wear PPE suitable for outdoor visits appropriate to the conditions and weather.
You will require a minimum of: Helmet, Hi Viz, footwear suitable to visit a forestry worksite.
Refreshments will be provided but please bring your own packed lunch.
Accommodation is not provided as part of this course and is not included in the course fee. Participants are responsible for arranging their own overnight stays.