This course is delivered by Focus on Forestry First Ltd, an approved Lantra Awards Customised Provider.
Successful learners will receive a Lantra Awards certificate of attendance. It is not a formal qualification but provides recognised evidence of professional development.
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This two-day course is designed for Forestry Works Managers, Site Supervisors, Team Leaders, and others responsible for overseeing mechanised harvesting operations involving harvesters and forwarders. Delivered through a mix of classroom-based and site-based learning, the course provides a comprehensive understanding of best practices, safe operating techniques, and effective site supervision.
The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and confidence to manage mechanised harvesting activities safely and competently, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and maintaining high operational and environmental standards. Participants will also develop the ability to recognise safe and unsafe practices, assess environmental impacts, and take appropriate action to prevent or mitigate risks on site.
It is strongly suggested that the participants have attended the (Forestry) Works Manager Awareness Course before attending this event.
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At the end of the course the participant will have an understanding of:
Their role as a supervisor and/or manager of mechanised harvesting operations;
Requirements for good site preparation and contract specifications, including health and safety, pollution planning, public safety and environmental requirements;
Good forwarder and harvester operator competencies, safe and unsafe practices;
Mechanised harvesting systems;
Troubleshooting bad practices, learning from issues, identification of alternative approaches;
The identification of good and bad environmental practices.
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Michael Crutchley
Michael Crutchley is an accredited NPTC, LANTRA, and FISA Assessor and Trainer, as well as an experienced forestry contractor with over 20 years of hands-on experience in the forest industry.
He delivers training and assessment across a wide range of areas including chainsaw use, forestry machinery, ground-based arboriculture, and site and skills management. His services also encompass refresher training, workshops, and toolbox talks tailored to the needs of forestry contractors. With a particular specialism in forest machine operations, Michael draws on his dual perspective as both a contractor and a qualified assessor/trainer to ensure his approach reflects current industry best practice.
Throughout his career, Michael has worked with leading forestry organisations across Wales and the UK, including Natural Resources Wales (NRW), the National Trust, Forestry England, FISA, and the Woodland Trust, as well as major forestry contractors and harvesting companies such as Tilhill and Euroforest.
He is now expanding his focus to support managers and supervisors in their responsibilities for overseeing harvesting operations. Through targeted training events, Michael continues to share his extensive knowledge and experience to help develop the next generation of forestry professionals.
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Existing Forestry Works Managers
Site Supervisors
Team Leaders
Managers within Forestry
Landowners
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£375.00+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.
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PPE: The course will include visiting sites 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.
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If you have any issues booking this event please contact us.