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
Iwan Lloyd-Williams MICFor - Lead Instructor
Iwan Lloyd-Williams is a Chartered Forester with over 20 years’ experience in the forestry and timber industries. As the proprietor of Iwan Meirion Consultancy, he provides forest management, timber sales, and safety consultancy services across the UK.
His background includes senior roles such as Regional Harvesting Manager at UPM Tilhill, Director at DSHWOOD UK Limited, and Head of Timber Purchasing at Clifford Jones Timber Group, giving him extensive practical and strategic experience in harvesting operations and forest management.
Iwan is actively involved in the wider forestry sector. He is Chair of Confor’s Wales Committee, Assistant Honorary Director of Forestry at the Royal Welsh Agricultural Show, and a member of Natural Resources Wales’ Regional Advisory Committee. He is also a trustee of the DPJ Foundation, supporting mental health initiatives in rural Wales..
Gethin Hughes - Lead Demonstrator
Gethin Hughes is an experienced forestry and arboriculture professional with a strong operational background in woodland management and chainsaw operations.
He holds a BTEC National Diploma in Countryside Management and a Level 2 NVQ in Forestry, along with a wide range of City & Guilds NPTC Awards covering chainsaw, tree felling, aerial work, and machinery operation.
Gethin has over a decade of industry experience, including roles in forestry operations, site supervision, and education. He is currently a Forest Operational Works Manager at DSH Wood, overseeing site safety, quality, and delivery across North and Mid Wales, and is also an NPTC Assessor and Trainer.
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.
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