Programme Lead - Woodland and Tree Protection

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Programme Lead to lead our work to protect ancient woodland and ancient veteran trees from a range of threats.

The Role:
•    Lead the Woods Under Threat programme of activity to deliver timely and effective response to cases of valuable woods and trees under threat.
•    Identify opportunities for public campaigns and collaborate with the Campaigns Mobilisation team to develop, plan and coordinate campaigns.
•    Compilate and disseminate data and evidence to enable campaigning and lobbying activity to support audience engagement.
•    Collaborate to develop advocacy plans to support the protection of valuable woods and trees from threats.
•    Represent the Trust publicly, on panels and in the media, as a part of environmental coalitions and trees.
•    Lead a small team and provide support to enable them to work successfully.
•    Develop strong political relationships relevant to Woods Under Threat casework to drive policy change.
•    This role is advertised as full-time, 37.5 hours per week, however we would consider applications from those wanting reduced hours at 30 hours per week.
•    This role includes a mix of working from home and at our main office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Visits to Grantham would be required no more than once a month on average.

The Candidate:
•    Experience leading activity and campaigns to support a larger programme.
•    Knowledge of environmental legislation and policy in the UK.
•    Experience managing a small team to create an environment for success.
•    Experience analysing data, evidence, reports and other documentation to present and feedback to other teams and stakeholders.
•    Strong skills in Microsoft Office, GIS mapping, database management and digital communication tools.
•    Experience developing advocacy plans.
•    Strong relationship building skills with the ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.
•    The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check, as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
•    Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.  
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. 
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role.

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interview will be taking place via Microsoft Teams on the 10th April 2026.