Forestry civil engineers given a head start

Civil engineers and civil engineering supervisors taking up a role with Forestry and Land Scotland are taking part in training days to get an understanding of the range of issues that they might have to manage in their careers.

As well as getting a potted history of civil engineering within the forest industry, recent new starts visited several sites to get an understanding of issues – and solutions - and were given an insight into the technical capabilities of some of the heavy plant used in civil engineering jobs.

FLS Civil Engineer, Norrie Russell, who led the most recent training day, said;

“Transforming how we work to help us and the organisation become fit for the future is a focal point for the Civil’s team and training and mentoring are central to that. 

“Civil engineering is key to the business of planting and harvesting trees. It can involve building roads and bridges, quarrying, managing water flow and stabilising hillsides and groundworks.

“It’s one of the hidden underpinnings of the forestry sector.

“Achieving all of this – and a whole lot more  - efficiently and as cost-effectively as possible is the fundamental aim of our extensive programme of planned maintenance and the close management of contracts to ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

“That’s why it’s important to give new colleagues a good understanding of the range and complexity of the operations they’ll be managing."

As well as emphasising the importance of knowing the layout of underground utility networks, the induction day also stressed the importance of water management to protect the integrity of forest roads and to prevent diffuse pollution.

Other areas touched on through the day included the ins-and-outs of safe quarrying, road and culvert construction, road surveying, bridge and drain maintenance and grading and rolling.

Norrie added;

“The key element we drive home is that forward planning and working with colleagues in other teams is how we get the best results for the organisation.

“For example, working with our harvesting teams ensures that new roads are correctly surveyed, marked out and are fit for purpose. This can reduce the volume of stone required and can also reduce the requirement for harvesting facilities, all of which brings savings to the business.”

The training day took in locations in Ae Forest, Uppernithsdale Forest and Clatteringshaws Forest.

Notes to Editors

1. Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) manages forests and land owned by Scottish Ministers in a way that supports and enables economically sustainable forestry; conserves and enhances the environment; delivers benefits for people and nature; and supports Scottish Ministers in their stewardship of Scotland's national forests and land.
2. Home - Forestry and Land Scotland | twitter.com/ForestryLS
3. Media enquiries to Paul Munro, Senior Media Manager, Forestry and Land Scotland Media Office 07785 527590 or paul.munro@forestryandland.gov.scot