Application Guide

How to Apply for Communications Officer - Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs

at The Woodland Trust

🏢 About The Woodland Trust

The Woodland Trust is the UK's largest woodland conservation charity, uniquely focused on protecting and restoring ancient woodlands and creating new native woods. Working here means contributing directly to environmental preservation while being part of an organization that has planted over 50 million trees and protects over 1,000 woods across the UK.

About This Role

This Communications Officer role specifically supports the 'Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs' project, focusing on planning and delivering communications that highlight woodland restoration efforts. The position is impactful because it directly promotes NLHF funding recognition and engages communities in conservation through strategic content across digital and traditional channels.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve coordinating with web developers on the new project website, drafting social media content about woodland restoration progress, and editing press materials that highlight NLHF funding support. You'd likely balance long-term communications planning with immediate content creation needs across digital and traditional channels.

🎯 Who The Woodland Trust Is Looking For

  • Has proven experience creating and implementing annual communications plans for environmental or heritage projects
  • Demonstrates specific expertise with content management systems and managing supplier relationships for website development
  • Shows portfolio examples of adapting conservation messaging for different audiences (public, funders, partners)
  • Has experience maximizing recognition of National Lottery Heritage Fund support in communications materials

📝 Tips for Applying to The Woodland Trust

1

Reference specific Woodland Trust projects you admire in your application, particularly those involving ancient woodland restoration

2

Include metrics from past communications work (e.g., 'increased social engagement by X% for conservation campaign')

3

Demonstrate understanding of NLHF recognition requirements by mentioning how you've highlighted funder support in previous projects

4

Show remote work discipline by highlighting experience managing communications projects independently

5

Tailor your examples to woodland/conservation contexts even if from different sectors

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

['Your experience planning annual communications plans for specific projects (not just general comms)', 'Examples of working with external suppliers on website development or similar technical projects', "How you've adapted conservation/heritage messaging for different channels and audiences", "Your understanding of the Lost Woods project's goals and how communications support them"]

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • The specific 'Lost Woods of the Low Weald and Downs' project goals and current status
  • Woodland Trust's position on ancient woodland protection vs. new planting initiatives
  • NLHF funding requirements for recognition in communications materials
  • Recent Woodland Trust campaigns and their tone/messaging approach

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you develop a 12-month communications plan for the Lost Woods project?
2 Describe your experience working with web developers/designers on conservation-focused websites
3 How would you ensure NLHF funding recognition is appropriately highlighted across all communications?
4 What metrics would you track to measure communications success for this woodland restoration project?
5 How would you handle communicating about sensitive topics like land access or development threats to woodlands?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Generic communications experience without environmental/conservation context
  • Focusing only on social media without demonstrating broader comms planning skills
  • Not showing understanding of the part-time, remote nature of the role and how you'll manage it

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Woodland Trust!