On behalf of Inner Forth Futures Partnership, Sniffer and greenspace scotland are conducting research to understand the changing skills requirements of those working on land management in the Inner Forth area.

Land management is a key tool to help respond to climate change and biodiversity loss. The scaling up of activities such as planting trees, creating wildflower areas, or managing wetland areas, could result in the need for new skills and training requirements. As part of Climate FORTH project, supported by National Lottery Heritage Fund, Inner Forth Futures Partnership want to propose a plan to support skills development in this area.

The information gathered through this research will be used to support the Stage 2 National Lottery Heritage Fund bid to fund a skills development programme for Grounds Operatives in the Inner Forth area. If successful the project will deliver training activity between 2023 and 2026.

We are keen to engage with as many stakeholders as possible to help shape this project.

Grounds Operatives

We are particularly interested in the views of Ground Operatives, Streetscene teams, parks and greenspace teams, or others working on land management, and invite those working in this area to complete a short survey: www.surveymonkey.com/r/ForthSkills

Alternatively, we can deliver a short 'toolbox talk' on site to help gather views on what new skills and equipment might be needed to support land and habitat management in the area. If you would like to request a 'toolbox talk' in your area, please contact us (details below). 

Contractors delivering land management services

If you are a contractor delivering land management services in the Forth area, we'd like to hear from you to discuss your current services, changing client demands and opportunities, and anticipated future 'green skills' requirements. If you would like to participate in an interview (no longer than 45 minutes), please contact us (details below). All contributions to this research will be acknowledged appropriately and final findings shared with participants. 

Training Providers

If you are a training provider, currently delivering skills training for habitat management, land management, or conservation skills, we would like to hear from you. If you would like to participate in an interview (no longer than 45 minutes), please contact us (details below). All contributions to this research will be acknowledged appropriately and final findings shared with participants. 

Contact Details

For more information, please contact:

Ian Goodman, greenspace scotland [email protected]

Aoife Hutton, Sniffer [email protected]