Opportunity: New Forest Facilitator

Written By Julia Aglionby

We have an exciting opportunity to join the FCL team.

We are seeking a proactive and experienced Project Facilitator to coordinate and manage day-to-day delivery of a dynamic programme of work focused on the commons of the New Forest National Park

 

The New Forest is a unique and special landscape.  

Its mix of ancient woodlands, wetlands and mires, and open heathlands means it is one of Europe’s most important landscapes for nature and conservation.   It has the highest possible conservation status and is legally protected. It is a Special Site of Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Protection Area (SPA) for Birds, a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), and a Ramsar site (land listed as a Wetland of International Importance).  These designated areas make up 56% of the New Forest National Park.

This role is an opportunity to work with The Commoners Defence Association, The Verderers and the National Park Authority to deepen engagement with commoners, landowners, local stakeholders groups and agents across the region, building on previous work and protecting the sustainability of this precious landscape.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Manage delivery of project activities with commoners, owners, and agents across the New Forest commons.

  • Facilitate ongoing engagement and strengthen collaboration across all of the New Forest commons, building on the foundation of the previous PA2 study and Lowland Common Test and Trial.

  • Facilitate development of best practice governance structures in preparation for future schemes.

  • Produce engaging case studies to share project learning and success stories.

Applicants should have experience of project coordination or facilitation in rural, community, or environmental settings with excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and the ability to build trust across diverse land-based communities. 

The Foundation for Common Land provides a single voice to co-ordinate knowledge and share learning across Common Land. We work with commoners’ associations and federations, owners of common land and farming bodies as well as environmental NGOs, and government bodies such as the Defra group, including the Rural Payments Agency and Natural England.  Find out more about the Foundation for Common Land; foundationforcommonland.org.uk

We are looking for an experienced and reliable candidate to join our friendly and flexible team at an exciting time of growth. If this sounds like you, then we’d love to meet you.

‍Contract type: Fixed term for 12 months (with potential for extension, funding dependant)

‍Contractual hours: 22.5 per week (0.6), flexi-time to be agreed with line manager

‍Location: Home based with the opportunity for occasional hot desking in partner offices.  Frequent travel in and around the New Forest expected with very occasional national travel for FCL team meetings.

‍Salary: £32,000 - £36,000 pro rata, dependent on experience

‍To apply: Please send a CV and covering letter explaining how your skills and experiences meet the specifications to laura@foundationforcommonland.org.uk by 23.59 on Wednesday, 22nd July 2026. 

‍Interviews: Will be during the week commencing 4th August

‍ Find the full job description here 

Julia Aglionby