HOURS OF WORK
Monday to Friday 8.30am – 5.00pm plus optional overtime
SUMMARY
Opportunities to join a friendly team collecting and processing seed at our tree and shrub seed company in Shropshire. Start dates between July and September, contract end date 19th December 2025. For the right candidate the role may become permanent, with progression opportunities. We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with an interest in our industry and either existing practical skills or a desire to learn.
About us
As the leading UK supplier of tree and shrub seed, Forestart provides tested seed to forestry and amenity growers across the UK, Europe and the world. We supply the seed to grow the trees of tomorrow, specialising in collecting native species from local seed sources and breaking inherent seed dormancy.
About the role
As a seed collector and processor, you will work in a team to collect a variety of cones, berries or pods from hedgerows, orchards and woodland. This involves collecting by hand outside in all weathers and you will be required to climb a ladder. You will bring the seed back to our unit in Hadnall, and process it to extract the seed and clean it, either by hand or using machinery. You will prepare it for storage or for dispatch to our customers, making sure that the batches are kept separately. You will be involved in care for the seed by drying it down for storage or mixing it with water and peat to get it ready to send to nurseries to be grown.
Forestart has seed orchards where a range of trees are grown. You will be involved in maintenance work such as weeding, planting, and spraying at certain times during the season. Another task early in our season is taking cuttings from hedgerows in the orchards. Secateurs are used to cut pieces of the hedge. You will then insert the cuttings into growing medium in our polytunnels.
Work at Forestart is varied and your tasks will change during your time with us. Tasks are rotated between staff and also change through the seasons. Alongside the tasks mentioned above, depending on your skills and interests, you may get involved with work in our seed testing laboratory, general maintenance work, more in-depth orchard maintenance, driving company vehicles for internal deliveries and collections.
Some heavy physical work is involved, for example lifting bags or mixing large batches of seed. You must have good physical health, for example be able to bend down and work near the ground for some tasks or stand in one place to complete repetitive movements. You must be comfortable working at height on a ladder. Compliance with all health and safety requirements including wearing the correct personal protective equipment is essential.
Forestart provides regular hours Monday to Friday, with optional overtime available during peak periods. Pay is per hour, with no piece rate. Do you like to travel? We often have teams out around the UK in some picturesque locations.
About you
- You are an enthusiastic and reliable individual, happy working in a variety of situations
- You have a flexible and positive attitude, in alignment with our work culture
- You are willing to work outdoors in all weathers
- You work well with other people
- You have a reasonable level of fitness commensurate with the role’s duties
- You can follow instructions and react appropriately to hazards in the workplace
- The right to work in the UK is required. We are unable to provide visa sponsorship.
What we offer
- Contract start dates in 2025 between July and September
- Contract end date 19th December 2025
- Hourly rate from £12.27
- Regular hours of work Monday – Friday 8.30am-5pm with half hour lunch break and two other breaks
- Optional overtime available
- Weekly pay
- 20 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Travel away from site may be involved for seed collections. Such travel may involve overnight stays or a length of time away (travel, accommodation and a meal allowance is paid for by the employer)
- On-site parking
- Commutable from: Shrewsbury, Telford, Whitchurch, Ellesmere, Oswestry, Welshpool
- Bus route direct from Shrewsbury
- Training will be given
Where you’ll be based
Our seed unit is the main Forestart site on the edge of Hadnall, near Shrewsbury. The site is a purpose-built industrial unit where our seed collection teams bring the seed to be processed, stored and dispatched. Our office team are also based at this site and this location is the hub of our work. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside and close to the historic town of Shrewsbury, whilst being located centrally within the UK with good transport links for our staff and business needs. We also have satellite sites near Ellesmere and Wem. As a tree seed collector and processor, you will be based at Hadnall where you will arrive in the morning and return to at the end of the day. You may work at Hadnall, Ellesmere, Wem and at collection sites throughout Great Britain. All travel from our Hadnall site is by company vehicle.
HOW TO APPLY
Please send a CV and covering letter to emma@forestart.co.uk
Please include information about your skills and interests, and why you feel you would be suited to the role.
Informal discussions are welcomed. Please contact Emma Goddard on 01939 210638.
In line with the requirements of the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996, all applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. As part of the recruitment process, you will be asked to provide documented evidence of eligibility. Forestart Ltd is an equal opportunities employer.