Do you want to work outdoors, in a meaningful role where your skills directly change lives?

At Little Gate Farm (46 acres of ancient, semi-natural woodlands and farmland), we support autistic and learning-disabled adults to build the confidence, independence, and work skills needed for paid employment. Set in the East Sussex countryside, our woodland and farm offers a practical, hands-on environment where people can learn, grow, and thrive.

www.littlegate.org.uk

As a Woodland Enterprise Skills Coach, you’ll be part of our charcoal and woodcraft social enterprise — working among trees, timber, and tools to produce high-quality, sustainable products. This is not just about making charcoal; it’s about using real work to develop real skills.

You’ll work alongside trainees, coaching them through practical tasks while helping them build essential employment skills such as teamwork, communication, problem solving, and adaptability. Over time, you’ll support our trainees to move towards paid employment and greater independence.

What You’ll Be Doing

Working in the Woodland Enterprise

Supporting the production of firewood, charcoal, and woodland products using our own timber
Work in the woodland, processing and supporting the extraction of timber
Guiding trainees through the full charcoal process, from loading the retort to bagging and supplying customers
Contributing to the development of new wood products and improving how we work
Teaching safe and effective use of tools
Working as part of a team to run a growing, values-led enterprise

Coaching and Developing Trainees

Using practical work to build essential skills: teamwork, communication, problem solving, and adaptability
Creating structured, inclusive activities that balance productivity with learning
Supporting trainees to take ownership of their work and develop professional behaviours
Monitoring progress and adapting support to help each individual succeed
Creating a positive environment where effort is recognised and mistakes are part of learning

Maintaining Standards and Safety

Modelling a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and reliability
Following health and safety procedures and ensuring safe working practices at all times
Contributing to a culture of care, professionalism, and safeguarding

What We’re Looking For

Essential

At least 1 year’s experience working with wood or in a woodland setting
Ability to take raw materials through to a finished product
Confidence using hand tools safely (e.g. saws, axes, billhooks)
Experience supporting others to build skills or confidence
Ability to use practical work to develop transferable skills
Organised, reliable, and able to see tasks through
Positive attitude and resilience when working outdoors year-round
Ability to travel independently to the farm

Desirable

Experience in woodland management or charcoal production
Experience in social enterprise, training, or coaching
Experience supporting autistic adults or people with learning disabilities
Understanding of skills development frameworks (e.g. Skills Builder)

Why This Role Matters

This role sits at the heart of what we do.

You won’t just be producing charcoal — you’ll be helping people take meaningful steps towards employment and independence. Every task, from stacking timber to preparing products for sale, becomes an opportunity to build confidence and capability.

If you enjoy working outdoors, value purpose in your work, and want to be part of something that genuinely changes lives, this role offers a rare combination of physical, practical work and human impact.

Additional Information

Two roles available

Contract: Full time, permanent (40 hours, Monday–Friday, typically 9am–5pm) and Part time, permanent (16 hours over two days, Mon and Fri, typically 9am–5pm)
Holiday: 5.6 weeks pro-rata (inclusive of bank holidays) pro rata
Charcoal burns: Occasional early starts in summer (rota basis. Once every other week)
Safeguarding: An Enhanced DBS with barred list check (Child & Adult Workforce) will be carried out for the successful applicant.
Application deadline: 5th May 2026 (16:00)
Location: Little Gate Farm, Beckley (TN31 6RZ)
Salary: £13.25 per hour
Contact: Hannah Briars (Head of Litle Gate Farm) 01797 260580 (option 1) hannahbriars@littlegate.org.uk
Interviews: 13th May 2026

TO VIEW THE FULL JOB DESCRIPTIONS AND FILL OUT AN APPLICATION FORM PLEASE CLICK HERE

Our Commitment

Little Gate is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We are committed to inclusion, safeguarding, and creating a supportive environment for both trainees and staff.

Little Gate

Latest Jobs

Woodland Enterprise Skills Coach (Charcoal and Social Enterprise)