Module: Forestry and Woodland Management

Module details

  • Module code

    3090

  • Module leader

    David Lewis

  • Module Level

    6

  • Module credits

    15

  • Min study time

    150 hours

  • Contact hrs

    35 hours

  • Teaching Period

    Semester 1

Module content

  • Resources Management: The concept of different types of forestry. Woodland owners and their objectives.
  • Forestry policy: European, national and regional policy and indicative forestry strategies. The roles of statutory and industry bodies. Forestry regulations, grants and other incentives.
  • Principles and practice of silviculture: The classification and silvicultural characteristics of the main broadleaved and coniferous trees used in commercial and amenity forestry. Forestry silvicultural systems. Establishment including new planting, restocking and natural regeneration; the care and tending of plantations.
  • Management, measurement and economics: Woodland survey and assessment. Thinning objectives, timing, type, intensity, cycle yield and control. Yield models and production forecasting and the valuation of woodlands.
  • Harvesting and marketing of timber: Sale and marketing of timber. Harvesting and extraction systems and safe working.
  • Management for non-timber benefits: Management for sporting, landscape, biodiversity and access.

Module outcomes

To achieve credit for this module, students must be able to:

  1. Interpret and evaluate management objectives appropriate to the owner and types of woodland.
  2. Assess and evaluate both timber and non-timber values of different woodland types.
  3. Prepare planting and restocking schemes appropriate to the site conditions and objectives of the owner.
  4. Prepare management plans appropriate to the owner and types of woodland.
  5. Assess and evaluate harvesting and extraction systems, marketing outlets and uses of timber products.
  6. Assess and evaluate the financial performance of woodlands.

Assessment

Assessment Description Weighting
Coursework Practical report - Woodland management plan 50%
Examination Unseen exam (3 hours) 50%

Key texts

Students should be familiar with the content of at least one of the following:

  • Forestry Commission (1998). Thinning Control: Field Handbook 2. HMSO.
  • Starr, C. (2005). Woodland Management – A Practical Guide. Crowood Press Ltd.