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
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
- Interpret and evaluate management objectives appropriate to the owner and types of woodland.
- Assess and evaluate both timber and non-timber values of different woodland types.
- Prepare planting and restocking schemes appropriate to the site conditions and objectives of the owner.
- Prepare management plans appropriate to the owner and types of woodland.
- Assess and evaluate the factors affecting the financial performance of woodlands.
Assessment
| Assessment | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Report | 1 x Practical report - Woodland management plan (1500-2000 words) | 50% |
| Examination | 1 x 2 hour unseen exam | 50% |
Assessments may differ in 2020/21 due to adjustments for Covid-19. Please check Gateway for the latest regulations.
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.