Overview

This module gives students the opportunity to see the practical application of natural resource management principles that are discussed in earlier parts of the programme. During visits to areas which are managed for a range of objectives, you will meet and discuss with different stakeholders and collect information relevant to a specific research topic. For many students, this module is the highlight of the programme; it is the opportunity to spend time together away from Bangor and to immerse ourselves in forestry and woodland management. Assessment is through a group presentation, a structured logbook of the visits, and a detailed report on one of the sites visited.

Examples of topics covered: Forestry policies in England, Scotland and Wales: history, development and current policies; financial incentives and forestry grant schemes. Implications of forestry policies for forest management: case studies (by field visit) of state, private sector and community forests in England, Scotland or Wales. Ecosystem services from forests: provisioning, regulating and cultural services.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -Grade D- to D+ Students will be able to identify the main features of current forestry policies in England, Scotland and Wales and show some understanding of their implications for forest management. They will be able to identify the ecosystem services provided by forests. They will be able to give straightforward descriptions of forestry-wood-chains and the recreational uses of forests.

-good -Grade B- to B+ Students will have a well-grounded understanding of current forestry policies in England, Scotland and Wales and their implications for forest management. They will be able to identify and give examples of the ecosystem services provided by forests, and explain their relative importance in England, Scotland and Wales. They will be able to give detailed descriptions of forestry-wood-chains and be able to describe and evaluate the recreational uses of forests.

-excellent -Grade A- and above Students will have a comprehensive understanding of the current forestry policies in England, Scotland and Wales and be able to evaluate their implications for forest management. They will be able to describe and give numerous examples of the ecosystem services provided by forests, and be to discuss in detail their relative importance in England, Scotland and Wales. They will be able to give comprehensive and quantitative descriptions of forestry-wood-chains and be able to evaluate the recreationbal uses of forests in qualitative and quantitative terms.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the implications of these policies for state, private sector and community forest management

• Explain current forestry policies in England, Scotland and Wales

• Explain how to describe and analyse the multifunctional use of forests, and be able to apply this understanding to a particular forest situation