Alex Forster

I currently have 6 properties to manage and have been busy writing woodland management plans, carrying out tree surveys and forest mensuration, writing grant applications and arranging harvesting and maintenance work for sub-contractors.  I feel lucky to work in the South-West of England as I get to manage a diverse range of woodlands with differing management objectives, challenges and opportunities.

I applied for the MSc Forestry course at Bangor because its modular approach allowed you to choose some optional units to study alongside the compulsory units which help inform a baseline of knowledge appropriate to the forestry industry.

As I was working full time and had young children, I was also not sure if I would be able to see the full MSc to completion, but the staged levels of achievement (Postgraduate Certificate after year one, Postgraduate Diploma after year 2) made this course more appealing than any others on offer. Fortunately, I managed to find / make / borrow time to complete the full programme. Despite this, I had to put my studies on hold for a while due to a change in life circumstances but the staff at Bangor were overwhelmingly supportive.

It’s a great achievement to have passed (with Merit!) and utilise the knowledge gained in my new role at Tilhill. It’s a fantastic time to study Forestry as demand and therefore opportunities in the sector are high.