Study Forestry at Bangor University

About Forestry

Forests are the most biodiverse of all terrestrial ecosystems and contain the vast majority of the world’s terrestrial species. Forestry degrees provide an understanding of this biodiversity, the ways in which it is influenced by people, and the role that forests can play in reducing the impacts of human activities, including climate change. Our degrees focus on the principles of biological conservation, forest ecology and forest ecosystem function, the practice of conservation, and the ways in which forests can be managed to meet conservation objectives. There are opportunities to study abroad in the second year and to spend up to 12 months working for a conservation or forestry organisation.

We are 1st in the UK for Agriculture and Forestry (National Student Survey 2021).
We have excellent links with forestry organisations in the UK and overseas, and these are used in our teaching programmes
We have a comprehensive library collection in Bangor, a forestry experimental area nearby, and are within easy travelling distance of public and privately-owned forests.
The University owns 82 ha of woodland, many of them semi-natural, which we use for teaching.
We run week-long field courses in the first, second and final years of the degree.
We have an experienced group of staff, and excellent interaction with local professional foresters.

There are opportunities for studying abroad in countries such as Canada and Finland during the second year. If you opt for the four-year programme you will spend a year working in the forestry profession, gaining relevant experience and increasing your employability.

Students studying and reading with books and laptop

Why Study Forestry?

Forests, vital to the global ecosystem, cover 30% of the world’s land area. Forestry is concerned with the understanding and sustainable management of these forests for the benefit of society. Our degrees will prepare you for the challenge of managing forests for the many benefits they provide, at a time of global environmental change.

Our teaching extensively utilises our unique location by combining traditional lectures with field trips that demonstrate real forestry practicalities and current environmental issues. Our extensive local, national and international networks and our active research programmes allow us to deliver high quality teaching addressing cutting-edge issues, as this report from an international exchange student from Canada illustrates. We work closely with, and introduce students to, UK organisations such as Natural Resources Wales, Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Forest Research and the Institute of Chartered Foresters and the Small Woods Association.

Many of our courses are accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters and gives partial fulfilment of Professional Membership Entry.

I don't have many regrets, but not studying at Bangor is one of them.

[0:03] So, so excited! It's so great to meet Steve! It's just such a great opportunity, to even see the

[0:09] Menai Strait in a different way as well.

[0:12] One of the reasons why I chose Bangor initially, was to be in such an area as this

[0:16] There's no better way to spend the afternoon really!

[0:23] We're heading out into the Menai Strait and off to Puffin Island with a group of students of the natural sciences.

[0:28] To get a flavour of the very finest of this area has to offer.

[0:47] Well, so far we've seen kind of all the very best of the wildlife from this part of the world, particularly when it comes to the birds.

[0:53] The ledges are thick, almost every single centimetre is covered with guillemots, a gull...

[0:59] and we've seen gannets and of course puffins as well.

[01:02] I guess this is why I decided to build a relationship with Bangor.

[01:06] What you can see right here. You know, any institution can invest in its infrastructure.

[01:11] Any institution can get bigger buildings or get more teaching.

[01:14] But there's no amount of investing that can get this.

[01:18] Having this on your doorstep is why Bangor is the best place to study natural sciences in the nation.

[01:30] It is fantastic. You know, obviously not just the company with having Steve there, it's seeing the wildlife that we saw the kittiwakes

[01:37] there cormorants the seals and that sort of stuff. Absolutely phenomenal, like once in a lifetime.

[01:41] Steve is such a genuine lovely guy. Yes, absolutely amazing. There's no better place to be.

[01:46] It's been a pretty amazing afternoon. I feel a little bit buffeted and and chilled.

[01:51] But to be able to head out from you know, you can see the University from here.

[01:56] You can see the halls of residence from here. To be a student here and think that you could finish studying,

[02:01] come down and get on a paddleboard or a kayak and head out into the Menai Strait and have this is your way of relieving exam stress.

[02:08] I mean, that just absolutely blows my mind.

Honorary Graduate Sir David Attenborough

“Bangor University has a superb reputation in the study of environmental science. The world needs people skilled in the expertise needed to play a crucial part in solving the world’s problems.”

Watch - Study Forestry

Dr James Walmsley introduces the Forestry at Bangor and discuss resources and facilities available to students.

Video: Forestry degree courses

I chose Forestry at Bangor because the course is accredited by the Institute of Chartered Foresters, which is very well recognised within the industry.

Do you have a question about life as a Bangor University student? Our ambassadors will be happy to help you find the answer.

They can tell you more about studying here, about the amazing Clubs and Societies we have, and how they made friends and settled in to life at university as a Forestry student.

If you have any questions about the course, our lecturers are on hand to help. Below are some examples of frequently asked questions. Can you think of any more?

What are the qualities of a successful Forestry student at Bangor?
How can I prepare myself to study Forestry at Bangor?
How will I know that Forestry at Bangor is the right choice for me?

Our Research in Forestry

We are at the forefront of international forestry research we have a fantastic reputation for our research activities. Our students and academic staff are active collaborators with international organisations such as the Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center, Costa Rica (CATIE), the Center for International Forestry Research, Indonesia (CIFOR), and the World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF).

Our research team is multidisciplinary and spans the entire breadth of the forestry discipline. We have active research programmes investigating boreal and tropical forests, and everything in between. Our work concerns forests and climate change adaption, mitigation, deforestation, biodiversity, disaster recovery, food security, flood protection, nutrient cycling, human wellbeing, conservation and the role of forests in recreation.

Where is Bangor?

Experience the best of both worlds when you study at Bangor. As a scenic city in north Wales with breathtaking views, it is perfect for those looking to explore the outdoors. Yet it is also a city rich in history with a vibrant sense of community, with easy access to major cities, making it an ideal destination for students and the perfect university location.

About our location