Module Catalogue 2024/25

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

To develop understanding and knowledge of the ecology of and current issues affecting forest and woodland environments, predominantly but not exclusively in temperate regions, with a view to management for ecosystem services, biodiversity and commercial uses including sustainable food production.

Outline Of Syllabus

The ecology and ecophysiology of temperate broadleaved, boreal and tropical forests;
British native woodlands, their history, traditional uses and management, and condition;
British native trees, their ecology and identification, management of veteran trees;
Vegetation-soil relationships;
Ground and epiphyte flora;
Tree pests and diseases;
Woodland management for biodiversity and conservation;
Current issues, such as ecosystem services, climate change, pollution, habitat loss, sustainable land use, afforestation and rewilding;
Trees in agricultural landscapes and sustainable food production, including farm woodlands, hedgerows, agroforestry and orchards;
Commercial forestry, silvicultural systems and multipurpose forestry;

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

1.       An appreciation of forest ecology and ecosystem functioning, the role of trees and forest ecosystems in
supporting biodiversity and providing ecosystem services, and the environmental and ecological impacts
of deforestation, commercial forestry and afforestation
2.       An appreciation of the impacts of climate change, pollution, land use and management on ecosystem
condition and biodiversity, with an understanding of the concepts of sustainable management

Intended Skill Outcomes

Students will learn how to identify different woodland types, to assess ecosystem condition, and to identify tree species and other woodland plants and wildlife using identification keys and other techniques.
Students will learn how to develop recommendations for management based on their assessment of a woodland or forest habitat.

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The lectures and seminars provide the theoretical and conceptual knowledge required to understand forest ecology and ecosystem functioning. Practical work on field trips and in the laboratory will support this and lead to an understanding of the biodiversity of woodlands in good and poor condition, the assessment of tree health, and the development of identification skills.
Seminars will provide opportunities for critical discussion of recent developments in sustainable forestry, rewilding and afforestation.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The presentation gives the students an opportunity to explore a topic of local interest to them, related to the material covered in the module and relevant to their degree programme. For international students this may relate to land use, conservation issues or food production issues in their own country. The scope and topic will be agreed with the module leader in advance.
The report provides an opportunity to use the skills learned during this module to assess the condition and biodiversity of a local woodland or plantation, and to make recommendations for management.
Skills development during the module will be supported by the use of a formative online quiz on canvas.

General Notes

Module to be compulsory for CEM, optional for MRES