Overview

This module gives students the opportunity to see the practical application of forest and woodland management principles that are discussed in other 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’s also an opportunity to develop a greater sense of collegiality and to start developing professional networks. For the part-time students, this is the opportunity to meet everyone face to face, and to talk more fluently than is possible in online discussion forums. For the full-time students, it is a chance to spend some time away from Bangor and to get to know better the part-time students and to gain exposure to forests and woodlands in other parts of the UK.

The module is assessed through two written reports - one interrogates the national policy framework(s) and one considers future practices at one specific site in relation to the delivery of national policy.

(1) the current forestry strategies/policies in England, Scotland and Wales;

(2) the impact of forest policy on state, private-sector and community forest management;

(3) the role of forest/woodland management in delivering national policy objectives.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold (50% / -C) The reports show evidence of ability to collate information from a variety of sources; the majority of the material included is relevant although some relevant literature sources are not included. An attempt has been made to link the principles and theory described in the reports to the practice(s) seen during the trip. The reports give a factually correct account of topics discussed during the field trip, including some quantitative information. The reports are logically structured, the majority of the writing is clear, and referencing uses a standard system.

-good (60% / -B) The reports show evidence of ability to collate and appraise information from a variety of sources; all of the material included is relevant and most of the important literature sources are included. The links between the principles and theory described in the report and the practice(s) seen during the trip are discussed. The reports give a comprehensive account of topics discussed during the field trip, including considerable quantitative information. The reports are logically structured and well written, with only minor typographical errors and very few mistakes in the referencing

-excellent (70% / -A) The reports show evidence of ability to collate and critically appraise information from a variety of sources; all of the material included is relevant and all the important literature sources are included. The links between the principles and theory described in the report to the practice(s) seen during the trip are fully and thoughtfully discussed. The reports give a comprehensive and critical account of topics discussed during the field trip, including considerable quantitative information. The report is logically structured and well written, with only minor typographical errors and no mistakes in the referencing.

Learning Outcomes

• Apply principles, theories and frameworks to locally specific conditions

• Argue cogently and think critically within the parameters of a particular academic discipline

• Identify and critically evaluate the key ecological, socio-economic and political influences on the management of forest resources by different groups of people