Overview

This module focuses on: forest ecology, forest biodiversity and its assessment (ranging from practical tree species identification to analysis and interpretation of inventory data); quantitative forest ecological survey and inventory (covering its purposes, sampling issues, and selection of field measures); forest regeneration and resilience; monitoring changes in forest structure and composition, prediction and modelling. Consideration is given to the identification of factors controlling forest condition and dynamics and the respective roles of structured comparisons and experiments.

To address this the module covers general principles relevant across a wide range of biomes. However, the focus is primarily on natural forests with high biodiversity, which are dominated by natural dynamic processes.

The first two-thirds of the syllabus is strongly oriented around the learning obtained from the three all-day field practicals, each followed by a half-day lab/data analysis practical. It starts with a brief overview of ecological theory and knowledge applied to forests, with emphasis on landscape ecology, forest dynamics, ecological diversity of tree species, the ecological basis of silviculture, and the maintenance of biodiversity. This is followed by an overview of Welsh woodlands and their ecology as the context for the setting of the field practicals. Then the focus is on the methods used to assess plant biodiversity, stand structure and dynamics, and analyse and interpret the resulting data.

The final third of the syllabus addresses the applied implications: the role of forest ecological understanding and methods in assessing the impact of forests, their management, degradation and even deforestation on biodiversity, ecosystem services and resilience

This is designed as a specialist module for which students will need to gain knowledge of plant population and community ecology (from previous study, preparatory reading or rapid assimilation during the module). Because of the limit of available time the module gives minimal coverage of ecological theory, natural history, animals or UK-specific methodologies. The module is dominated by practical sessions and there is a strong emphasis on “learning by doing”.

I. Key aspects of forest ecology for forest management and assessment

II. Welsh woodland conservation and habitat networks; methods in biodiversity assessment

III. Ecological survey and assessment of forests; monitoring; determining the factors controlling forest structure, productivity and composition; impact assessment

IV. Consequences of forest management, degradation and deforestation for global climate change; biodiversity and hydrological services and ecological factors in forest resilience

Assessment Strategy

Threshold - (C)Aware of the key principles underlying the science. Pass level in scientific practical report with calculations, presentation, professional report and test answers. Basic competence demonstrated in summarising, presenting and discussing the results. Able to work as a member of a team in carrying out simple assessment of plant biodiversity and forest ecology and carrying out simple numerical analysis of the results, research, preparation and presentation. Able to complete basic reports on these activities in the time allocated.

Good - (B)Better understanding of the principles. Reports and presentation show good structure, and summary, presentation and discussion of results. Good understanding demonstrated of issues surrounding sources of error, the implication of the work for the future design of biodiversity and ecological assessments, and possible implications of the results for the conservation management of the studied forest. Insight demonstrated into the key evidence requirements for successful implementation of forest policy, management or conservation. Play a major role in the group enabling it to complete a wide range of data analyses and interpretation and finish competent reports and presentation in the time allocated.

Excellent - (A) Very good understanding of the science. High level of competence demonstrated in devising and completing reports and presentation, showing a high degree of selectivity in which results are presented and the form of presentation, and in answering test questions. Demonstration of excellent knowledge of sampling issues including the identification of key points for improved field-assessment design, application of appropriate statistical analyses, insightful conclusions about conservation management of the studied forest. Evidence provided of original thinking about the key challenges of identifying and meeting evidence needs for implementation of forest policy, management or conservation. Play a leading role in the group enabling it to complete a wide range of data analyses and interpretation and finish competent reports and presentation in the time allocated. Evidence of considerable effort and thought.

Learning Outcomes

• Analyse critically and interpret existing research-based evidence relevant to forest ecology

• Demonstrate advanced understanding of the ecological information needed to design and implement forest management and conservation

• Demonstrate understanding of the principles and use of modelling, monitoring and experimentation to provide forest ecology evidence

• Plan and carry out quantitative plant biodiversity and ecological assessments; analyse, present and interpret the results