Overview
Hi, I'm James. The main focus of my work in Bangor University is supporting our forestry students and, in particular, the distance learning postgraduate programmes.
I really enjoy creating and facilitating an interactive teaching and learning experience and students at Bangor University clearly recognise this: I have been nominated for several Student Led Teaching Awards and in 2014 I was awarded a Teaching Fellowship by Bangor University.
I also act as mentor and staff liaison officer for the Bangor Forestry Students' Association (BFSA).
Additional Contact Information
Room G6, Thoday Building
Bangor University
Bangor Gwynedd LL57 2UW Wales
Telephone: +44(0)1248 382448
Email: j.walmsley@bangor.ac.uk
As a lecturer my primary focus is teaching and inspiring forestry students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.
I'm interested in all aspects of forestry and my research experience reflects this: I've led my own research / supervised student research relating to topics including whole-tree harvesting and stump harvesting in UK forests, perceptions of tree disease, the domestic use of firewood, woodland establishment, nursery practice, policy analysis, cost-benefit analysis, re-wilding, artisanal charcoal production, Reduced Impact Logging in tropical forests, forest inventory and carbon sequestration and more.
I take great pride in my teaching and I am fortunate to work in a collegiate and supportive university where the learning experience of all students is paramount. I am always keen to celebrate the achievements and successes of our amazing students. You can find many such stories on this webpage as well as in recent forestry@bangor alumni newsletters. Follow @BUForestry on Twitter to find out more!
If you want to find out more about what my role entails, this (fairly) recent article published in the Forestry Journal will give you some idea.
I maintain active links across the forestry profession within the UK and beyond and use these to develop excellent opportunities for teaching, learning and research. These include:
- Government agencies (such as Natural Resources Wales, Forestry England, Forestry Commission, Forestry and Land Scotland),
- Research agencies (such as Forest Research and the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana)
- Private forestry companies (such as Tilhill Forestry, Scottish Woodlands, Gresham House Forestry, Pryor and Rickett Siviculture, James Jones & Sons, etc)
- Non-governmental organisations (such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, Llais y Goedwig)
- charitable bodies (such as the Royal Forestry Society and Woodland Heritage)
- professional organisations (the Institute of Chartered Foresters)
- community woodland groups (such as Llyn Parc Mawr)
- bangor forestry alumni who are dispersed across the UK and beyond
One of the best things about my job is helping the dreams of Bangor University students come true. The following are just a few examples:
- Top placements with Natural Resources Wales for three exceptional Bangor forestry students
- Graduate profiles (distance learning)
- The most decorated BSc Forestry graduates for a generation?
- Blazing a trail into the forestry profession
- Where can a BSc Forestry degree from Bangor University take you?
- MSc Forestry distance learning graduate wins writing prize at Houses of Parliament
- Tropical Forestry students publish findings from their research in Ghana
- MSc Forestry (distance learning) student receives special Silviculture Award
Qualifications
- Professional: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education
Bangor University, 2008–2011 - PhD: Forestry: 'Whole Tree Harvesting and Wood Ash Recycling to Forests: Case Studies in Upland Sitka spruce in Wales
Bangor University, 2004–2009 - MSc: Environmental Impact Assessment
Aberystwyth University, 2000–2002 - BSc: Environmental Science
University of Birmingham, 1997–2000
Teaching and Supervision
Course Director (postgraduate):
Module Organiser:
- DXX-2010 Forest and Woodland Management
- DXX-3705 The Forestry Profession
- DXX-4530 Forest Management Planning
- DDL-4999 MSc Dissertation
- DXX-4532 Forestry Field Course
Module Contributor:
Postgraduate Project Opportunities
Publications
2024
- PublishedFrom the Chair of Trustees
Walmsley, J., 1 Sept 2024, Woodland Heritage Annual Journal 2024, p. 4-5 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedMy Woodland Heritage
Walmsley, J., 1 Sept 2024, Woodland Heritage Annual Journal 2024, 2024, p. 56-59 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedNorth Wales - Bron Haul
Walmsley, J., 1 Apr 2024, Quarterly Journal of Forestry, 118, 2, p. 142-143 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
2023
- PublishedDay 2: Woodland Heritage Field Weekend 2022: Ennerdale and Thornthwaite Forests
Walmsley, J., 28 Jul 2023, Woodland Heritage Annual Journal 2023, p. 24-27 4 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
2022
- PublishedBangor University's response to the forestry skills shortage
Healey, J. & Walmsley, J., 25 Mar 2022, Trees, 2022, Spring, p. 28-29 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedExpanding Horizons: Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships. Growing Partnerships for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests: Growing Partnerships for Sustainable Management of Tropical Forests
Walmsley, J., 1 Jul 2022, 6 p. Commonwealth Scholarship Commission.
Research output: Other contribution
2021
- PublishedStudents fund new ten-year relationship between Bangor University and Woodland Heritage
Walmsley, J., 19 Apr 2021, 2 p. Woodland Heritage.
Research output: Other contribution - PublishedTwenty years of success with continuous cover in Sitka spruce at Clocaenog Forest, Wales
Kerr, G., Williams, D., Haufe, J. & Walmsley, J., 1 Apr 2021, In: Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 115, 2, p. 98-106 9 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2020
- PublishedBangor University in Ghana – experiences and insights from recent study tours
Walmsley, J., 31 May 2020, 3 p. Commonwealth Forestry Association.
Research output: Other contribution - PublishedBangor University, Forestry, Ghana, Woodland Heritage and the Commonwealth. More in common than you might imagine.
Walmsley, J., Apr 2020, Woodland Heritage Annual Journal 2020, p. 94-95.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article
2019
- PublishedA day in the working life: Dr James Walmsley
Walmsley, J. & Locher, C., 1 Apr 2019, 3 p. Forestry Journal.
Research output: Other contribution - PublishedDevelopment of forestry at Bangor University: An international dimension
Healey, J. & Walmsley, J., Jul 2019, In: Chartered Forester. 2019, Summer, p. 10-12 3 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2018
- PublishedContinuous Cover Forestry: A Selected Bibliography 2011-2018
Manning, S. B. & Walmsley, J., 23 Aug 2018, 81 p.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2017
- PublishedForestry – a fascinating topic and a hugely rewarding career
Walmsley, J., 20 Nov 2017, 3 p. Countryside Jobs Service.
Research output: Other contribution - PublishedReduced Impact Logging and Silvicultural Interventions in Ghana: the Case of Bobiri Forest Reserve
Sanfilippo, M., Akampulira, E., Mohase, A., Okonkwo, H., Ouyoumb, P., Tumber, R., Walmsley, J. & Rayment, M., 2017, In: International Forestry Review. 19, 3, p. 369-380 12 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2016
- PublishedHow the proposed reintroduction of Eurasian lynx to Britain illustrates competing values and contrasting views associated with humans and the natural world
Gray, J., Brockington, J., Hayward, M. & Walmsley, J., 1 Oct 2016, In: Country-Side Magazine. 36, 2
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedTransforming forestry students into forestry professionals
Walmsley, J., 6 Apr 2016, Forestry & Timber News, 2016, 74, p. 21 1 p.
Research output: Contribution to specialist publication › Article - PublishedTurning literature into reality - tales from a Bangor University MSc Tropical Forestry summer school in Ghana
Walmsley, J., Brockington, J., Agaba, G. & Rayment, M., 1 Apr 2016, In: Agriculture for Development. 2016, 27, p. 20-22 2 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2015
- PublishedContinuous Cover Forestry Group (Wales) - Clocaenog Forest Visit October 2014
Walmsley, J. & Hill, N., 22 Apr 2015, 3 p. Online
Research output: Other contribution - PublishedForestry in British Higher Education: A tale of decline and regeneration
Walmsley, J., Savill, P., Burley, J., Evans, J., Horsey, R., Leslie, A., Falck, J., Innes, J. & Waterson, J., 1 Oct 2015, In: Quarterly Journal of Forestry. 109, 4, p. 268-273 6 p.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article
2014
- PublishedThe International Forestry Review: Sustaining Forests, Sustaining People: The Role of Research XXIV IUFRO World Congress, 5-11 October 2014, Salt Lake City, USA: Use and sources of domestic firewood in Wales, UK
Walmsley, J., 2014, International Forestry Review: Sustaining Forests, Sustaining People: The Role of Research XXIV IUFRO World Congress, 5-11 October 2014, Salt Lake City, USA. Parrotta, J., Moser, C., Scherzer, A., Koerth, N. & Lederle, D. (eds.). 5 ed. Commonwealth Forestry Association, Vol. 16. p. 267 1 p. E-04b
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Conference contribution › peer-review
2010
- PublishedStump harvesting for bioenergy - a review of environmental impacts.
Walmsley, J. D. & Godbold, D. L., 1 Jan 2010, In: Forestry. 83, 1, p. 17-38
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2009
- PublishedWhole tree harvesting can reduce second rotation forest productivity
Walmsley, J. D., Jones, D. L., Reynolds, B., Price, M. H. & Healey, J. R., 10 Feb 2009, In: Forest Ecology and Management. 257, 3, p. 1104-1111
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2008
- PublishedLiterature Review of the Environmental Impacts of Stump Harvesting.
Walmsley, J. D. & Godbold, D. L., 1 Jan 2008, 2008 ed. Unknown.
Research output: Book/Report › Commissioned report
2007
- PublishedMachine bundles woodfuel bales from the residue of clear-fell sites
Walmsley, J. D., 1 Jan 2007, In: Gwlad. 61, p. 15
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2006
- PublishedOverview of Biomass Energy in Wales, UK
Walmsley, J. D., Jones, D. L. & Healey, J. R., 1 Sept 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedRecycling of Wood Ash to Forests in the UK
Walmsley, J. D., Jones, D. L. & Healey, J. R., 1 Sept 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedRecycling of Wood Ash to Forests: Application to PAWS Sites
Pitman, R., Walmsley, J. D., Healey, J. R. & Jones, D. A., 1 Sept 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedRecycling of Wood Ash to Forests: Application to PAWS Sites
Pitman, R., Walmsley, J. D., Healey, J. R. & Jones, D. L., 1 Sept 2006.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedRecycling of wood ash to forests in North Wales, UK.
Walmsley, J. D., Healey, J. R. & Jones, D. L., 30 May 2006, p. 347-351.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper - PublishedRecycling of wood ash to forests in North Wales, UK.
Walmsley, J. D., Healey, J. R. & Jones, D. L., 1 Jan 2006, Proceedings of Second World Bioenergy Conference, 30 May-1 June 2006, Jönköping, Sweden. 2006 ed. Swedish Bioenergy Association, p. 347-351
Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Chapter
2005
- PublishedWind power: local energy for local people
Walmsley, J. D., 1 Jan 2005, In: Environmentalist, official journal of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, Lincoln. 31, p. 25-26
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2004
- PublishedThe role of environmental non-governmental organisations in the environmental impact assessment process in Japan
Ryu, J., Walmsley, J. D., Harashina, S. & Slinn, P., 1 Jan 2004, In: Impact Assessment and Project Appraisal. 22, 4, p. 283-293
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2003
- PublishedAssessment of the role of corporate environmental reporting in supporting share values in FTSE100 companies
Walmsley, J. D. & Bond, A., 1 Jan 2003, In: Journal of Environmental Assessment Policy and Management. 5, 2, p. 149-182
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
2002
- PublishedEIA (Uncultivated Land and Semi-Natural Areas) Regulations 2001
Walmsley, J. D., 1 Jan 2002, In: International Association for Impact Assessment. 14, 1, p. 6
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review - PublishedProblem-based learning in the school of planning and landscape
Walmsley, J. D., 1 Jan 2002.
Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper
Activities
2019
- Overview of forestry distance learning at Bangor University
Oral presentation made at a Research Colloquium event at the headquarters of the Forestry Research Institute of Ghana
18 Jul 2019
Links:
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
2017
- Celebrating Excellence in Teaching and Learning
Transforming forestry students into forestry professionals
15 Sep 2017
Links:
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
2016
- CELT Learning and Teaching Conference 2016
Transitions in postgraduate forestry teaching provision in SENRGy: choosing between face-to-face, distance learning, or both?
14 Sep 2016
Links:
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker)
2015
- Domestic firewood in Wales: where does it come from and how much energy does it generate?
19 May 2015
Links:
Activity: Oral presentation (Speaker) - Meeting of Higher Education Institutions from United Kingdom and Ireland which currently teach forestry with the Institute of Chartered Foresters
Part-time postgraduate forestry study at Bangor University – what have we learnt?
21 Jan 2015
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
2011
- Stump harvesting for bioenergy – greenhouse gas emissions and compliance with the Renewable Energy Directive 2009/28/EC
Keynote speaker
24 Oct 2011 – 26 Oct 2011
Links:
Activity: Invited talk (Speaker)
Other Grants and Projects
Since 2011, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission has generously supported postgraduate distance learning students from developing commonwealth countries to study on our MSc Tropical Forestry programme. Up to Autumn 2019, this has involved well over 100 scholars from over 20 different countries.
I oversee these scholarships, with fantastic support from a number of colleagues. A particular highlight of this scheme is the Tropical Forestry Study Tour,. Find out about some previous tours (and much more!) on this webpage.
Other Information
Trustee, Woodland Heritage
Professional Member, Institute of Chartered Foresters
Committee Member, Royal Forestry Society (North Wales Division)
Committee Member, Continuous Cover Forestry Group (Wales)
Member, Snowdonia Society
Member, National Trust
Member, North Wales Wildlife Trust