FORESTRY FOUNDATIONS BAG109

Duration (approx) 100 hours

Qualification To obtain formal documentation the optional exam(s) must be completed which will incur an additional fee of £30. Alternatively, a letter of completion may be requested.

Study Forestry - Learn to grow, harvest and process wood

In plantation woodlands
On farms
In small or large Urban or Rural forests.

Learn the key principles and practical management of trees in agroforestry and urban forestry.

Improve commercial output from tree production with this course focusing on suitable timber types, growing conditions for specific species, safe and efficient workplace practices and more. Discover the most suitable species for your environment, report on your local area, and discuss possibilities with experts in the field.

What is Forestry?

Broadly defined as the science and practice of managing trees for use in agriculture, environmental and climate change mitigation, for human health and animal shelter, for tourism and manufacturing, forestry is a key industry for the broader economy. Working in forestry provides opportunities for professional growth and career advances if you seek that.

What Factors Need to be Understood for Successful Timber Production?

Tree health and physiology
Planting and pruning
Soil knowledge and management
Tree rotation and forest design
Working with tools and equipment
Processing for raw wood or construction timber
Preservations, treatments and legalities
Manufacturing high end specialist products for furniture or ornamental products

It's easy to enrol...

Select a learning location: *

Within UK

Outside UK

Select a payment plan: *

Plan A: 1 payment of £490.00

Plan B: 2 payments of £280.00

Select a learning method *

Online

Offline (supplied on USB Stick)

Correspondence (Paper notes via post)

Please note, choosing offline (USB stick) will attract a 5% surcharge on top of the course fee

Foundation Course in Forestry - Gain detailed and intensive knowledge of woodland management, growing and harvesting wood

The course requires around 100 hours of study and is self-paced, so you study at your own speed, when suits you.

Learn more about -

timber types
equipment
tools
preservations and treatments
soil management

And much more with this detailed course.

Forestry Foundations - Lessons

The lessons cover -

Lesson 1 The Scope, Nature and Fundamentals of Forestry

Introduction to Forests
Tree Value
Understanding Wood
Tools in Forestry
Power Tools and General Tool Maintenance
Deciding on Tools in Agroforestry Applications
Extending Chain Life
Duty of Care in The Workplace
Protective Equipment

Lesson 2 Timber Types

Introduction to Timber and Forest Products
Different Types of Wood and Their Uses
Composites

Lesson 3 Harvesting

Tree Felling and Stump Removal
Protecting Trees
National Tree Registers
Keeping the Work Site Safe
Duty of Care
Costing Jobs

Lesson 4 Milling and Processing

Introduction to Processing Timber
Turning Trees into Timber
Reviewing Saws
Effecting of Shrinkage
Wood Preservation in Cut Timber

Lesson 5 Plantation and Forestry Management

Introduction
Key terms
Silviculture
Shelterbelts
Pruning and Thinning

Lesson 6 Conservation & Restoration Forestry

Introduction to conservation and restoration
Forestry for Wildlife Conservation
Forestry for Erosion Control
Forestry for Salinity Control
Design Options including wide-spaced, clump and cluster and woodlots

Lesson 7 Agroforestry

Introduction to agroforestry
Benefits of Agroforestry including carbon sinks and credits
Agroforestry in Farming
Future Developments

Lesson 8 Urban Forestry

Introduction to Urban Forestry
Selecting Tree Species
Where to Plant
Environmental and Health Benefits of Trees in Urban Environments
Production Benefits of Trees in Urban Environments

Lesson 9 PBL: Planning a Commercial Timber Production

Project Based Activity: to write a plan for commercial timber production on a small 5-acre woodlot, taking account of the site specific and environmental considerations.

This is jam packed course which will give you the solid foundation needed for working with trees. You will:

Visit forests where possible - these could be native forests, on farms or state own plantations.
Review tools used in forestry operations.
Conduct research into current employment opportunities.
Research specific tree species of interest or those found in your region.
Investigate wooden products found in your home or workspace.
Assess and plan tree for removal of a particular tree.
Collect images of sawing patterns as a resource file.
Connect with timber preservation processors to expand knowledge on wood treatments and processes.
Develop a pruning guide.
Investigate international forestry conservation projects.
Contact the forestry commission or department of environment and agriculture to explore the current preferences, trends
and specifications relating to forest design.
Watch online videos explaining agroforestry principles and practices to support your learning.
Visit rural locations to identify agroforestry in the region near you.
Deepen your understanding of trees for agricultural purposes by examining farms and trees.
Become familiar with local government projects or initiatives in urban forestry.
Report on observations of urban forestry in your region.
Interview two people or what they know or understand about urban forestry and the impacts
on their lives.
Write a schedule for commercial timber production (a tutor supported project at the end of the course).

WHAT DO WE PRODUCE FROM FORESTS?

Forests have a lot of environmental benefits; but they also produce valuable and useful timber products. If forestry is to be sustainable, these two benefits must always be balanced.

Not all timber is the same. It varies in strength, resilience, appearance, growth rate, its contribution to the environment and biological diversity, and much more. When managing forests, decisions must be made about what timber species to work with and when to work with those species: from when to plant, through to what stage to harvest.

A wide range of timber products can be derived from proper management of farms trees. Farm trees are generally considered to be plantations, woodlots or timberbelts. Less often wide-spaced planting designs are set up by farmers as form and growth can be influenced by exposure to wind and the environment.

Major products, including veneer logs, saw logs or pulp wood, generally come from large scale private or government plantations or native forests. Large scale plantations will generally be located near to industry or major infrastructure.
Major product options are influenced by:

Location and proximity to processers and transportation routes
Species availability and volume
Environmental and climatic conditions

WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?

To develop and manage forests (plantation, urban, agricultural or virgin native forests).
Professional development for anyone working in forestry or tree management
A foundation for working with trees
Broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of forests and forestry
We are an approved provider for this course on the UK Forestry Commission Forestry and Arboriculture Training Fund. You can view more information on the fund here.