Forest and Woodland Management
Description
The module examines the social, environmental, and economic aspects of sustainable forest and woodland management through the exploration of legislative and grant aid requirements, while appreciating the role of these habitats in the provision of ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation.
The module focuses on the transformation of Ireland’s forest cover and introduces the concept of sustainable forestry and timber and non-timber products as an alternative land use within an agricultural setting. The suitability for afforestation and reforestation and of crop types relative to site soil type and ecological integrity will be appraised in the context of balancing sustainable product production in tandem with ecosystem services and biodiversity conservation, to reflect the multifunctional aspects of well managed forests
Practical work will include the identification of native, introduced and conifer species which will be mapped to different forest and woodland types. An in-depth exploration of the silvicultural systems used to sustainably manage these forest and woodland types while maximising production will provide the learner with a holistic approach to forestry.
Sustainable development topics referenced within the module include:Good Health & Well-Being, Clean Water and Sanitation, Responsible Consumption and Production, Life on Land
Learning Outcomes
Provide an overview of global and in particular, Ireland’s forest industry and identify the role of the main stakeholders
Evaluate national forest policy and grant aid structures in terms of sustainable woodland management.
Demonstrate an ability to identify native, introduced species as well as woodland associated flora and fauna.
Describe and contrast the ecology and ecosystem services provided by plantation and natural woodlands
Demonstrate an in-depth appreciation of the multifunctional role of forestry in terms of balancing production with ecosystem services and biodiversity protection
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the site specific silvicultural system adopted for both commercial forests and natural woodlands