3.1 Tree Ecology & Thinning Interventions
£510.00 + VAT
A look at ecological principles of forestry and conclusions for thinning and other management decisions.
Eligible for the Future Foresters Training Fund and Women in Forestry Training Fund. Applications for funding will re-open soon. Register your interest here.
12 in stock
WhenÂ
26 – 28 August 2025, 9am to 5pm
Where
Winton, East Lothian
In a nutshell
This module covers the principles of tree ecology and applies them to silvicultural best practice for stand management during thicket, pole and timber stages of forest stand development. Particular emphasis is given to thinning operations, including thinning strategies, tree selection, technology, stand stability and thinning infrastructure. The module includes indoor sessions as well as extensive site visits and practical exercises on tree marking and thinning design.
Learning outcomes
Delegates can explain important silvicultural characteristics of the main tree species as well as the implications of thinning on timber quality and stand stability. They can carry out stand assessments, set realistic management objectives and derive suitable thinning regimes. Delegates are able to mark stands according to given thinning instructions, set thinning objectives, write thinning instructions themselves and asses the risk of wind damage.
Pre-Requisite knowledge
- Basic understanding of forestry practice and/or undergraduate degree or equivalent
- Familiarity with terms and conventions of forest mensuration and forest growth & yield (module 3.2)
- Understanding of site conditions and tree species selection (module 1.1)
- Understanding the principles of forest establishment (module 2.1)
Additional details
All course materials included in price. A lunch of soup, sandwiches and home baking will be available to purchase as an optional add on.