AP2A26-Forestry and Woodlands

Module Provider: Agriculture
Number of credits: 10 [5 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2022/3

Module Convenor: Prof Martin Lukac
Email: m.lukac@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

Everyone wants to plant trees, you probably want to plant trees, it looks like trees can save the world - but not all trees have been created equal. You will learn how we decide which trees to plant and where. You will discover how we can create the right tree community and how we manage it. Using your new skills, you will design an afforestation plan and learn how to show it off. Whether it is conservation, timber yield or carbon credits, you will have to have an opinion and have the opportunity to discuss it.

Aims:
This module aims to provide an overall understanding of the role of forests and woodlands in the rural sector and of how they can be managed and created to meet environmental, aesthetic, recreational and commercial objectives. It also aims to develop understanding of temperate, boreal and tropical forest and plantation management for sustainability and the potential of novel forestry and agroforestry systems.

Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that the student will be able to:
£ Explain the role of forests and woodlands as commercial enterprises, and as aesthetic, recreational and environmental resources in the rural sector
£ Outline the nature and influence of government policy on forestry and woodlands in the UK
£ Describe and explain the main considerations in the design, planning and management of forests/woodlands
£ Develop initial plans for the planting and management of new woodlands for multi-purpose goals
£ Identify and outline the nature and potential of the main novel forms of forestry and agroforestry currently being developed
£ Describe how natural regeneration and its management influences the composition of forests
£ Outline the role of plantation forestry and research conducted on its sustainability

Additional outcomes:
Students will enhance their research and problem solving skills through the development of a woodland plan.

Outline content:
This module is designed to develop an understanding of the global role and the management of woodlands and forests. Theory and practical application of woodland design are explained, as well as socioeconomic implications of forestry policies.

The Lecture Content covers:

£ Forestry and woodland in the UK, their historical development, main types, factors influencing them, the role of policy
£ Forest ecology and climate change
£ Creating new woodlands and forests - planning for different objectives/uses
£ Species selection and options, planting materials and protection
£ Silvicultural practice
£ Management of existing small woodlands for multi-purpose use
£ Plantation forestry in the tropics and its sustainability
£ Novel systems of forestry and agroforestry

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
There will normally be two 50 minute lectures per week. Students will also visit the site for a proposed woodland as part of the project.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	18
Fieldwork	4
Guided independent study:	78
Total hours by term	100
Total hours for module	100

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Project output other than dissertation	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:
One-hour examination

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

1. A project for a local woodland to be completed this term (50%) 2. A 1 hour exam in the summer term (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: https://www.reading.ac.uk/cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/cqsd-old-site-documents/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:
Re-examination in August/September only.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:  None

2) Specialist equipment or materials:  None

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:  None

4) Printing and binding:  None

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:  None

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:  None

Last updated: 22 September 2022