Andrew Leslie

The Impacts and Mechanics of Certification

SUMMARY Certification was envisaged as a means of rewarding responsible forest management and since the mid 1990s the area of certified forest has expanded exponentially. Yet this increase has mainly been in developed, temperate countries and in forest management units that are plantation or a mix of plantation and natural forest. The success of certification has spawned a number of different approaches, which largely reflect the interests of their main stakeholders. Two schemes, the PEFC and FSC dominate. There is evidence of financial benefits to certified producers through better access to markets, but the expected premium for certified products tends to be more elusive. Other less tangible benefits relate to public image and a reduction in stakeholder conflict. Concerns involve the distribution of benefits between the producer and the retailer and certification favouring large, integrated forest organisations at the expense of others. The effect of certification on liberalisation of trade is also discussed.

The Current State of Professional Forestry Education in the United Kingdom

SUMMARY Enrolments to Higher Education forestry courses have been in decline in the UK over the last decade. This trend has sparked widespread concern about the future of professional forestry education and recruitment of qualified graduates to the forestry sector. It is not clear if this decline is cyclical, or a permanent loss of interest in forestry as a university course and career option. A complex range of factors are responsible for the current situation; some are related to the education system in the UK, some to the forestry sector, and some are socio-economic and cultural. Nonetheless, a similar pattern of decline in recent years has been seen in other natural resource disciplines, most notably agriculture, leading to the closure or merger of several university departments. This paper explores some of the issues that need to be addressed in order that forestry remains a relevant, viable and attractive university course.

Use of the Internet and Social Media in the Forestry Profession in the United Kingdom

SUMMARY Social media should enable professional bodies to improve their communication with members, policy makers and the general public. Current use of the internet, particularly of social media, by foresters in the United Kingdom was surveyed to determine opportunities for their professional body, the Institute of Chartered Foresters (ICF) to improve engagement. Existing use of social media was high, especially by younger early career Associate Members. This indicated an opportunity for the ICF to provide continuing professional development training via forms of social media such as live streamed on-line seminars (a webinar). A pilot webinar on forests and carbon was given to a small group of participants who then completed a short on-line survey to record their experience. Responses to the pilot webinar were positive. Implications for forestry in the UK and for other professional bodies are discussed.

The development of even-aged plantation forests: an exercise in forest stand dynamics

In this paper we present a field-based practical exercise that allows students in forestry, ecology and natural resources to develop their understanding of forest stand dynamics. The exercise involves measurement of key tree growth parameters in four even-aged, single-species plantation stands of different age but occupying sites with similar soil and environmental characteristics. The selected stands represent key stages in stand development, from establishment to rotation age for maximum fibre production. In the field, students work in small teams to gather data from an equal number of plots within each stand. Tree parameters include top height, crown diameter, live crown ratio and diameter at breast height. In addition, information on stand density and understorey vegetation is collected. Plot size and number can be varied to suit the constraints of class size and available time, though circular plots of 100m2 are recommended. In the classroom, data are pooled and analysis focuses on presenting tree and vegetation changes through time. The simplest way of interpreting the data is to prepare graphs and charts for each of the parameters, though more advanced statistical interpretations are possible. The project as outlined here can be modified to meet the needs of different groups, and has been successfully used in undergraduate teaching of silviculture and forest ecology, as well as in postgraduate courses in natural resources management.

Agroforestry practices in Somalia

Traditional agroforestry methods in Somalia and attempts to introduce new practices are described. Physical, social and political constraints are discussed and recommendations for future developments are made. Nomadic pastoralism with shifting cultivation is practised over most of the country. Settled communities in these areas plant live fencing. Most agroforestry is found near the two main rivers, the Jubba and the Shabeelle. On rainfed land scattered trees, most frequently Dobera glabra, are retained. These provide limited dry season browse, fruit and poles but are mainly used as shade for the farmer and his livestock. A bush fallow is often used to maintain soil fertility. On irrigated land, agricultural crops are commonly grown alongside young fruit trees until shade becomes too great. Other practices include growing crops in mature coconut plantations and with date palms. Large banana plantations are protected by shelterbelts, predominantly of Casuarina equisetifolia

Indigenous Forest and Woodland in the Kingdom of Lesotho

SYNOPSIS From historical accounts the extent of indigenous forest in Lesotho has decreased since the middle of the last century. However, in historic times forest was never extensive, being confined to small patches. Fire was probably the main limiting factor to the spread of forest. Although indigenous forest covers less than 4,5% of Lesotho, many products, especially fuelwood, are obtained from them by neighbouring rural populations. The largest individuals of seven species of indigenous trees or shrubs are describe. Indigenous forest is divided into three broad types: Leucosidea sericea Forest. Mixed Forest and Thicket. Open Shrubland with Forest or isolated trees. An ecological inventory is proposed to identify and classify the remaining areas of indigenous forest. This would provide information for a rational conservation programme. The two present areas under protection, Matsitise Nature Reserve and Sehlabethebe National Park are briefly described as is the proposed “Biosphere Reserve” at Mount Moro...