Forestry

I am a senior lecturer in forestry and arboriculture at the Barony campus, Dumfries, with the vision to develop curricula and research in these disciplines with our team, and the aim to make a positive contribution to the planet in these changing times.

In my spare time, I travel, climb mountains, trail run, and run the odd marathon, while still climbing trees when I get the chance.

I am a Forest Manager that has returned to academia to prepare the next generation of Foresters. My focus is on making sure students are equipped with the skills to excel in the workplace. I use a mix of exercises, workshops, site visits and presentations to deliver course material to reflect the dynamic nature of the workplace in the forestry sector.

Philip has worked in forestry for twenty years and has a background in forest research. 

Before joining SRUC at our Barony Campus to teach forest ecology and GIS, Philip ran a horse logger business in North Scotland focusing on low impact timber extraction. He then moved to SE Asia to work in sustainable development and community-based forest management. This included working of mangrove reforestation and restoration, and sustainable ecotourism.

Paul has over 25 years of experience in forestry. As well as working in harvesting, he's completed machine operator training in Finland, Sweden and Russia.

Paul has developed and delivered specialist machinery training courses in partnership with John Deere Forestry, UK Forest Products Association and Forestry and Land Scotland. He has a passion for teaching about sustainable forestry management and the forest machine operations needed to achieve it.

Joe gained degrees in Anthropology and Environmental Forestry before deciding academia wasn’t for him. 

He began working as a horticultural gardener at a country park, where he learned he loved working with nature. From there he moved into arboriculture, and discovered that he also loves climbing trees. He describes it as "something he fell into, but hopefully won't fall out of".

Joe enjoys learning new ways of working and passing that learning on.

I am an arborist instructor instructing practical based learning to both certificate and advanced certificate students. 

My background is in the arboriculture industry undertaking private and Local Authority work, both on the ground and working at heights.

I am a climber and MEWP operator with experience ranging from small fruit tree pruning to large technical rigging operations, with a passion for trees and all their associates. From pest and diseases to ancient/veteran trees I have always been open to learning all I can, whilst passing on the acquired knowledge, which I integrate into my instructing. 

In my spare time, I can usually be found sea fishing somewhere along the beautiful local coastline, competing/training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu or wood whittling various cutlery.