Forestry Foundations

Learn the Fundamentals of Sustainable Forestry

Forestry plays a vital role in supplying timber, protecting natural environments and supporting sustainable land management. Whether you're interested in commercial timber production, agroforestry, conservation, or managing trees in urban environments, this course provides a practical introduction to modern forestry principles and practices.

Throughout this course you'll explore:

• Sustainable forest management practices
• Timber harvesting and processing
• Plantation, farm and urban forestry
• Agroforestry systems
• Conservation and restoration forestry
• Silviculture principles
• Workplace safety and forestry equipment
• Commercial timber production planning

Course Duration: 100 hours approximately. Self paced. 

COURSE CONTENTS

There are nine lessons in this course:

Lesson 1 The Scope, Nature and Fundamentals of Forestry

• Introduction to Forests
• Tree Value
• Understanding Wood
• Tools in Forestry
• Power Tools and General Tool Maintenance
• Deciding on Tools in Agroforestry Applications
• Extending Chain Life
• Duty of Care in The Workplace
• Protective Equipment

Lesson 2 Timber Types

• Introduction to Timber and Forest Products
• Different Types of Wood and Their Uses
• Composites
  

Lesson 3 Harvesting

• Tree Felling and Stump Removal
• Protecting Trees
• National Tree Registers
• Keeping the Work Site Safe
• Duty of Care
• Costing Jobs
  

Lesson 4 Milling and Processing

• Introduction to Processing Timber
• Turning Trees into Timber
• Reviewing Saws
• Effecting of Shrinkage
• Wood Preservation in Cut Timber
  

Lesson 5 Plantation and Forestry Management

• Introduction
• Key terms
• Silviculture
• Shelterbelts
• Pruning and Thinning
  

Lesson 6 Conservation & Restoration Forestry

• Introduction to conservation and restoration
• Forestry for Wildlife Conservation
• Forestry for Erosion Control
• Forestry for Salinity Control
• Design Options including wide-spaced, clump and cluster and woodlots
  

Lesson 7 Agroforestry

• Introduction to agroforestry
• Benefits of agroforestry including carbon sinks and credits
• Agroforestry in Farming
• Future Developments
  

Lesson 8 Urban Forestry

• Introduction to Urban Forestry
• Selecting Tree Species
• Where to Plant
• Environmental and Health Benefits of Trees in Urban Environments
• Production Benefits of Trees in Urban Environments
  

Lesson 9 PBL: Planning a Commercial Timber Production

• Project Based Activity: to write a plan for commercial timber production on a small 5-acre woodlot, taking account of the site specific and environmental considerations.

Career and Professional Benefits

This course is suitable for:

• Aspiring forestry workers
• Farmers diversifying into agroforestry
• Rural property owners
• Landcare and conservation volunteers
• Parks and environmental workers
• Arboriculture professionals seeking broader knowledge
• Landscaping professionals
• Any role in sustainable land management