About the Course
Understanding your soils is the foundation of successful woodland creation and sustainable forest management.
This practical, one-day workshop introduces the essential principles of soil identification and assessment, helping you make informed decisions about tree establishment, woodland management, and long-term productivity.
You’ll explore:
the importance of soil recognition in forest management
how to use published geological, and soil information to help in soil type identification
use of vegetation indicators
how to approach soil investigation in the forest or field, and gain some practical experience in doing so
the principles behind the Forestry Commission Ecological Site Classification (ESC) System, the soil inputs required and how to predict tree species suitability, taking climate change into account
You will receive further authoritative information on forests and soil management during this one-day workshop.
By the end of the day, you’ll be more confident in assessing the soils on your land and understanding how they influence woodland establishment and management options.
Who should attend?
Landowners interested in establishing or managing woodland on their land
Managers or contractors involved in woodland creation, tree planting, or land management
Foresters and environmental professionals who want to refresh or expand their knowledge of soils
No prior soil science experience is required – the workshop is designed to be practical and accessible, with field-based learning in the afternoon.
*Please note that this course has been specially designed for foresters and not arboriculturists.
You will receive copies of the Forestry Commission Fieldbook ‘The Identification of Soils for Forest Management’, together with handouts of presentations, further information and reading, UK Forestry Standard soil requirements and a list of Forest Research publications on soil management.
Programme
09.15 – 09.30 Introduction. Objectives of the Soils Basics for Foresters Workshop.
09.30 – 10.10 Module 1. Introduction to soils and their importance in forestry.
10.10 – 10.45 Module 2. Basics of soil characterisation and classification.
10.45 – 11.00 Comfort break – tea/coffee.
11.00 – 11.40 Module 3. Gathering soil information.
11.40 – 13.00 Module 4. Demystifying Ecological Site Classification (ESC).
13.00 – 13.30 Lunch and networking; fresh air.
13.30 – 15.45 Field visit to demonstrate use of FC Fieldbook in supporting soil identification. .
15.45 – 16.00 Return to Base. Wrap up, final questions.
16.30 Depart. Safe journey!
Speaker
Andy Moffat MICfor - Andy has a degree in geography and soil science and a Ph.D. in geographical research. He started his career as a Soil Surveyor with the Soil Survey of England and Wales before taking up a position as forest soil scientist with the Forestry Commission Research Division (now Forest Research). He has conducted considerable research on forest soils and published many papers and FC guidelines on forest soil management, including the first Forest and Soil Guidelines. He was successively Head of Environmental Research Branch, Environmental and Human Sciences Division and the Centre for Forestry and Climate Change. He is now Director of his own environmental consultancy company, an honorary Research Fellow at Forest Research and a Visiting Professor at the University of Reading. He gives workshops on a variety of subjects including soils and climate change for the Arboricultural Association, the Royal Forestry Society and now the Institute of Chartered Forests, of which he is a Member and Chartered Consultant.
Cost (booking fee)
The course has been fully funded by the Welsh Government.
A booking fee of £25 + VAT will be charged to cover catering and secure your place.
Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking.
Point of contact
If you have any issues booking this event please contact - info@focusonforestryfirst.co.uk
If you are having trouble paying using your credit or Debit Card, please see our Quick Guide.
Other Information
Refreshments will be provided, but please bring your own packed lunch.