Hugh Davies - MSc Environmental forestry graduate
Now works as: Assistant Forestry Manager
Now works for: Smiths Gore
"Soon after graduating from Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ I obtained the job role of Assistant Forestry Manager in the Midlands for one of the UKs largest rural property management companies, Smiths Gore. I have been writing forest management plans for a number of predominately broadleaved woodlands, applying for England Woodland grant Schemes (EWGS), making comparable forest sales databases as well as helping out with forest valuations.
"Whilst writing up my dissertation, which discussed where to plant sessile oak in the UK in view of future climate change, I volunteered as a forest ranger for a community forest and then worked in an oak sawmill for a short period of time. The MSc along with this ‘hands-on’ experience meant I was in full time employment before I had even graduated.
"An Environmental Forestry degree from Â鶹´«Ã½¸ßÇå°æ opens up so many doors into the forestry world and it is an extremely respected university within the profession. The course covers a large variety of forestry topics and you can tailor the course to your needs (e.g. temperate forestry or tropical forestry). A large amount of the course is based around field trips into woodlands and I believe that seeing forestry in action is the best way of learning the subject. Lecturers are very friendly and approachable which was great as many people on the course came from varying backgrounds which had not necessarily been directly to do with forestry.Â
"Bangor is also great if you are into outdoor pursuits such as kayaking, mountain biking, surfing, hiking, etc., and its location right next to Snowdonia National Park makes for a beautiful setting".