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"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group cover art

"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group

"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group

Written by: Forest Policy Group
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"Let's Talk Better Forestry" is a podcast from the Forest Policy Group, exploring how we can create a more sustainable, diverse and resilient future for Scotland's forests and woodlands. Each episode brings together voices from across the sector – foresters, land managers, researchers, community members and policymakers – to share practical experience, fresh ideas and honest reflections. From continuous cover forestry to community involvement, training and policy, we dig into the challenges and opportunities shaping forestry today.©FPG2025 Biological Sciences Nature & Ecology Science
Episodes
  • Let's Talk Better Forestry - Episode 9 with Jamie McIntyre

    Let's Talk Better Forestry - Episode 9 with Jamie McIntyre
    Jun 9 2026
    Let's Talk Better Forestry Podcast — Episode 9 with Jamie McIntyre Host: Morag Paterson Guest: Jamie McIntyre (Freelance Contractor, Woodlands Crofts Partnership / Director, Woodlots) In this episode, host Morag Paterson sits down with fellow Forest Policy Group member Jamie McIntyre to explore the transformative potential of woodland crofts . Combining the secure, historic tenure of Scottish crofting with modern, sustainable woodland management, this unique model offers a radical alternative to large-scale industrial forestry . Jamie shares his deep expertise from decades in the sector, guiding us through the history of crofting, what defines a woodland croft on the ground, and how "boots on the ground" personal stewardship dramatically improves local biodiversity and climate resilience . Key Takeaways: The Crofting Framework: How centuries-old legislation is being adapted today to grant people a perpetual right to live on and manage woodland holdings . Stewardship vs. Industry: Why small-scale, continuous cover forestry excels at ecological management compared to data-driven commercial clear-felling . Diversification: How crofters integrate cattle, pigs, bees, and workshops into their acreage to keep economic benefits within the local community . Rural Repopulation: The vital role woodland crofts play in overcoming rural housing barriers and bringing young people back to the land . Expanding Boundaries: The ongoing political push to extend crofting designation into the south of Scotland and the alternative models filling the gaps . Hit subscribe to join us as we discuss how woodland crofts deliver simultaneously on land reform, climate action, and community wealth building . Links & Resources Woodland Crofts Partnership – Resources, steering group reports, and structural guidance for setting up woodland crofts. Woodland Crofts Steering Group Final Report The Potential and Practicalities of Forest Crofts: Steering Group Report 2006 report focusing on the use of the national forest estate for woodland crofts, but highlighting their benefits more generally. Still one of the best arguments for the development of woodland crofts. Scottish Crofting Federation – the representative body for crofters, working to develop, promote and encourage crofting (and one of the WCP partners). Has a policy position that 5,000 new woodland crofts should be created Crofting Home - Scottish Crofting Federation Crofting Commission – the regulator of crofting, a NDPB The Crofting Commission | The Crofting Commission
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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • Let's Talk Better Forestry - Episode 8 with Jez Ralph

    Let's Talk Better Forestry - Episode 8 with Jez Ralph
    Apr 6 2026
    Let's Talk Better Forestry - Episode 8 with Jez Ralph

    Episode Summary:

    What happens when you bridge the gap between the architect's drawing board and the forest floor? In this episode, Morag Paterson sits down with Jez Ralph, co-founder of Evolving Forests, to explore a vision for forestry that moves beyond the "binary" of industrial plantations versus total preservation.

    Jez shares his journey from archaeology and mountaineering to managing the Architectural Association's Forest Campus in South Devon. Together, they discuss the "Evolving the Forest" movement and why the future of the sector depends on diversified systems, high-quality timber production, and a "bullish" commitment to managing land for the forest's health rather than just the market's demands.

    In this episode, we discuss:

    • The "Centre Ground": Why we need to move past the polarised debate of commercialism vs. conservation.

    • The Sawmill Challenge: The logistical hurdles of processing diverse, high-quality timber in a market built for commodity spruce.

    • Demand-Led Landscapes: How architecture and design can drive more resilient and diverse planting choices.

    • Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF): The benefits of permanent forest structures for ecology, soil carbon, and timber value.

    • Manifesto Alignment: How these local innovations reflect the Forest Policy Group's 2025-26 Manifesto asks for localised governance and micro-business support.

    About our Guest:

    Jez Ralph is a forester and consultant with over 25 years of experience. Through his multi-disciplinary consultancy, Evolving Forests, he works to connect the timber supply chain, champion innovative construction, and tell the human stories behind our woodlands through film and media.

    Links Mentioned in this Episode:

    • Forest Policy Group: forestpolicygroup.org

    • FPG Manifesto 2025-26: Read the full Manifesto

    • Evolving Forests: evolvingforests.com

    Connect with FPG: Follow us on LinkedIn or sign up to our quarterly newsletter.
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    39 mins
  • Ep.7 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with McNabb Laurie

    Ep.7 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with McNabb Laurie
    Feb 2 2026

    This episode of Let's Talk Better Forestry explores how a regional charity is redefining the relationship between commercial forestry and local communities in Scotland. Host Morag Paterson sits down with McNabb Laurie, Manager of Dumfries and Galloway (D&G) Woodlands, to discuss innovative models for land sharing, natural regeneration, and private-public partnerships.

    D&G Woodlands serves as a "bridge" between the commercial forestry sector and local community ambitions, aiming to ensure that the region's massive timber industry provides tangible social, economic, and ecological value back to its people.

    For those interested in the reform of Scottish forestry, this conversation provides a practical roadmap for democratisation. It demonstrates how principled, grassroots-driven initiatives can work constructively with private finance to create a more diverse and resilient landscape.

    FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry.'
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    48 mins
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