A comprehensive exploration of the natural history and management of trees and woodlands. This course is a series of illustrated lectures and field excursions. You’ll be visiting some of the finest ancient woodlands in Suffolk and Essex. There will also be a visit to Staverton, one of the finest medieval parks in England.
Tutor: Gary Battell
Gary Battell, Simon Leatherdale and Dr Jonathan Spencer MBE have all made significant contributions to British forestry, woodland and ancient tree management, PAWS restoration, rewilding, resilience and recovery. Gary will be running the course with support provided by Simon and Jonathan as well as local experts at the various sites visited by the course.
Tutor: Simon Leatherdale
Simon Leatherdale worked for the Forestry Commission for 37 years where he made a
significant contribution to the PAWS restoration of 15 ancient woodlands in East Anglia and was
supported by his friend, Professor Oliver Rackham OBE. Simon has been the owner of Tyler’s
Wood for 28 years. Simon has a passion for Maritime woodland which he expects to be
researching for another 5 years before the book sees the light of day! Simon describes himself
as a generalist. Simon was one of the people who delivered the rewilding at Dunwich that was
instigated by Jonathan Spencer.
Tutor: Jonathan Spencer
Dr Jonathan Spencer MBE is Head of Planning & Environment Forest Enterprise, England. Over the past twenty years Jonathan's work has included establishing the extent and character of ancient woodland and forest across the UK, especially in England. A wide range of species conservation actions and species reintroductions. The conservation of rare plants, fungi, insects, birds, reptiles and mammals. Directing the management of designated conservation areas within forests and open habitats across England. The establishment of management regimes for large herbivores, both wild and domestic, in conservation programmes on wood pastures, wetlands and heathlands. Addressing and resolving conflicting policy challenges. Integrating economic opportunity and necessity into environmental and wildlife conservation
management.
All the tutors have made significant contributions to British forestry, woodland and ancient tree management, PAWS restoration, rewilding, resilience that have brought natural capital and ecosystem service benefits and in doing so they have given support to others and generated enthusiasm!
