Venues

Barony Campus

Content

This course builds on skills and knowledge gained on the Certificate in Forestry course or from relevant work experience. The course covers a broad range of topics balanced with strong practical content and is aimed students wishing to work at an advanced technical level in forestry and arboriculture, for example tree climbers, machine operators and site supervisors.

You'll work in the woodlands and trees on the college grounds and local estates using specialist machinery and equipment like forwarders, decay detection software and a range of modern climbing equipment to gain sound practical experience in the subject. You will also benefit from our well-established links within the industry which have already helped many students obtain work experience and employment.

Your core topics on this course include plant identification, chainsaw felling operations, machinery maintenance and repair, and use of GIS/GPS in forestry and treework.

Some new topics are introduced like forest measurement and thinning, tree surveys and silviculture.

A mix of classroom sessions, field trips and practical training, will teach you about forestry and treework, tree pests and diseases and how your machinery works.

Entry Requirements

3 subjects at National 5 including English, Maths, Geography or a science subject; or Forestry (Certificate).

Progression Routes

Relevant course at SCQF Level 7