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

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.

Episodes

  1. FEB 2

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

    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.'

    48 min

  2. JAN 18

    Ep.6 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Stuart Goodall

    In this episode of Let's Talk Better Forestry, host Morag Paterson is joined by Stuart Goodall, Chief Executive of Confor, the representative body for the UK's private forestry and wood processing sector. As the first guest of 2026, Stuart provides a high-level perspective on the "growing pains" of an industry he likens to a teenager -full of energy and potential, but occasionally causing friction as it finds its place in Scotland's landscape. The conversation delves into the vital role of commercial forestry in meeting Net Zero targets and addressing timber security in a country that currently imports 80% of its wood. Stuart and Morag explore the "delivery gap" between ambitious government policy and the practical realities on the ground. They discuss the necessity of building a "social license" through better community engagement, acknowledging the historic tensions between traditional forestry practices and local people. From the heavily forested landscapes of the South of Scotland to the potential for smaller-scale, diverse woodland management, they search for the common ground where commercial productivity and ecological resilience meet. Tune in for a constructive and wide-ranging discussion on how the forestry sector can mature, bridge the gap with local communities, and work alongside groups like FPG to create a more integrated and sustainable future for Scotland's woodlands. FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry.'   P.S. To clarify a point mentioned in the episode regarding forest cover in the South of Scotland: while Morag noted it is approaching one-third, official statistics provide a more specific breakdown. The Regional Land Use Framework estimates forest cover for the South of Scotland at just over 22% as a whole, with approximately 27.86% in Dumfries and Galloway and 21.45% in the Scottish Borders.

    1h 25m
  3. Ep.5 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Alan McDonnell

    12/18/2025

    Ep.5 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Alan McDonnell

    In this episode of Let's Talk Better Forestry, host Morag Paterson is joined by Alan McDonnell, co-convener of the Forest Policy Group and Head of Nature Restoration at Trees for Life. Their conversation explores Alan's work across forestry, nature restoration and policy, and his involvement in the Common Ground Forum, an ambitious process bringing together conservation organisations, land managers, deer stalkers and policymakers to address long-standing conflict around deer management in Scotland. Alan reflects on the importance of dialogue, trust and collaboration in tackling complex land use challenges, and explains why managing deer impacts is critical to enabling natural woodland regeneration at scale. Together, they discuss how shared understanding can unlock practical solutions, support rural livelihoods and create more resilient forest landscapes. Tune in for a thoughtful and hopeful discussion on how better forestry depends on collaboration, long-term thinking and finding common ground. FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry." If you'd like to find out more about Forest Policy Group, please check our website. You can also find us on Linkedin, Bluesky and YouTube

    43 min

  4. 10/22/2025

    Ep.4 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Julia Farrington

    In this episode of Let's Talk Better Forestry, host Morag Paterson sits down with Julia Farrington of the Kilsture Forest Community Group in Dumfries & Galloway. They talk openly about how the community moved from campaigning to save Kilsture Forest into a partnership with Forestry and Land Scotland, co-managing the woodland with shared vision and practical action.  Julia shares how citizen-science projects, biodiversity mapping, woodland condition assessments and collaborative work with schools, artists and researchers are helping build a resilient, connected forest. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities of community-led forestry, and how engaged stewardship is creating real change on the ground. Tune in for a grounded and inspiring conversation about how better forestry happens when people, place and purpose come together. FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry." Find out more about Kilsture Forest Community Group HERE. If you'd like to find out more about Forest Policy Group, please check our website. You can also find us on Linkedin, Bluesky and YouTube

    55 min

  5. 10/02/2025

    Ep.3 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Andrew Weatherall

    RSPB's Andrew Weatherall joins Morag Paterson to discuss the complexities of UK forest policy, the importance of focusing on the "right place first" for tree cover expansion, and the balance between biodiversity, communities and commercial forestry. He shares his views on resilience, natural regeneration, and why protecting and restoring ancient woodland must be a priority. FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry." If you'd like to find out more about Forest Policy Group, please check our website. You can also find us on Linkedin, Bluesky and YouTube

    55 min

  6. 10/02/2025

    Ep.2 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Andrew Macqueen

    Independent forester Andrew Macqueen joins Morag Paterson to share how a chance suggestion led him into forestry, the variety in his day-to-day work, and the experimental approaches he's exploring – from increasing species diversity to revisiting old thinning techniques. FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry." If you'd like to find out more about Forest Policy Group, please check our website. You can also find us on Linkedin, Bluesky and YouTube

    50 min
  7. Ep.1 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Claire Wightman

    10/02/2025

    Ep.1 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Claire Wightman

    In this first episode of Let's Talk Better Forestry, host Morag Paterson is joined by Claire Wightman, a forester at TreeStory, to explore what regenerative forestry really means in practice. Claire shares her journey into forestry, the ethos behind TreeStory's work, and how their approach blends forest management with community collaboration, ecosystem restoration, and natural capital projects. They dive into the challenges and opportunities of continuous cover forestry, the importance of inclusive consultation with local communities, and the need for policy shifts to support long-term, landscape-scale thinking. Claire also reflects on diversity in the forestry sector and what the UK might learn from international examples like Canada. In this episode Claire mentions another podcast - Free to Grow in Forestry. Here is the link: https://pca.st/podcast/97d51ba0-9651-0139-7465-0acc26574db2 You may also be interested in their website: https://www.freetogrowinforestry.ca Also, the regenerative forestry report from Soil Association is at https://www.soilassociation.org/causes-campaigns/regenerative-forestry/ FPG would like to thank all our guests who joined us in 'Let's Talk Better Forestry." If you'd like to find out more about Forest Policy Group, please check our website. You can also find us on Linkedin, Bluesky and YouTube

    39 min
  • 7 Episodes

About

"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.

Information