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

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...

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...

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 "...

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 fric...

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 manage...

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-scien...

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...

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  Fore...

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. T...