10 November 2023
Overcoming challenges and providing new tools for continuous cover forestry practices
Dr Ian Short of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department tells us of ForestMOOCForChange, a project to help overcome the initial challenges and provide exciting new tools for those who are considering a move to continuous cover forestry practices around Europe.
Across Europe, there is growing interest in forest management which promotes species and structural diversity through the use of systems such as in continuous cover forestry. However, it is not always easy to know how to move towards alternatives that combine the profitable production of quality wood with the enhancement of biodiversity and the protection of ecosystem services.
Co-financed by the European Union Erasmus+ Programme, ForestMOOCForChange is a collaborative project between: Die Arbeitsgemeinschaft Naturgemäße Waldwirtschaft (ANW) in Germany; Pro Silva France; Teagasc in Ireland; and Forêt. Nature in Belgium as lead partner. The aim of the project is to help overcome initial challenges and provide exciting new tools for forest owners, managers, and practitioners who are considering a move to continuous cover forestry practices around Europe, with a view to improving the level of information, knowledge and skills required for management adapted to challenges, including climate change.
ForestMOOCForChange is an online course introducing CCF, covering the various aspects of this innovative forestry approach over an 8-week period. The course includes videos produced in the field by experts, managers and owners. Each week, a live meeting is organised with the speakers enabling you to ask your questions and discuss the subject covered. From discovering CCF, how it works and its dynamics, to questions of an economic, ecological or social nature, the MOOC is designed to be comprehensive and aimed at everyone’s needs. The course is now in its fourth week, with more than 7,500 people already registered from across Europe and beyond, and that number continues to grow. It’s still not too late to register and take part. See details below.
Figure 1: Screenshot of the MOOCFORCHANGE platform
An overview of CCF across Europe
The ForestMOOCForChange team went to meet foresters in Germany, Ireland, France and Belgium. The foresters spoke about their experience of CCF, sometimes spanning several decades, and demonstrated some of their successes in the field.
Starting with the main principles of continuous-cover silviculture, you will then discover the functioning and dynamics of natural forests and how CCF is inspired by them. The resilience of forests and their ecosystem services are hot topics these days and are the subject of a chapter in their own right. The course also looks at the profitability of continuous cover forestry, with testimonials from foresters who apply it for its economic benefits, among other reasons. If, at first glance, it seems complicated to change forest management, a dedicated chapter will reassure you where, step by step, forest transformation practices and tools are reviewed. Finally, we’ll take you across Europe to discover forests managed using CCF in different ecosystems, each with its own challenges and opportunities. A real source of inspiration!
Join the foresters of tomorrow
The ForestMOOCForChange can be followed in French, German or English. A new chapter is made available each week, and can be followed from home, whenever you want, at your own pace. The course is completely free and includes certification if you complete all the modules. For more information, visit the ForestMOOCForChange FAQ page. Register now on forestmoocforchange.eu
Featured photo caption: Beech in Belgium managed using Continuous Cover Forestry principles