Teaching in a time of war: Ukraine National Forestry University

The Scottish School of Forestry has partnered with their equivalent institution in Ukraine to support the continued education of students in the midst of conflict. Euan Bowditch, Researcher and Lecturer in Forestry and Social-Ecology, shares the action being taken and the help needed from the sector.

As the war in the Ukraine continues a year on from when it began, it seems inconceivable that life could go on as normal. However, for many Ukrainians that is the case, and this includes those teaching and studying at the Ukraine National Forestry University (UNFU) in Lviv.

The Scottish School of Forestry (SSF) (UHI Inverness) is partnering with UNFU to help fundraise and enable continued teaching and delivery of forestry education. Students continue to make progress towards their qualifications (except those that are fighting and supporting the defence forces), as there will be life and careers in the future.

SSF and UNFU are co-developing an online summer school for 2023 and aim to collaborate on longer-term education delivery and research. Although we are currently focussing on immediate needs, this line summer school with the UNFU/SSF students and staff alongside industry representatives will come together and learn about the two countries’ forestry sectors and the unique/common challenges for the future of the industry. This might also be made an open event, so anyone interested to hear about Ukrainian forestry and refresh their own knowledge about Scottish forestry will be welcome (watch this space).

How can we help?

The Scottish School of Forestry is currently working in partnership with the UNFU to raise funds to support their technical needs:

• Keeping everyone warm (heating systems)

• Keeping the power (solar-powered mobile generators)

Our target for supporting their needs to we were to spread this across the sector through smaller contributions, we might be able to meet the target easily and help the staff and students adapt to current conditions.

The staff and students live in a state of impending disruption whereby classes or meetings may suddenly stop abruptly due to missile strikes, power outages or shortages that are quite regular occurrences. They have to make their way to shelters or, classically pragmatic, they often say they will stay on as long as they can and, if they disappear, then just carry on without them and hopefully they will be able to re-join at some point.

The UNFU is very large and is home to thousands of students studying forestry and wood related professions. As the only forestry educators in Ukraine, this puts the institution and sector in a particularly vulnerable position if they cannot train new forestry professionals to keep the sector buoyant during and beyond the conflict.

More information For inquiries about this issue and/or donations please contact Euan Bowditch at UHI Inverness (euan. bowditch.ic@uhi.ac.uk)

Harvesting Manager

MELROSE - SCOTTISH BORDERS

As a key member of a high performing team, operating in a competitive and commercial environment, we are seeking an experienced, enthusiastic, and self-motivated individual with relevant harvesting and marketing experience.

THE ROLE...

Based out of our Melrose office, key duties will include working closely with our existing clients and customers as well as the development of new business. To be successful in this role you will need to have an in-depth understanding of timber marketing; standing sale assessments; site planning; harvesting systems and working with contractors. You should be capable of working with our existing timber harvesting team and other Forest Management colleagues on existing client properties.

Forestry qualifications are advantageous but not a pre-requisite. You should have a professional acumen, be commercially aware and possess excellent communication and organisation skills. Experience of contract/project management and health & safety management are also essential for the role.

An attractive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience, company vehicle, generous pension scheme, life assurance, permanent health insurance, private health care, and the opportunity for equity participation.

Closing Date 7th July 2023