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

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

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

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

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