My background is in forest management, which combines diverse practical experience with ongoing education and professional development. Including a B.Sc (Hons) in Forest and Woodland Management from University of Central Lancashire (Newton Rigg), a Masters in Environmental Law from Nottingham University and a Ph.D in Forestry and ecosystem approaches from Aberdeen University (UHI).  I have also worked in the forest sector in Guatemala, USA, Portugal and Germany, which focused upon the role of forest management in community and urban forestry projects.  I am also a qualified arborist (ISA Cert) with strong links to municipal management, social outreach and enterprise projects.  I joined UHI in 2011 originally as a Ph.D student and have since taken up a full-time researcher position, which includes developing the Wooded Landscapes Research Group.  Additionally I am module leader for Environment Impact Assessment at the Scottish School of Forestry. I coordinate a multiple sector partnership that delivers an annual 'Integrated Land Use' Conference to the diverse range of UHI undergraduates, creating an interactive and participative landscape learning experience.

Research Interests

• Woodland management practice and stakeholder perceptions of woodland use, integration and potential expansion. 
• Development of decision support tool that aids land managers assess the socio-economic feasibility of woodfuel production at local scales. 
• Applied and local interpretations of ecosystem approaches. 
• Spatial mapping cultural perspectives linked with land use and practice. 
• Tree health, community stewardship and complex relationships between people and trees within an urban environment.
• Bringing carbon to communities – role of partnerships in bridging scales and facilitating access to carbon markets  
• River catchment management - Adaptation social-ecological impacts and legality of river systems
• Business, education and training opportunities for forest contractors
• Application of social drivers to forest management and resilience

Twitter - @Splendidtrees