Ep.2 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Andrew Macqueen
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
Release Date: 10/02/2025
Ep.7 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with McNabb Laurie
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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 "bridge" between the commercial forestry sector and local community ambitions, aiming to ensure that the region’s massive timber industry provides tangible social, economic, and ecological...
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Ep.6 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Stuart Goodall
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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 friction as it finds its place in Scotland’s landscape. The conversation delves into the vital role of commercial forestry in meeting Net Zero targets and addressing timber security in a...
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Ep.5 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Alan McDonnell
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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...
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Ep.4 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Julia Farrington
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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...
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Ep.3 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Andrew Weatherall
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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 You can also find us...
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Ep.2 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Andrew Macqueen
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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 You can also find us on , and
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Ep.1 "Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Claire Wightman
"Let's Talk Better Forestry" with Forest Policy Group
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,...
info_outlineIndependent 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.