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Social studies of rural communities and private sector woodland creation in south Scotland – two Masters theses from the University of Copenhagen

Two students from the University of Copenhagen were hosted by the Centre for Mountain Studies last summer (2023). They had contacted Professor Anna Lawrence to ask for support in developing their dissertation work for their Masters degrees, in response to her research on communities’ experience of engaging with new forestry planting and potential for more community benefits, particularly in the southern uplands of Scotland. Anna welcomed the opportunity for new perspectives from students with experience of continental Europe. She put them in touch with community organisations and groups in the Borders and in Galloway – regions which are much less represented in studies of community land management.

Both students chose situations where private landowners had planted, or proposed to plant, new woodland (of which the majority was conifer plantation), and to bring specific theoretical frameworks and research methods to bear on those experiences. We helped them to meet stakeholders, and then stepped aside to allow them to bring their own interpretation to what they found.

They’ve prepared summaries of their theses, which are available below. 

Congratulations to Sophie and Laura on attaining their Masters degrees.

Differences in stakeholder perceptions on woodland creation in South Scotland
Sophie Zeller, MSc Nature Management, University of Copenhagen 

Exploration of Community Members' Plural Values
Laura Tilli, MSc Environment and Development, University of Copenhagen