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A group of first-year students from the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, accompanied by Dr Ashley Hardaker, Dr Tim Peters, and Dr Tim Pagella, participated in an international exchange with the University of Freiburg. Funded by the Bangor Fund, administered by the Development and Alumni Relations Office, the group embarked on a week-long tour of woodland sites in southwest England, fostering cross-cultural learning in forestry and woodland management.

The exchange stemmed from discussions between Bangor and Freiburg staff, leading to a joint study tour aimed at enhancing knowledge sharing between the two universities. The trip allowed Bangor students to visit various forestry sites, including the Forest of Dean, Lady Park Wood, and woodlands in the Wye Valley. Key visits included a woodland creation project at Cwm Fagor and a tour of the ancient oak woods in Exmoor, guided by experts who offered insights into woodland management, conservation, and ecological processes.

Throughout the week, students not only learned about forestry practices, but also facilitated the exchange of ideas, formed friendships, and enjoyed the scenic landscapes. The students had the opportunity to discuss issues such as land use conflicts, conservation strategies, and the future of forestry in both the UK and Germany. The tour concluded with visits to the Duchy of Cornwall’s woodlands and the National Trust’s Landhydrock House.

Dr Ashley Hardaker said, “The trip was a significant educational experience for the students, for which they are deeply grateful.”

Persida Chung, Development Officer, said, “We deeply appreciate our alumni for their generous contributions to the Bangor Fund. Their support ensures that our students have meaningful and memorable experiences during their time at Bangor.”