Testimonials

Heather Coyle

Forestry, currently on vocational placement at Glen Tanar estate, 2016 Conference

I wasn’t sure what to expect upon attending the Integrated Land Use Conference, though the event exceeded my expectations in every way. The event brings together different students from separate land based courses within the university, from forestry - like myself - to agriculture, to environmental sciences. Immediately, you are immersed with students from all different areas as you are allocated your groups, giving you ample opportunity to integrate and learn from different perspectives. It was insightful to see different priorities from each land-based profession, yet also the realization that each had the same aim- to utilize the land sustainably.

The amount of experts we were able to meet and learn from was also fantastic- representatives from SEPA, people heavily involved in peat restoration, managers of estates and conservation workers to name but a few. The conflicting objectives and how to manage them in unity was strongly expressed through each learning experience, and also opened my mind up from the tunnel vision that one can sometimes develop within their chosen profession.

We then had to utilize all this information to create a presentation, given to a range of important people within the industry; including the owner of Alvie Estates and the CEO of the CNPA. This was a great opportunity to make a good impression on people you may encounter later on in your career, and to gain knowledge in other peoples’ approach.

Alongside all of this, the course offers excellent value for money - a night’s stay at a great hotel; breakfast; lunch; a three-course dinner (including wine!) plus tea and coffee which is plentiful throughout. I would thoroughly recommend that if the opportunity arises, you should partake in this worthwhile event.