Forests for university education: The example of Estonia

Teaching methods change during times. The authors consider it essential to anchor the theoretical part of studies with practice in the natural environment. Therefore, to ensure the achievement of leaming outcomes, practical training is included in a number of courses in Estonian academic forestry education. The history of academic forestry education in Estonia starts in 1920. The Experimental Forest District at Järvselja was established in 1921. Since 1997 its name is the Foundation Järvselja Experimental and Training Centre and it belongs to the Estonian University of Life Sciences. The Järvselja Center's total area is 10 553 ha. Forest land comprises 6 626 ha, of which 2 723 ha are protected. Bogs form 3 147 ha of the Järvselja Centre's land. Järvselja Experimental and Training Centre is the only one in Estonia which has complete infrastructure for accommodation and catering. Every year Estonian forestry students have various practical training courses in Järvselja. In most cases, practical training is held in summer, but some courses are offered in winter (e.g. forest and timber measurement) as well. Also every year some graduation theses are defended on themes done in Järvselja forests. Forests in Järvselja are used to carry out several research projects, too