Teagasc forestry development department at the forestry show

Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department is delighted to be in attendance at Timber 2015. Teagasc will have its own marquee and demonstration area highlighting its extensive advisory, research and training services.

Forestry advisers, researchers and specialists will be available over the two days to answer questions on how best to incorporate a forest into a farm and to provide on-the-spot advice regarding existing forests.

Focus on new programme

Particular focus this year will be on the new Forestry Programme with details on each element of the programme. As landowners come to grips with the Basic Payment System and obligations regarding greening as well as the new environmental scheme (GLAS), timely advice will be on hand at the show on how forestry interacts with these schemes as application deadlines approach.

For those considering the forestry option for the first time, the show will present a great opportunity to learn about the grant schemes available and get a feel for what is involved in changing land use to forestry.

Independent advice

The Teagasc forestry advisory programme aims to provide objective and independent advisory, training and developmental support to the farm forestry sector. A key strength of the Forestry Development Department is the integration of research, training and knowledge transfer in a single department. This allows for a seamless transfer of science-based forest research directly to the landowner.

Landowners can access the Teagasc forestry advisory locally through Teagasc offices or from a very active online presence on www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

Latest research

Latest research will be outlined on tree breeding, conifer and broadleaf silviculture, site classification and on how best to prepare your forests for thinning, harvesting and marketing.

Teagasc broadleaf silviculture research officer Dr Ian Short will be at the show to present research on the establishment of broadleaf mixtures and will also present findings from research carried out on methods of remedial silviculture in broadleaf forests that need improvement.

Teagasc research staff will also be on hand to present details on conifer thinning research and also on the current Shortfor project which examines the potential of fast-growing tree species to produce biomass in short rotation (less than 20 years).

Information will also be available on the topical search for ash tree genetic resources with resistance to ash dieback (Chalara) and breeding technologies.

Forestry education

For those considering a career in forestry, Teagasc’s education department will be at the show to highlight forestry courses available at Ballyhaise College, Co Cavan, which has been providing forestry training since 1988. These include full-time FETAC-certified Level 5 and 6 courses, and short skills courses.

A forestry qualification from Ballyhaise College has provided the opportunity for many students to develop wide-ranging and interesting careers, including self-employed forestry contractors, careers in arboriculture and tree-care service, and work for established forestry management companies, while some have chosen to further their education to higher levels.

Forest owner groups

Since the mid-1990s, Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department has actively promoted and facilitated the development of forest owner groups. These groups initially set their primary objective to:

Over the years, these groups have not stood still. Many have formalised their structure into co-ops or limited companies, or simply maintained a committee. Some have chosen to remain as discussion groups and continue to meet at member-owned forests to learn from hands-on experience. Other groups have taken the brave decision to develop a business model to sell timber as a producer group while still maintaining the learning objective.

It is not easy to keep a group going; indeed, some of the original groups have ceased. Some are enjoying growing their businesses but not without challenges along the way. Others are struggling to settle on a structure and suite of services that will be economically sustainable into the future. However, these groups must be commended for their drive and commitment.

There is much to learn as groups evolve and become an important cog in a wheel that will drive the forest industry in Ireland forward. Teagasc continues to support these groups, providing technical information and advice and facilitating forest walks. The Teagasc marquee will host a forest owner group stand where groups from all around the country will be present with information on their activities and contact details on how to join up.

There will be something for everyone at the Teagasc forestry marquee. Don’t forget to enter our free competition for adults and children over the two days. We look forward to seeing you there.