Upland Management Event
Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in conjunction with the Cork Wildfire Co-operative Group (CWCG), have organised an upland management event, including a controlled burning demo, on 7 November 2018, in the Millstreet Country Park, Millstreet, Co Cork.
The nature, extent and frequency of land burning, and the habitats in which this activity occurs are contentious issues and impact on overall land productivity. Reconciling the differing objectives of farming, forestry, safety, conservation, public recreation and limited emergency resources requires a clear understanding of each of these objectives and respective perceptions.
The emphasis on the day will be on best practice and a co-operative approach. A live demonstration of upland management techniques such as tractor-mounted mulching and controlled burning (weather permitting) should be of particular interest to landowners.
This event is a KT-approved Beef & Sheep Teagasc/Forest Service event, covering topics such as:
- Upland farming
- Environmental management
- Fire safety
- Controlled burning techniques
Venue: Millstreet Country Park, Millstreet, Co Cork. Eircode P51 T652
Date: Wednesday, 7 November 2018
Duration: 11:30am (sharp) to 2:30pm
The venue will be signposted on the day. Please bring appropriate outdoor gear.
The controlled burning demonstration will highlight:
- The need to prepare a fire plan
- How to prepare a site
- The need for suitable weather conditions
- How to prepare fire breaks
- Techniques to manage and control a fire.
Since 2011, the Cork Wildfire Co-operative Group (CWCG) have organised localised prescribed burning training and demonstrations and have conducted media campaigns using local papers, posters, radio and meetings as a way of reaching landowners and informing them of the inherent dangers, and the legislative frame works that all parties have to work within. Multi-agency fire training and awareness events have also been held in Kerry, Wicklow, Laois and Louth.
The CWCG, in conjunction with the Kerry Wildfire Interagency Group, have led discussions on how the burning of mountain vegetation can be done in a safe way while working within the legislative framework that currently exists.
Group participants to date include the IFA, Teagasc, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, An Garda Síochána, Muintir na Tíre, local authorities, Cork Environmental Forum, Fire and Rescue Services, the NPWS and Coillte. There continues to be a very strong emphasis on cooperation between the landowners and state agencies as well as developing a shared understanding of the issues and opportunities to work together.