15 March 2023
Spring Forest Walks 2023
Exploring Forest Types 12-28 April
Event
Teagasc in association with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) are organising a nationwide series of forest walks from 12 to 28 April.
The walks will explore a wide range of opportunities for new forest creation in the proposed Forestry Programme 2023-2027. During the walks, forestry experts from Teagasc and the Department will discuss different forest types in terms of their objectives, design, management, environmental and practical characteristics.
Forest walk details including individual registration links can be found in the table below.
Background
People plant forests for a host of very different reasons and considerations. These may include timber production, biodiversity, recreation, climate mitigation or leaving a legacy.
Forests take many years to mature, gradually delivering more and more ecosystem services which the owner and their family can experience and enjoy while benefiting their local community.
Forest Types
The forest creation element in the proposed Forestry Programme 2023-2027 encompasses 12 “Forest Types” with afforestation grants and annual premiums for farmers and landowners.
The spring forest walks will visit different forest types including:
- Native Forests (Forest Type 1) – creating new native forests on green field sites focusing on the planting of native tree species to expand Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity.
- Agroforestry (Forest Type 8) – combining farming and forestry in the same fields allowing farming activities to continue while growing a quality crop of trees with a range of environmental and practical benefits.
- Mixed High Forests with mainly spruce (Forest Type 12) – supporting sustainable timber production, enhancing farm incomes from marginal land and providing a range of ecosystem services.
Details of forest walks
The Teagasc spring forest walks will provide guidance to farmers and landowners considering planting a new forest, and those who have already planted, on the practicalities of establishment as well as later management.
Prior registration is required. Upon registration, you will receive an email with meeting point details including an Eircode.
Most walks start at 11.00 am and will take approx. two hours. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.
| County | Nearest town | Date and start time | Forest type(s) visited | Registration link (via Eventbrite) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cavan | Cavan | Saturday April 15 at 10am |
Native Forests Mixed High Forests of conifers and broadleaves Please note different start time |
Registration closed |
| Cork | Mallow | Wednesday April 19 | Young oak broadleaf establishment Mature woodland conservation area |
Registration closed |
| Donegal | Ramelton | Thursday April 20 | Native Forests Mixed High Forests of conifers and broadleaves |
Registration closed |
| Galway | Headford | Thursday April 27 | Agroforestry Native Forests |
Registration closed |
| Limerick | Caherconlish | Friday April 28 | Continuous Cover Forestry | Registration closed |
| Tipperary | Cappawhite | Wednesday April 12 | Mixed High Forests of conifers and broadleaves | Registration closed |
| Westmeath | Mullingar | Wednesday April 19 | Mixed High Forests of conifers and broadleaves | Registration closed |
| Wicklow | Avoca | Tuesday April 18 | Mixed High Forests of conifers and broadleaves | Registration closed |
Planting trees and forests is more important than ever. There is a forest type to suit everyone.