Forestry

Teagasc announces post-storm timber harvesting and marketing events, April 1 - April 15
Between April 1 and 15, 2025, the Teagasc Forestry Development Department is organising a series of events to support forest owners impacted by recent storms.
14 March 2025
Teagasc supporting forest owners affected by storm damage
Irish forest owners are facing a major challenge following the recent storms, but Teagasc is here to help and committed to supporting owners throughout the recovery process, ensuring they achieve the best possible outcome for their forests. John Casey tells us more about the resources available.
10 March 2025

The implications for forest owners after Storm Éowyn
With 24,000 hectares of forestry windblown as a result of recent storms, making up 3% of the total planted forestry in Ireland, where can forest owners go from here and what support and advice is available?
03 March 2025

Updates on forestry storm damage supports
With the recently released initial estimates of the extent of forestry impacted by recent storms, John Casey and Tom Houlihan outline Teagasc Forestry Department’s focus on supporting the recovery process for forest owners and provide updates on additional supports under consideration.
28 February 2025

Update on storm damage extent and forestry felling licences
Recovery planning for impacted forests is a key focus in the aftermath of recent severe storms. In this article, Teagasc Forestry Advisor, Jonathan Spazzi, provides updates on the assessment of recent storm damage to forests at national level.
21 February 2025

Agroforestry - integrating farming and forestry
The Agroforestry option in the National Forestry Programme offers benefits including dual income streams, carbon sequestration and extended grazing/ forage opportunities. Paul Butler and Padraic O’Leary tell us more.
16 February 2025

Managing recent forestry storm damage
Storm Éowyn, which passed over Ireland on January 24, caused severe impacts on many forests. In the aftermath of this unprecedented weather event, work to quantify the extent of storm damage is progressing and the provision of support to impacted forest owners is a top priority.
14 February 2025
Teagasc supports in managing forestry storm damage
Following the severe impact of Storm Éowyn on many forests, the focus is now on the safe assessment of the scale of damage and particularly, the provision of support to forest owners affected by this weather event.
07 February 2025

How you can help save Ireland's native ash tree
Dheeraj Rathore, in a recent RTÉ Brainstorm article, highlighted the critical role of ash trees in Ireland’s biodiversity and culture. He examined the devastating impact of ash dieback disease and the ongoing efforts to preserve this iconic species.
04 February 2025

Safety first when dealing with storm damaged trees
With many on-farm trees blown down following Storm Éowyn, safety should remain the top priority. Teagasc Forestry Advisor, John Casey provides guidance on safety when operating a chainsaw and reminds readers of ongoing Teagasc advisory supports for farmers and forest owners.
31 January 2025

Dealing with storm damage
For forest owners who have experienced windblow, the most important advice is not to rush into decisions but to make a step-by-step plan to minimise risk and maximise the salvage value of your plantation. Most forests, despite being blown, can have considerable timber value.
25 January 2025
Managing Storm Damage in Your Forest: Practical Steps for Farmers
With a clear plan, professional advice, and careful management, farmers and other forest owners can effectively address storm damage, safeguard their forests, and recover as much value as possible. Tom Houlihan and John Casey tell us more.
24 January 2025

Storm Éowyn forces cancellation of CalfCare event and One-to-One Forestry Clinic
Weather warnings implemented as a result of the imminent arrival of Storm Éowyn have resulted in the cancellation of a CalfCare event in Co. Galway, and a Teagasc One-to-One Clinic on Forest Creation in Tipperary, tomorrow, January 24.
23 January 2025
Teagasc – supporting decision making on forestry options in 2025
Well planned forestry can provide financial, environmental and social benefits for farmers and landowners.
17 January 2025

Explore Forestry Opportunities at Nationwide Teagasc Forestry Advisory Clinics
A nationwide series of One to One Forestry Clinics, covering every county, will commence on January 20th. Landowners who are considering the range of excellent forest creation options can avail of a free consultation with an experienced Teagasc forestry advisor. Liam Kelly tells us more.
10 January 2025

Forestry clinics and plan for 2025
Kickstart your forestry journey in the new year! Over 30 forestry clinics nationwide will provide expert guidance. Frances McHugh, Forestry Development Officer, shares the details.
27 December 2024

Deck the Halls with Boughs of Holly
Do you know the origin of holly and its many traditions? Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, tells us all about the traditions and myths around the holly tree, from Roman times to pagans and druids.
20 December 2024

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree
Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, joins Cathal Somers and Deirdre Glynn on the Environment Edge podcast for a festive chat about the origin of the Christmas tree and its management.
15 December 2024

Research Update: Safeguarding Ireland’s ash trees
Ricardo Pimenta, Postdoctoral Researcher, and Dheeraj Rathore, Tree Improvement Research Officer, discuss their work on the newly launched AshforFuture project.
13 December 2024

Part two: Thinning of high-yielding Sitka spruce - Results from second and subsequent thinning
Dr. Niall Farrelly's two-part series on thinning high-yielding Sitka spruce in Frenchpark, Co. Roscommon, highlights the benefits of timely and progressive thinning operations, with research showing that managed thinning significantly improves tree growth, quality, and financial returns.
29 November 2024
Forestry delivering multiple benefits on Kildare beef farm
Careful planning and planting is maximising the recreational and biodiversity return from forestry on the Morrison family farm Kildare. Liam Kelly, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer tells us more.
22 November 2024

Exploring Farm Diversification: Organic Farming and Forestry
Barry Caslin, Energy & Rural Development Specialist, explains how farm diversification through options like organic farming and forestry offers Irish farmers a sustainable way to boost income, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the resilience of their businesses.
18 November 2024

Part one: Thinning of high-yielding Sitka spruce - an overview and results
In part one of a two part series, Dr Niall Farrelly, Teagasc Forestry Development Department, discusses the importance of timely thinning practices for Sitka spruce.
15 November 2024
A Role for Trees on Every Irish Farm
The DAFM Forestry Programme 2023 - 2027 provides attractive incentives and many options to incorporate trees as part of a comprehensive approach to land management, sustainability and economic resilience. Teagasc Forestry Advisor Pádraic O’Leary tells us more.
08 November 2024

Minister Hackett launches Teagasc-led project to help safeguard the future of Ireland’s ash trees
An exciting new forestry research project, AshforFuture, aimed at preserving and reviving ash trees in Ireland, was officially launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett at its kick-off meeting at Teagasc, Ashtown Research Centre, Dublin today, November 1, 2024.
01 November 2024
Using data to adapt Irish forests to a changing climate
Foresters and researchers generate vast quantities of data each year to inform decisions on all aspects of forestry, from sustainable management to tree breeding. Dr. Tomas Byrne, Tree Improvement Technologist, highlights the value of such data in addressing challenges related to climate adaptation.
25 October 2024

Great Engagement at Let’s Talk Trees’ Events, Highlighting Forestry Opportunities
The first two events of the ‘Let’s Talk Trees’ series have taken place this week in Macroom and Abbeyleix. Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, Frances Mc Hugh tells us more.
18 October 2024

Let’s Talk Trees
An informative series of town hall meetings, focusing on forestry creation options, will commence next week. Teagasc Forestry Development Officer Liam Kelly tells us more.
11 October 2024

Visit Teagasc Forestry at Ireland’s Woodland Show
Ireland’s Woodland Show, celebrating all the benefits of Irish trees and woodlands, is coming to the beautiful John F. Kennedy Arboretum, in new Ross, Co Wexford (Y34 KA48) this Friday and Saturday, October 4th and 5th.
02 October 2024

New integrated forest management systems - the Forest-MOOC-For-Change experience
Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, Jonathan Spazzi provides insights into his involvement with a Massive Open Online Course (MOOC), and the potential it has to integrate online training formats with in-forest workshops.
27 September 2024