Forestry Workshops: A new forest – getting started

Connect with your local Teagasc forestry advisor by registering for three informal online workshops to learn about starting a new forest. From Monday 15 February through March, landowners can join their local one-hour online workshops with Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department to find out more
The one-hour online workshops organised by Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department, are designed to give an understanding of what a new forest can offer, see what’s involved, and how to get started in the planting process. These sessions will be held through Zoom.
Landowners are encourage to attend all three sessions as different areas will be covered. The first sessions will be held between 15 and 24 February.
Dr Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department understands that landowners consider forestry for many reasons. That is why a land use change to forestry, like any new farm enterprise, will raise many questions. She sees it as a great opportunity for farmers to understand the requirements of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and other farm schemes before establishing a forest. These upcoming online Forestry Workshops are a great opportunity during the current lockdown to flesh out the details of how forestry might work for you.
Session 1 – Benefits of forestry
In the first session, the multiple benefits of forestry will be discussed. Landowners hear about the various and wide-ranging benefits that establishing a forest on the farm can bring. This will allow people to set their own objectives by considering and discussing what they want or need from their forest.
Session 2 – Working through a case study
The forestry advisor will look at a local case study during the second session. During this session, attendees are brought step-by-step through the process of deciding what forest type might suit a particular site keeping the particular geographical area, priorities and limitations in mind. Soil types will also be discussed.
Session 3 – How to get started
The focus of the final third session will be on the practical steps involved. Grants, Grant eligibility, grant structures and rates, interaction with other farm schemes and engaging a forester will be looked at.
Liam Kelly, Forestry Advisor with Teagasc says “There are different forestry support measures available fulfilling different purposes. It is essential that an owner knows and understands their own objectives of what they want from their forest or woodland.”
It is recommended to attend your 'local' virtual workshops, as discussions regarding locations, possibilities and potential restrictions in the area are more relevant.
To see the exact details of dates for these local events and to REGISTER see www.teagasc.ie/forestryworkshops . Following registration, people will receive a link by email a few days prior to the first session to access the workshop sessions via zoom.