“Talking Hardwoods” - where forest owners meet hardwood users

A Hardwood Marketing Event entitled ‘Talking Hardwoods’ will take place on Tuesday, 15 November, at the Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix, Co Laois. This event is organised by the Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department, and comes at a time when many of the broadleaf woodlands planted in Ireland since the early 1990s are now approaching thinning. Quality is key in the production of valuable hardwood timber.

Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department said: “It is timely for Teagasc to organise an event bringing together broadleaf growers and users of hardwood timber. This event will assist in the development of a much needed, indigenous hardwood market in Ireland.”

When growing broadleaf trees, appropriate management results in the production of quality timber. Management techniques include formative shaping, high pruning, marking of potential crop trees and thinning at the correct stage.

Early broadleaf thinning is facilitated by the Woodland Improvement Grant, together with the demand for firewood. As crops develop through further thinning, logs from the removed trees will gradually become suitable for higher value end uses.

Liam Kelly, Forestry Advisor with Teagasc who is organising this event, explained what people can expect on the day: “The event will commence with a number of demonstrations of various hardwood uses. Participants will also have the opportunity to view Irish hardwood products.”

He added: “These demonstrations will be followed by presentations from Teagasc and industry personnel on the management, uses and requirements of the hardwood industry.”

The following topics will be discussed:

• The existing broadleaf resource
• Producing quality timber
• Harvesting practices
• Current and developing markets

There will be ample networking opportunities to meet with various organisations, users, contractors and timber buyers who will have stands at this venue.

Teagasc looks forward to meeting you all on Tuesday, 15 November. Registration commences at 9.30am and the event will run from 10am to 2.30pm. This indoor event is free.

For further information, contact Liam Kelly, Teagasc, Mullingar on 087 9090495 or visit Forestry.