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Exploring markets for small-diameter broadleaf trees

Broadleaf species make up almost 29% of Ireland’s forest area with most of the broadleaf farm forests planted in the last twenty years. To explore the markets for small-diameter broadleaf trees, Teagasc has organised a webinar to focus entirely on broadleaf forests, which will take place on Thursday, 15 October at 11.30 am.

Speaking in advance of the webinar, Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta, Head of the Teagasc Forestry Development Department said: “As our young broadleaf resource develops further, there is now a need for the development of market outlets for this new resource. There are several very good reasons for doing so: reduce our reliance on imported hardwoods, encourage best practice, increase forest profitability and therefore sustainability, support the rural economy, lock carbon for the long-term into valuable hardwood products and develop diverse and productive broadleaf forests.”

This webinar is part of the Hardwood Focus initiative. Broadleaf forest owners in Limerick and Tipperary started a discussion group in 2018 with Teagasc facilitation, DAFM support and GMIT collaboration. They are members of the Limerick Tipperary Woodland Owners (LTWO) Group.

Participants in the group are actively managing their broadleaf woodlands. Many have already carried out one or more thinning operations. They are now looking to explore markets to add value.

With the assistance of Teagasc and DAFM support, the group has engaged with a range of activities. These include a study tour to Wales in 2019 to meet hardwood producers and development agencies and log testing in 2020 in collaboration with GMIT.

To register visit www.teagasc.ie/hardwoodfocus

Webinar programme

11.30 am: Short video featuring Ailbhe Gerrard, member of the Limerick Tipperary Woodland Owners
11.35 am: Introduction by Dr Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of the Forestry Development Department, Teagasc
11.40 am:  New broadleaf woodlands in Ireland and the Hardwood Focus initiative
Jonathan Spazzi, Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc
11.50 am:  Small-diameter hardwood research and linking with hardwood users
Sean Garvey, Furniture Design Lecturer, GMIT Letterfrack
12.00 pm: Commercial hardwood production in the UK: history and outlook
Dermot Doyne, Manager, Whitney Sawmills, Herefordshire, UK
12.10 pm: Q and A session 
12.30 pm: End