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A nationwide series of 17 Teagasc forest walks is currently
ongoing.
The walks are highlighting the importance of managing plantations
better to maximise returns. Head of Teagasc's Forestry Development
Unit, Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta, said - "Forestry
is like all other farm enterprises - the better it is managed,
the more benefits accrue. Managing farm forests well results
in good prices for the quality timber produced."
The events are organised by Teagasc in association with the
Forest Service and cover a range of topics including -
- Conifer Management
- FEPS
- Native Woodland Scheme
- Forest Roads
- Preparation for First Thinnings
- Forest Maintenance of a Young Crop
- Shaping of Broadleaves
- Preparation for Second Thinning and High Pruning - and
- Shaping and Tending of Ash.
The Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS) makes forestry
an attractive land-use option for some farmers who can receive
an additional FEPS premium of up to €200 per hectare
of woodland planted, regardless of farm size, subject to a
minimum of five or eight hectares being planted.
The Native Woodland Scheme provides financial support for
landowners to promote biodiversity and supports a wide range
of other benefits and functions arising from native woodlands
- relating to landscape, cultural heritage, wood and non-wood
products and services, the practice of traditional woodland
management techniques, environmental education and carbon
sequestration.
To help facilitate the construction of a harvest road, grant
aid may be available under the Forest Road Scheme administered
by the Forest Service. The grant is designed to cover a maximum
of 80 per cent of the cost of construction.
Nuala Ní Fhlatharta has urged all forest owners to
come along to this countrywide series of farm forest walks
and see at first-hand how good forest management can help
increase financial returns.
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