Teagasc: what local forestry owners need to know

This has been a demanding year for forest owners, what with storm damage, reforestation and Ash Dieback issues. Teagasc Forestry Advisory staff are available to provide guidance to forest owners affected by these concerns.

More than 26,000 ha of forestry was damaged by storms Darragh and Éowyn, causing windblow to an estimated nine million cubic metres (m³) of timber. County Longford was hit quite strongly by both storms.

With professional advice, the development of a step-by-step plan and careful management, farmers and other forest owners will be best placed to address storm damage, to minimise risk and to recover as much value as possible.

The total area of ash woodlands and plantations in Ireland was estimated at 24,350 hectares in the 2023 National Forest Inventory. Ash Dieback has significantly affected those areas and is expected to continue spreading.

If you own an ash forest affected by the disease and planted with a grant from DAFM, support is available through the Reconstitution for Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027 and the Climate Action Performance Payment (CAPP) of €5,000 per hectare.

In Ireland, clearfelling and subsequent replanting are governed by the Forestry Act 2014.

Applicants who receive a felling licence are legally obliged to replant the land after clearfelling, unless an exemption is granted.

A felling licence will usually specify details of how and when replanting should occur. In certain circumstances, financial assistance may be available to assist with reforestation.

Landowners who may be considering establishing a forest can avail of a range of attractive grants (€3,858- €11,044) and annual premium categories (€746- €1,142) under the Forestry Programme 2023-2027.

There are many options in relation to forest establishment- from native forests to agroforestry and mainly conifer forests. The most suitable forestry type will depend on the individual landowner’s preferences and the proposed planting area characteristics.

If you what to discuss any of the above issues, book an appointment to a private and independent consultation.

• Teagasc hold a Forestry Clinic in the Mullingar Teagasc Office (N91 PK10) on Tuesday 2 September to provide one-to one consultations with an experienced forestry adviser. Booking is essential. Contact Teagasc, Mullingar on 044 9340721.