Let’s Talk Trees – forest establishment info evening in Navan

Opportunities for landowners to plant new forests will be the focus of ‘Let’s Talk Trees’, a public information meeting in the Ardboyne Hotel, Navan on Tuesday, November 4 at 7pm.

This meeting organised by Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM), will highlight the opportunities for farmers and landowners under the current forestry programme. The meeting will be attended by Minister of State with responsibility for forestry, Michael Healy-Rae, TD.

Landowners may consider establishing a forest for many reasons, supplementing farm income, farm restructuring, creating biodiverse native woodlands, developing a retirement fund.

Liam Kelly, local Teagasc forestry adviser, said: "Forestry continues to be a highly attractive land use option, making your marginal land work for you. Forestry is a long-term investment taking many years to mature but in doing so delivers ecosystem goods and services such as carbon sequestration, biodiversity enhancement, recreation, air quality improvement, as well as timber production."

Creating a forest, like any new farm enterprise, will raise questions.. This Teagasc meeting is an ideal opportunity to explore how forestry and woodland creation can work for you. It will open with two short presentations followed by a conversation between Minister Healy-Rae and a forest owner.

2023-2027 Afforestation Grant and Premium scheme

How forestry fits in with your farm and farming schemes

The personal experience and thoughts of a forest owner

There will be an opportunity for a private and personalised one-to-one consultation with DAFM and Teagasc forestry staff.