Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 9 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2019

CLIMATE ACTION The role of forests & wood

FORESTRY AND DAIRY Handsome yield for Kilkenny Dairy Farmer

DEER MANAGEMENT Factors in forest design

>> SEE PAGE 48

>> SEE PAGE 66

>> SEE PAGE 18

Forestry& Energy REVIEW Volume 9 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2019 Price €3.95. £2.95 (Stg)

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Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry& Energy REVIEW Volume 9 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2019 Price €3.95. £2.95 (Stg)

Features

18 Deer Management and Forest Design Deer management is a complex undertaking requiring a long term integrated response, writes Ciaran Nugent.

26 Forest Industries Ireland (FII) At a time of huge growth, a new trade association is formed to represent the industry writes Mark McAuley

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18

30 LIFOR - Lidar Integrated Forecasting

LiFOR is a new research project aiming to develop improved ways of estimating the amount of timber Ireland’s Private Forest Estate will produce into the future. By UCD & Coillte.

36 Forestry Careers: Five Real Case Studies

Professional education leads to sustainable careers in forestry writes Tom Kent of Waterford Institute of Technology.

42 Forestry Farming - The Tax Considerations

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elcome to the Spring/Summer Edition of Forestry & Energy Review Magazine. At the time of going to press it appears that the immediate arrival of a hard Brexit seems to have gone away for now. Maybe it will be like the millennium bug and just not happen. Forest Industries Ireland: This new trade association, a new business sector within IBEC will represent the industry at a time of growth to government and ensure that the forestry program is continued and extended. With 21,000 forest owners and output expected to double it is critical that a unified voice at time of Brexit and other challenges is presented and enable the UK market share to continue to grow. Careers in Forestry: Sometimes it is best to hear a story from the person who is living the life. This is exactly what we have with five diverse real- life experiences from recent graduate who are carving out their pathway through life in the forestry sector. Deer Management and Forest Design: This The Publisher: Denis Lane Editorial: Denis Lane Tel. + 353 91 777222 Email: denislane999@gmail.com Contributors: Noel Kennedy Teagasc Ciaran Nugent DAFM Mark McAuley IBEC

66 48 Forests and Wood In

While there are tax advantages to investing in forestry, there are also pitfalls to bear in mind, explains Declan McEvoy.

Marie Doyle UCD Edwin Corrigan UCD Charles Harper UCD Ciaran Walsh UCD Daniel McInerney UCD Maarten Nieuenhuis UCD Tom Kent WIT Amanda Sosa WIT Declan McEvoy IFAC Arthur Byrne ESB

is becoming an increasing challenge especially with the increase in proportion of hardwoods being planted. Ciaran Nugent writes that the initial design of the plantation will need to take the animals into account and possibly plan to make it an additional source of income as well as a challenge that needs to be managed into the future. CONFOR 2019 Last September we represented our magazine customers in the UK by exhibiting at APF2018 This year it will be the Confor Woodland Show at Longleat Estate in September. If you do travel to the show, please call and say hello… We trust you enjoy reading this publication which will continue to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors. Until the next time……… The Publisher Forestry & Energy Review Networks Tom Houlihan Teagasc Michael Somers Teagasc Richard Walsh Teagasc Karl Coggins DAFM Distribution: EM News Newspread

Published by: Dawn Media Ltd, 2 Barrack St Clarinbridge Co Galway Tel. + 353 91 777 222 Email: denislane999@gmail.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2019 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

Climate

For landowners and forest managers, the increased recognition of land use in climate action presents a number of opportunities.

50 Fight Fire with Fire

The development of a broad fire management culture in Ireland is essential writes Ciaran Nugent.

52 Forestry Operations in the vicinity of Overhead Electricity Lines

Safe working practices must be implemented when carrying out forestry work where there are electricity wires and cables. There are no second chances with electricity because these wires are always ‘live’ and even coming close can result in serious injury or death.

54 International Project Supporting Forest Contractor Business Management and Innovation Improving business and operational efficiency is key to sustainability of all stages of the forest value chain writes Amanda Sosa and Tom Kent of WIT.

66 Timber Yields A Handsome Dividend For Kilkenny Dairy Farm

Michael Owens milks 125 cows with his brother Martin near Castlecomer in North Kilkenny. Recently, a land-use decision that was taken by their late father almost thirty years earlier to plant some forestry has yielded a handsome dividend.

Forestry&Energy

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News

NEW FORESTRY MODULE IN TEAGASC CERTIFICATE IN AGRICULTURE COURSES

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inister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD launched a new Forestry Module in the Teagasc Certificate in Agriculture programme at the Teagascexhibition at the 2018 National Ploughing Championships. In launching the new Forestry Module, Minister Doyle said that the forestry option can provide multiple benefits as a complementary enterprise on the farm. It is very timely and appropriate that this additional forestry module is now available to raise awareness of on-farm opportunities for young farmers of the future. This module, along with other forestry course components, will be delivered by newly-appointed Teagasc Forestry Liaison Officer, Richard Walsh. The role of the forestry liaison officer will be to assist in the development and delivery of forestry education and awareness-raising in the Agricultural Education Awards System and other relevant sectors.

of stops where a range of topics from felling licences and forest roads to the reasons for thinning and thinning systems was addressed by speakers from Teagasc and DAFM including Dr. Ian Short, Teagasc broadleaf researcher. With all Ash trees now under threat from Ash die-back (Hymenocyphus fraxineus), the event highlighted both conventional and alternative thinning approaches to encourage longer term tree retention, timber production including hurley butts and, in some systems the underplanting of new broadleaf trees.Alternative thinning systems included group felling with circular coupes, free growth and band thinning, with under- planting using suitable broadleaf species eg Beech, providing the next generation of trees contributing to woodland sustainability and resilience.

“FUTURE PROOFING YOUR FOREST” EVENTS Active and timely forest management including thinning is essential to encourage robust forest health and development and promote longer term forest resilience. This was the message to over 400 forest owners who attended two recent “future proofing your forest” events, organised by Teagasc designed to provide an opportunity to see first hand the best methods and practices for the thinning of Ash and Norway spruce. Ash management event, Ballyhaise College, Co.Cavan – October 2018 Based in a 24 year old Ash plantation on the grounds of Ballyhaise College, broadleaf forest owners were brought through a series

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News The safe use of chainsaws and the opportunities for value added hardwood timber production using modern mobile sawmill technology were important topics also addressed.

Preparation and thinning of Norway spruce event, Tullamore – November 2018

Norway spruce is an important conifer species growing in the Midlands as it is more tolerant to late spring and early autumn frosts. Held on the plantation of the 2018 RDS Production Forestry Award winner Aisling Minnock, the event focussed on the preparation of Norway spruce for thinning and the impact of different thinning treatments on the development and economics of the crop. Groups of forest owners were brought through a series of stops where a range of topics from felling licences and forest roads to the reasons for thinning and thinning systems was addressed by speakers from Teagasc including Dr. Niall Farrelly, Teagasc forest researcher and forestry consultant Jim Crowley.

The Norway spruce thinning trial conducted by Dr. Farrelly was a central element of the event with the findings to date from different thinning treatments generating much interest and discussion. Based on a combination of systematic and low thinning and comparing different levels of thinning intensity i.e. % of timber volume removed, including a no thin scenario, the research showed dramatic differences between treatments on timber production, log quality and revenue returns. The logistics of forwarder timber extraction and general harvesting logistics of large plantations was discussed by Denis Hennessy with the circuit finishing with a discussion about timber categories, uses and current timber prices. As usual at both events there was a significant presence of forestry trade stands and timber industry representatives who were available to talk to the forest owners and answer whatever questions they might have.

New Leaflets Promote Forest Safety

An important series of new forestry safety guidance leaflets was launched by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA) in October 2018. Launched at a HSA Forestry Safety Seminar, held in Athenry, Co. Galway, and aimed at improving health and safety practices when harvesting and felling trees, the new publications reflect the recent increase in work activity in private forests which poses new challenges to landowners, contractors and workers. The leaflets were developed by the HSA in consultation with the HSA Forestry working group which included representatives from HSA, Teagasc, Coillte, ESB and North West Forest Services Farm Safety Advisory Committee. The leaflets have been adapted for Irish use by kind permission of the UK’s Forest Industry Safety Accord (FISA). The ten new safety guides address a range of topics including the use of chainsaws when felling and crosscutting trees, extraction by forwarder, mechanical harvesting and working safely with electricity in forests.

Forest owner Aisling Minnock welcomes participants to the Teagasc Norway spruce thinning demonstration on her RDS award winning forest in Tullamore

Product News

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current customers. The company has two fully equipped service vans on the road and three full time fitters to ensure the Irish contractors are getting the best possible service available. Also with the full dedicated workshop with two service bays in their base in Emo, Co. Laois no job proves to be too big. They also have a full back up of spare parts in their premises and with extremely fast delivery times on spare parts customers can plan daily and weekly maintenances with little to no stress. Ponsse has taken off as a brand in Ireland, where plantations and therefore the harvesting of trees is becoming increasingly popular which is a direct result of the private forestry drive that was instigated in the early 1990s. Today there are 14,000 people employed in the forestry sector and 40% of the stock is privately-owned. With timber prices up the demand for high quality, reliable forestry machines is strong and the contractors can have the peace of mind knowing they are dealing with a global manufacturer that deals exclusively in forestry machines. With a large selection of machines to choose from, the most popular being the PONSSE Scorpion and the PONSSE Wisent in the Irish market, customers can get a machine tailor made to suit their specific needs in a very demanding environment. All machines sold can be done so with a PONSSE Active Care service agreement which allows Ponsse to take care of the scheduled service and machine optimization while the contractor solely concentrates on harvesting. PONSSE Active Care service agreements greatly increase the resale value of the machine and allow the customer to avoid any unexpected service costs that they may have over looked. Find out more at www.ponsse.com

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News Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry, Andrew Doyle, T.D., welcomed the publication by the HSA of the new forestry safety guidance leaflets. He noted that people working in the forestry sector are exposed to several safety and health hazards, including handling of heavy loads, working outdoors in a challenging environment, felling trees using chainsaws and lone working. Minister of State Doyle urged all those working in the forestry sector to take all necessary precautions and to avail of the information and advice provided by the HSA, Teagasc and forestry groups. The new Irish Forestry safety Guides are available to download at https://www.hsa.ie/eng/Publications_ and_Forms/Publications/Agriculture_and_Forestry/ or at https://www.teagasc.ie/ crops/forestry/advice/timberharvesting/

Teagasc Forestry National Events Schedule 2019 April 29th – May 10th – Early Management Walks April/May – RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award event TBC June 11th – Talking Timber, Charleville Park Hotel, Charleville, Co. Cork June 13th – Talking Timber, Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois June 26th – Forestry presence at Crops Open Day, Teagasc Oak Park, Co. Carlow July 10th – Ash Management Day, Callan, Co. Kilkenny August 11th - Forestry Village, Tullamore Show August 20th – Forestry Presence at Energy in Agriculture, Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary September 17th - 19th – Forestry Presence at Teagasc stand, National Ploughing Championships, Fenagh, Co. Carlow October – Forest Research Demonstrations, Teagasc Oak Park, Co. Carlow

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Forestry&Energy

For more information and updates please see teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/events/

Strong Teagasc Presence At Energy And Agriculture 2018 The potential of forestry to contribute to the supply of sustainable renewable energy on Irish farms and agribusiness was highlighted at Energy and Agriculture 2018 held in August. Now established as Ireland’s largest energy event for the farming community it attracted over 3000 attendees and 69 exhibitors to Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary. Teagasc Forestry Development Department was strongly represented in recognition of the opportunity the event offers to promote forestry as a sustainable and viable alternative and compatible farm enterprise. The wide cross section of farmers representing a range of farm enterprises and representatives from the wider industry availed of information from the Forestry Development Department stand. With a focus on getting timber from farm forests to market and promoting afforestation Teagasc forestry advisers and researchers were widely consulted for advice on a range of topics with a particular focus on thinning and timber supply for energy and afforestation options. Local Teagasc forestry adviser Michael Somers co-ordinated the forestry stand and other Teagasc activities at Energy in Agriculture 2018 and Steven Meyen, forestry adviser gave a well-received presentation on Timber Supply Opportunities from Farm Forestry. Teagasc Forestry Development Department looks forward to seeing you at Energy in Agriculture 2019 in Gurteen College, Co. Tipperary on Tuesday 20th August 2019.

News

McHale Plant Sales Foresees Wider Forestry Role

The potential that forestry and timber processing has for job creation and as an outlet for investment has been highlighted by a leading figure in the sector.

The Komatsu wheeled harvester – one of the high-profile models in the Komatsu Forest machinery range being marketed in Ireland by McHale Plant Sales.

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ddressing a company conference on the topic, Michael McHale, director of construction and forestry equipment distributor, McHale Plant Sales of Birdhill and Rathcoole, pinpointed what he said are “The opportunities waiting to be grasped by those with the qualifications and resources necessary to help the industry expand and achieve its full potential.” Praising the work being done by Coillte and private sector operators – as well as those engaged in providing knowledge, training and support funding for those choosing to become involved in the industry - McHale highlighted what he said are “The enormous advances being made at all levels, not least in the growing awareness of forestry amongst the public from a landscape, recreational and environmental perspective.” A relatively new entrant to the industry resulting from their appointment in 2017 as distributors for the Komatsu Forest range of timber harvesters and forwarders, McHale Plant Sales has already recorded a significant demand for new machinery with double-digit unit sales in 2018 alone.

farmers, investors and entrepreneurs, on the other, to place even greater focus on forestry and the future opportunities it offers, McHale said:“In terms of its appeal, our short involvement in the industry has shown the spread of opportunities existing in the sector. From land sourcing to tree species selection and planting through to production sales, exporting and end-user applications, forestry is somewhat unique in terms of its variety and appeal.Along that road,the complex tasks involved in forest management and onwards to opportunities in timber harvesting and processing, only enhance its appeal.” In building upon its work in representing Komatsu Forest, McHale Plant Sales foresees opportunities to expand its involvement in the sector by bringing expertise and its broader portfolio of equipment into use in other facets of forestry operations. Most notably amongst these is the process of forest floor clearance, ground reclamation and preparation for re-planting in which regard, units from the Komatsu construction equipment and Terex Ecotec shredder ranges are felt to have applications.

“The enormous advances being made at all levels, not least in the growing awareness of

forestry amongst the public from a landscape, recreational and environmental perspective” Driving this demand, McHale says, was natural growth within the sector coupled with investment in replacement plant in anticipation of even better times ahead.“Facing into 2019, forward orders would suggest that even higher levels are possible this year,” he added. Since entering the forestry sector, McHale claims to have raised the position of Komatsu to“a whole new level”,not least through what he termed “our capacity to handle trade-ins and provide ‘root and branch’ technical support”. Doing the business for them is the 901, 931 and 951 harvester series, machines said to be popular with ‘tonnage-conscious, high-output’ contractors, and their hard wearing 835, 845 and 855 forwarders whose ability to work in difficult forest floor conditions has been noted. Encouraging educationalists and young people, on the one hand, and 10

Forestry&Energy

News Popular Forest & Energy Section At Tullamore Show 2018 Now firmly established as Ireland’s largest one day agricultural show over 60,000 visitors flocked to the Tullamore Show 2018 and once again the Forest and Energy Section, organised by Teagasc, proved a popular attraction. Planned and co-ordinated by local Teagasc forestry adviser Liam Kelly the dedicated forestry area presented a range of forestry and renewable energy themes contributing to a sustainable living environment. Twenty forestry and renewable energy businesses were represented with trade stands showcasing Ireland’s rapidly developing farm forestry and renewable energy sectors. From the latest in timber harvesting and processing equipment to renewable heating solutions not to mention free advice and information from Teagasc where there was a strong emphasis on afforestation promotion there was something for everyone with an interest sustainable forests and eco-friendly lifestyles. The Forest and Energy Section goes from strength to strength and is now established as an important part of this major agricultural event.

Promoting Best Management Of Our Uplands

vegetation. Controlled burning is one of the most important and effective upland management tools and on a prepared demonstration site Ciarán Nugent (DAFM) demonstrated the equipment necessary to safely carry out a controlled burn, such as fire retardant clothing, beaters and fire drip torches. The emphasis was on best practice and a co-operative approach. Of particular interest to landowners was the tractormounted mulching demonstration, one of a number of upland management tools mentioned. The nature, extent and frequency of land burning, and the habitats in which this activity occurs are contentious issues with impacts on land use, productivity, biodiversity and the landscape. Since 2011, CWCG have been organising local prescribed burning training and demonstrations for upland farmers and running active media campaigns to inform farmers and landowners of the inherent dangers of uncontrolled burning and the legislative frameworks that all parties have to work within. There continues to be a very strong emphasis on cooperation between the landowners and state agencies while developing a shared understanding of the issues and opportunities to work together. Group participants to date include the IFA, Teagasc, the Forest Service, DAFM, An Garda Síochána, Muintir na Tíre, local authorities, Cork Environmental Forum, Fire and Rescue Services, the NPWS and Coillte.

Teagasc & the Forest Service (DAFM), in conjunction with the Cork Wildfire Co-operative Group (CWCG), attracted over 80 farmers and landowners to an important event to promote best practice in upland management in Millstreet Country Park, Co. Cork in November. Also approved as a Beef/Sheep Knowledge Transfer event, speakers addressed a range of upland management topics. Anthony Dineen from Teagasc discussed upland farming, environmental management issues were addressed by Dr. Allan Mee, IRD Duhallow Raptor LIFE Project, Finbarr McNulty, Cork Fire Service focussed on fire safety with John Casey, Teagasc forestry adviser outlining techniques for the controlled burning of upland

Discussing best practice in upland management Millstreet, Co. Cork

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News Forest Walks – The Importance Of Managing Young Forests Forest owners and landowners are invited to a nationwide series of forest walks organised by Teagasc in association with DAFM focusing on the management of young forests. The walks will be held from 29th April to 10th May 2019. Successful establishment of young forests is essential to their longer term development and a key factor in maximising returns from the sale of timber. The aim of these walks is to provide guidance to forest owners with trees at this early stage of development and to communicate the importance of having an ongoing active role in the management of their forests - even where the management of the forest has been subcontracted out for the first four years. This nationwide series of forest walks will be of particular interest to landowners who have planted in the last few years. However the walks should also be of interest for owners of older plantations and farmers and landowners who are considering planting some land. When and where? Forest walk details will be available in early March on the Teagasc forestry website www.teagasc.ie/forestry

Teagasc Hosts Annual Forest Owners Group Workshop The annual Forest Owners Group Workshop, facilitated by the Teagasc Forestry Development Department, was held in Tullamore in November. The workshop was attended by representatives from nine active Forest Owners Groups and provided an important forum for groups to outline their current activities and to share practical and business experiences. Speakers from Teagasc and DAFM updated group members on a range of current developments including the Teagasc forestry promotional campaign and forestry KTGs. There was also a presentation on the Master Woodland Manager Programme run in Oregon and the potential for a similar programme in Ireland. The workshop also provided for constructive dialogue with Teagasc

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to develop a better understanding of the groups’ development and identify particular needs and issues. Feedback from the groups using the workshop format helps to shape the design and theme of future Teagasc events and elements of business planning to optimise technical support to the Groups.

Strong Demand For Teagasc Forestry Clinics Teagasc forestry advisers provided advice and information about planting and management at over 350 consultations during a very busy recent nationwide series of Teagasc Forestry Advisory Clinics. Additional clinics were required to meet demand for information on forestry. The one-to-one clinics held in January provided the opportunity for farmers, landowners and forest owners to explore their forestry options and receive independent and objective advice during a confidential consultation with experienced Teagasc forestry advisers. New planting enquiries made up more than half of all consultations with farmers and landowners seeking information on the many planting options offered under the Forestry Programme and the range of attractive establishment grants and annual premium categories available. Noel Kennedy, Teagasc forestry adviser based in Roscommon said; “There was an increased level of interest from farmers looking seriously at forestry. Not only from an income perspective but also how it can contribute longer term to sustainable farming.” He added; “Nonfarmers are surprised how attractive forestry is and are now seriously looking at it as a more productive use of their land which they wish to keep in the family.” The next most common topics raised at the clinics involved farmers and landowners with forestry already planted. They were seeking advice and information on how best to manage their conifer and broadleaf forests. Encouraged by the current strong market for conifer timber, forest owners sought information on thinning, selling timber and market options. The clinics also provided an opportunity for those attending to subscribe to Teagasc’s forestry E-newsletter. This is a free email newsletter provided by Teagasc which provides regular updates on the latest developments in Irish forestry. To subscribe please go to www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

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Deer Management

Deer Management and Forest Design Deer management is a complex undertaking requiring a long term integrated response Writes Ciaran Nugent

D

Aerial image showing use of managed open space for deer management purposes. (Image Google Maps)

eer are now a significant constraint on forestry objectives in many parts of Ireland, and can exert influence on species selection and silviculture away from optimal choices, particularly the use of broadleaf species. If current public demands for more diverse forests and forest management models are to be met, very significant reductions of deer populations will be required in many areas to accommodate these. However, as we have learned in recent years, deer management is a complex undertaking, requiring a longterm integrated response and considerable resolve by landowners and forest managers to implement. There are no simple solutions. The issue is complex at many levels. There are several species of deer, each of which behaves and responds differently to management

levels of concern, political activity and local level actions demanding responses to the issues. A consistent, well planned and transparent approach is essential to achieving population reductions and subsequent management and maintenance of these. Simply running off into the hills in a blaze of publicity to attempt to arrange a big deer cull doesn’t work. Mechanisms are required to target deer activity, to permit monitoring and measurement of deer impacts, and to report implement accountability over hunting activity. None of these activities are simple, and require a huge degree of stakeholder involvement, support and cooperation to achieve.

“management of human stakeholders is the most complex issue” activity and disturbance. There are many different types of land use, each with its own deer management requirements also. While the primary objective of deer management is to reduce and maintain deer populations at tolerable levels, these levels may vary significantly between locales, and indeed some locations may actually demand a higher population that would be otherwise tolerable, due to tourism, recreational hunting and visitor attraction requirements. Most critically, the levels of deer tolerance differ greatly between stakeholders. For example, farmers have been shown to have a very low tolerance of deer populations, even at relatively low population levels. Where population levels are actually high, this has led to heightened 18

Forestry&Energy

Open Space areas with ‘clean’ edges are perfect for deer.

Deer Management resources and focus are required. It is important that before forest owners, managers and contractors engage with other stakeholders, that they are aware of what their own deer management objectives are. The forestry sector is unique among these stakeholders since we have the ability to shape and influence the landscapes and habitats that deer utilise, through forest design, species choice and silviculture. Very often the decisions we make can have long lasting effects on deer populations, and our ability to manage these over time. Foresters and forest owners must be deer-wise at every decision, and be aware that all of these decisions and outcomes connect and interact at every level of landscape. Deer are wildlife, and respond no differently to other wildlife

Impacts of prolonged high deer pressures can be catastrophic. All of the Ash trees in this photograph have been completely ringed and are likely to die off.

Deer Management

Deer management is largely a human organisational challenge. Objectives of deer management must be clearly defined and agreed between key stakeholders, particularly hunters and landowners. This is easier said than done, and several years of work by Deer management groups and projects in Co. Wicklow were required to even partially define common objectives and actions by different stakeholder groups. In general, when it comes to deer management, management of human stakeholders is the most complex issue, and where most energy,

Modern mixed-use Irish Landscapes provide an excellent breeding ground for deer with ample food and cover.

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Deer Management to forest management inputs. The basic rules of forest biodiversity management – species selection, open space allowances, edge effects and habitat connectivity can be harnessed to influence deer behaviour and subsequent management. In this regard the current suite of forest biodiversity measures is a useful toolbox for deer-wise forest design. Careful design of plantations can assist subsequent deer culling and extraction, and facilitate the assessment of deer activity and the safe use of firearms in the forest environment. Knowing the type of features that deer like to use, and when, is a prerequisite for effective and efficient hunting. Ultimately, deer management comes down to killing the right types of animals in the right numbers to impact on

Modern, flexible approaches to deer fencing can reduce costs and increase fencing effectiveness, while fitting into the landforms. Traditional high tensile fencing is unsuitable for difficult terrain.

Forest Design Open space deer lawns with good grazing are vital to deer monitoring and control

population dynamics. This is best achieved through the targeting of breeding age female animals. Careful monitoring of hunting effort is required by landowners and forest managers to ensure sufficient numbers of female animals are removed and recorded annually. The role of deer management as a commercial, recreational (hunting) activity in its own right is often overlooked as an objective in Irish forestry. If managed correctly, revenue from hunting and sporting rights can augment the returns from wood production. Hunting itself is a forest product, and venison from hunting is a highly prized, sustainable meat product. If managed imaginatively, revenue from hunting and venison sales can contribute directly to other woodland management objectives and measures, while ensuring that deer populations are kept at sustainable levels. All too often these opportunities are lost to forest owners through disorganisation and the influences of various vested interests.

Well thought out forest design requires well thought out forest objectives. What is the purpose of the new forest or replanted area? How will it be used? Where multiple use objectives are involved, design elements may become more complex. ‘Keep it simple’ is an easy response, but increasingly, forest managers must grapple with and balance a range of forest management values, particularly so in public forests. These forests were traditionally predominantly economic in nature, but increasingly, recreational and biodiversity objectives are more prevalent. Recent continuous cover approaches are the most complex of all. All of these approaches now have to take account of deer issues. How can CCF systems work with high or even moderate deer populations? How can deer management be safely conducted in high recreation pressure environments? Some of these questions are now very real in County Wicklow at present, and deer management needs must be accommodated not only in forest design from the outset, but also in hunter and forester training and orientation. Both forest design and human elements must be capable of accommodating necessary changes to hunting and silvicultural practice.

Suitable vantage points with safe backstops are required for maximum visibility and safe shooting. 20

Forestry&Energy

Deer Management In defining the forest design, the following issues need to be considered: • • • • • • • •

Species selection Diversionary feeding Exclosures Deer tubes Open Space Access Edge effects Linear features

Species selection As always, the right tree in the right place should be the guiding principle, but this may also be influenced by landowner requirements and other requirements such as landscape. In general, tree species with known low palatability eg. Spruces, Common Alder should be used in areas with high deer pressures. Equally, species with high palatability such as willow, can be used as diversionary feeding components. Where you must proceed with more palatable species, physical protection against browsing must then be considered.

Diversionary feeding

Placement of highly palatable and resilient species such as willow adjacent to exclosures can divert deer pressures away from fencing and provide alternative browsing. Willow species will recover rapidly after browsing and is highly attractive to deer, and are very easy to plant on a wide variety of sites by vegetative propogation.

Standard deer fencing may require heavy equipment and manpower to erect. This may prove costly and problematic in difficult terrain, particularly in sensitive areas.

Exclosures

Excluding deer from areas planted with sensitive species can be very effective, if this is done correctly. It is not enough to simply fence off large areas completely, particularly in upland areas. Fencing is expensive, and small areas work best and are most resilient in the long run. Current specifications for deer fencing are very heavy duty, but may not suit every location. Where feasible, Use local materials for smaller exclosures and remember the logistics and costs of moving materials to intended locations. Lighter fencing materials may suit smaller exclosures, and deviations from scheme standards and fencing designs may be permitted under agreement. Remember that Excluding animals from one area increases density everywhere else so keep exclosures small and monitor performance carefully. Most fencing projects fail due to lack of ongoing monitoring and maintenance. It

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Deer Management

Polymer tree shelters are suitable for small areas where fencing is not cost effective.

only takes one fallen tree to create an opening in an exclosure and fences must be monitored regularly, especially after heavy storms.

Deer Tubes

The use of protective tree tubes is now supported in the Deer Tree Shelter scheme. Tubes are best employed in defined clusters, in small situations where fencing is not feasible. Tubes should be located in open areas that are naturally less attractive to deer to begin with. As with fencing, regular monitoring and maintenance may be required for deer tubes and tubes can susceptible to wind and storm damage.

Open Space

To manage deer, it must be possible to see them, and when necessary apply controls through safe shooting. The available open space allowances in forestry schemes should permit application of suitable areas of open space ‘deer lawns’ to attract deer and hold them. The edge areas around these open spaces are also important biodiversity hubs for other species. Open spaces should ideally be very accessible and be near to if not actually serviced directly by roads and access tracks. Linear open space buffers along watercourses can be readily adapted as deer lawns, and unplanted grassy wayleaves along forest roads are also very valuable. Ideally open space areas will have a good backstop feature like a hillside or bank to contain shooting safely, and permit discreet overwatch by deer management operatives from high seats or hide structures.

threats. Areas where multiple edges meet, such as road junctions or interfaces with aquatic areas are particularly attractive to deer, and all the more so if these can be combined with good grass cover and attractive grazing.

Linear features

Forest roads, aquatic buffers, ride lines and utilities wayleaves provide very valuable connectivity between areas used by deer, and along with open space deer lawns provide opportunities to observe and engage animals within the forest. Linear routes that are in frequent use provide an element of predictability to deer movements and are ideal locations to be covered from high seats and other safe vantage points. When applied in combination, in a thoughtful manner, all of the above features will enable deer activity to be predicted, observed and monitored over time, and also enable safe and effective hunting operations to reduce populations when these are required. There is an onus for forestry professionals and landowners to train and learn to understand how deer species behave on their land holdings, and to bring this information into the mix when developing deer management plans and action on the ground.

Access

Good clear access is critical to effective deer monitoring and removal of shot animals. Access to observation and firing points should be clear, relatively safe and free from trip hazards and allow for quiet movement. Vehicular access is always welcome by hunters, and will allow for easy transport of materials for hides and seats etc.

Edge effects

The edges of forest edges and open space are critical features for biodiversity generally, and are important for deer management also. Typical biodiversity approaches mandate a scalloped or ‘Fluffy’ edge as being best to support biodiversity, however deer express a preference for clean, well defined edges, allowing maximum visibility to potential 22

Forestry&Energy

Ultimately, deer management comes down to killing the right types of animals in the right numbers to impact on population dynamics over time.

Deer Management

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WOODLAND

Are yo intere u sted in reachi ng U profes K forestry sional We sti s? ll ha

ve numbe r of sta a limited nds Call Ch loe on available. +44 1 72584 502 4 for d etails

2019

SHOW 5th-6th SEPTEMBER LONGLEAT ESTATE

THE YEAR’S LEADING UK FORESTRY EVENT • see demos and static displays of the latest forest machinery and equipment • meet the forestry professionals representing every sector from nurseries to processors • hear what the experts have to say in a lively programme of seminars and debates • enjoy the superb surroundings of the Longleat Estate in Wiltshire

www.confor.org.uk/resources/events/confor-woodland-show

Deer Management

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Forest Industries Ireland

Forest Industries Ireland (FII)

A new trade Association for Forestry & Timber Industry At a time of huge growth a new body seeks to represent major companies with membership drawn from across the Industry writes Mark McAuley of IBEC

F

orest Industries Ireland (FII), the new trade association for the forestry and timber industries Ihas recently been launched. FII is a new business sector within Ibec, the national business organisation. Almost all the major forestry and timber companies in Ireland are members of Forest Industries Ireland. They are drawn from across the industry and include all the largest timber processors as well as companies involved in the establishment and management of forests. The industry is forecasting major growth in the coming years as the supply of raw material from Irish forests will double in the period 20172035.

Stemming from this, the industry estimates: •

Doubling of the industry’s combined turnover from €800 today to €1.6 billion by 2035. Creation of an additional 6,000 rural jobs on top of the 12,000 jobs already driven by the industry. A sizeable increase in the economic contribution of the sector from today’s €2.3 billion per annum. 21,000 forest owners who supply the raw timber product as well as the many timber contractors and hauliers that harvest and transport it to the sawmills will earn an estimated €6.4bn which is a further boost to rural economies.

• • •

The new association has 22 member companies from across the island which comprise the full span of the forestry supply chain. Forest Indus26

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tries Ireland will spearhead the industry response to crucial challenges such as Brexit and will be the primary voice of the sector in Ireland. FII will work closely with Government to deliver the full potential of the industry and make commercial forestry an even more substantial employer and exporter. Today, forests cover 11% of Ireland’s land area. The ‘gamechanger’ for the industry is the fact that timber output from Irish forests is set to double between now and 2035; this will double industry output. Because of our climate, trees grow fast in Ireland. This gives us a major competitive advantage over other timber producing nations. Brian Murphy, the inaugural Chairman of Forest Industries Ireland and CEO of Enniskillen-based timber processor Balcas, said “Forest Industries Ireland (FII) is placing timber and forestry at the heart of Ireland’s rural economy. With a combined turnover of over €800 million, the industry is a major player in the rural and national economies. Our companies take pride in the high-quality employment we provide and the sustainable products we deliver. “The industry is enjoying a period of major capital investment, market buoyancy and substantial growth in wood supply. These three elements will underpin growth for the industry that will see it double in size in the next two decades. “FII and its member companies are committed to engendering the highest standards in the industry. Competitiveness, climate action, and sustainability go hand in hand and underpin long term growth and prosperity across this dynamic industry. We are proud to be delivering quality jobs especially to our rural communities, and making a major contribu-

Forest Industries Ireland tion to the Irish economy, our society and the environment. “The UK is the key market where we intend to increase market share and we will continue to grow our presence there. We are confident that the industry will prosper in the long term even with Brexit. “ “As well as drive economic activity and employment, our forests absorb 3.6 million tonnes of C02 per year, the equivalent of annual CO2 emissions 80% of the cars on Irish roads. Forests and wood products are a vital tool in our efforts to combat climate change.’’ “We have a natural advantage as we can grow trees twice as fast as some competitors. The Government should support our sector by continuing to invest in the national Forestry Programme and ensure that timber can be delivered to our sawmills. We will be discussing with Ministers Michael Creed and Andrew Doyle how the Government can help us realise our growth potential and support the industry through Brexit.” Mark McAuley, Director of Forest Industries Ireland, said “Ireland has a natural competitive advantage in forestry and timber. Our forests are delivering more and more timber to our sawmills and the construction products they make have a strong and growing market in the UK and Ireland. The industry will continue to grow and provide more jobs in rural areas. We forecast it will double in size by 2035. All the while, our forests are absorbing millions of tonnes of carbon from the atmosphere and providing great recreational sites for everyone.” For further information please contact; Brian Purcell – Vulcan Consulting – 087 9678921 brianpurcell@vulcanconsulting.eu Mark McAuley – Ibec – 0872197614 - Mark.mcauley@ibec.ie

KEY FACTS:

The members of the new FII organisation are: Forestry Members

■ ACA Services

■ None So Hardy

■ Fermoy Woodland Nurseries

■ SWS Forestry

■ Axe Forestry

■ Forestry Services Limited ■ Green Belt

■ Irish Forestry Unit Trust

■ Roundwood Timber ■ The Forestry Company ■ Veon

■ Western Forestry Co-Op

Timber Processing Members ■ Balcas

■ GP Wood

■ Coolrain Sawmills

■ Masonite Ireland

■ Coillte

■ ECC Teo

■ Glennon Brothers

• • • • • • • • • •

■ Laois Sawmills

■ Murray Timber Group ■ Woodfab Timber

11% of Ireland is under forest 21,000 forest owners 12,000 employed in the industry - 6,000 new jobs by 2035 €800m turnover of FII members - €1.6bn turnover of FII members by 2035 3.3 million cubic metres of roundwood harvested in 2018 - 6.6 million cubic metres of roundwood to be harvested in 2035 €423 million annual exports - 85% of exports go to the UK €6.4 billion will be earned by forestry owners supplying raw timber, forestry contractors and hauliers who cut and transport raw product to sawmills by 2035 49% of the Irish forest estate is privately owned 312 million tonnes of carbon stored in Irish forests 3.6 million additional tonnes of CO2 are absorbed by Irish forests each year – equivalent to annual CO2 emissions from 80% of the 2.1 million cars on Irish roads.

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Commercial Feature

FIRST THINNING WITH A HARVADIG; SEE THE WOOD FOR THE TREES! Jas P Wilson will be well-known to many in the forestry & firewood sector having been trading in this specialist equipment now for 30 years.

A

time period which has seen them grow to become the UK & Ireland’s largest supplier of both new & used machinery. Over this history, they have also collected some of the highest quality brands in the market, and now offer an extensive range covering all things forestry and firewood. An ever-increasing arm of their business is their ‘Harvadig’ production. A term which fittingly sums up their forestry adapted excavators.As the name alludes, these hybrids between forestry and plant are still capable of working in both sectors. In under 5 minutes a forestry spec Harvadig can have its timber harvesting head removed and swapped over for a standard digger bucket to work on a site... It doesn’t even need to be a bucket, that’s the true benefit of this system, one machine acts like a Swiss Army Knife, capable of swapping tasks effortlessly. It could be fitted with a tree shear, a mulcher or a timber grapple for that matter. Whatever the job, Jas P Wilson’s Harvadig system ensures that this is one machine which will be busy round the clock! Wilson’s have now created a systematic manufacturing process around their Harvadig production, with their sister company European Forestry Machinery manufacturing the guarding in South West Scotland. EFM are best known for their Botex range of heavy duty forestry trailers and cranes, and have designed and built these frames to be just as robust! The Harvadig system includes a heavy duty but lightweight frame, fulllengthtrackguides,Margardwindow,quickreleasehosesystem, heavy duty underbelly guards, extra working lights, protective mesh vents,

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hinged lockable steel protection doors for easy access and maintenance, zero tail swing for thinning, and part or full front and top guard. As Wilson’s supply both SP & KETO harvesting heads, amongst other suitable attachments such as a Lasco cone splitter or a JAK Tree Shear, buying from one source can often cut down on costs, allowing for a very cost-effective solution to first thinnings. Wilson’s range of JAK Tree Shears are very popular with woodland owners doing thinnings.Their simple yet robust design creates excellent value for money whilst providing a solution which works on even a very small base machine. If your business is more involved in tractor-based firewood & biomass production, Jas P Wilson’s also supply Posch Firewood machines,TP landscape and biomass wood chippers, Lasco cone splitters, Igland forestry winches, Botex heavy duty trailer & loaders and one of Europe’s largest selections of used forestry & firewood machinery and parts. The Posch range includes Firewood Processors, Kindling Machines, Log Splitters, Log Net Wrapping machines to name a few... These machines can be viewed online at www.poschireland.com or give Wilson’s a call if you would like them to visit your business, discuss your requirements and showcase some new and reconditioned options. A top seller within the range of new products is the S-375 firewood processor. It can accept timber up to 37cm in Diameter and can easily process even very twisted lengths.The timber enters the machine where it is cut into rounds up to 50cm long, which is ideal for the biomass market.These cut rounds then fall into the splitting chamber which uses up to 12 tonnes of force to split the timber into 2, 4, 6 or 8 ways depending on which knifes you have chosen for the machine.These knifes can be quickly changed over in a matter of moments with a quick locking pin. Upon splitting, finished logs travel up a powered outfeed conveyor to further reduce any handling requirements.This joystick-controlled machine also benefits from hydraulic ports to run additional machinery including log decks, cleaning screens and net wrappers. The Botex range of heavy-duty trailers & loaders are popular with both the forestry & firewood markets.Their continual development and focus on the Irish & UK market sees the product as the ‘go to’ brand when users are considering their next purchase.Wilson’s often have a good supply of new and used trailer cranes in stock. Call Jas P Wilson’s on 087 4171750 or email: sales@poschireland.com or visit www.jaspwilson. co.ukforallusedstocklistings.

Private Forest Estate

LIFOR - Lidar

Integrated Forecasting

LiFOR is a new research project aiming to develop improved ways of estimating the amount of timber Ireland’s Private Forest Estate will produce into the future. By UCD & Coillte.

Overview

Our approach involves a mixture of aerial LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) and field collected data to estimate productivity and modelling to predict timber availability. The two-year project is a collaboration between University College Dublin and Coillte, funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. LiFOR aims to improve private forest productivity estimates both in terms of growth rates and productive forest area. This will be done by converting LiDAR data acquired for privately owned forests to tree canopy height models to estimate Top Height as well as assessing productivity both at the existing forest level (i.e. individual polygon) and through delineating forest boundaries based on average tree height. Top Height is used for estimating productivity in Irish forestry and the estimates will be verified by comparing the forecasted results, through forest modelling, with the 2016-2035 All Ireland Roundwood Forecast. This article will focus on phase 1 of the project – data collection and processing, phase 2 is the forecasting and assessment.

Why Do We Need A Forecast Of Timber Availability? A timber supply forecast is compiled for Ireland on a five-year basis, providing an indication of the potential roundwood production over the following 20 years. These forecasts provide valuable information to the wood processing industry, timber growers and policy makers. The 2016-2035 All Ireland Roundwood Forecast presents a continually increasing supply of timber which is an initial indication to the wood processing industry that it may be time to upscale their operation.

Why Is This Project Important? Producing accurate forecasts on timber availability is challenging and often reliant on our knowledge of the current state of forests. The current private forest information either comes from relatively low resolution (by today’s standards) satellite imagery from the 1990s or information from the register of forest establishment grants. In most cases, forests were added to the dataset decades ago, often at the time the trees were planted. A current challenge for forecasting the private sector is to identify methods of providing more up-to-date forest level information of the Private Forest Estate. The scale of this update is big, and resources are limited for a full manual inventory of the entire country. Aerial LiDAR involves flying a fixed wing aircraft with a laser scanner, precise timing unit and GPS attached to its wing over an area of interest. It is widely used globally with good examples being the United Kingdom, Finland and Sweden collecting LiDAR data and making it freely available for their entire country. The potential of aerial LiDAR has been noted in Irish forest research and is currently used by Coillte. Meaning that aerial LiDAR fits right into LiFOR’s 5,000 ha sample area in the Slieve Blooms! Each forest sourced from the register of establishment grants has a record of the number and proportion of each species at time of planting. These proportions may not be accurate today, and assumptions were made for the previous forecast that 17% – 20% of each forest is unproductive land.

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Analysis of LiDAR data can resolve this uncertainty regarding productive area by identifying the area of open space, e.g. area of roads, extraction paths, rock outcrops, areas where trees simply did not grow, riparian and electricity exclusion zones. LiFOR will evaluate productivity from both the current forest boundaries and by delineating current forest boundaries from LiDAR derived products in an effort to identify a framework for enhancingIreland’s private forest inventory. Traditionally in Irish forest research, the focus is on Sitka spruce, the main commercial species in Ireland. LiFOR’s scope is to improve productivity estimation methods for use in Ireland’s entire Private Forest Estate, which includes an ever-increasing proportion of diverse conifers and broadleaves. Hence, the project will focus on evaluating productivity estimates for Sitka spruce of course but also for lodgepole pine, Douglas fir, larch, Scots pine, oak, beech and the ‘other broadleaves’ category.

How Do We Do This? LiFOR’s two phases take roughly one year each (Figure 1) and the project began in September 2018. In the first phase, data is collected and processed to estimate productivity using various novel technologies and techniques. The second phase will involve forecasting and comparing the productivity estimates and current COFORD forecast with the new LiFOR-based productivity estimates. The project is half way through the first phase and work is progressing well.

Lidar Data Acquisition The acquisition of aerial LiDAR data normally involves commissioning bespoke aircraft flights which is expensive. Coillte have allowed LiFOR to leverage on their already planned 2018 LiDAR campaign for their own forests. The project purchases the private forest LiDAR data within this area. The data was collected during summer 2018 by an external LiDAR data collecting company. The standard delivery from this company is a LiDAR point cloud, Digital Terrain Model and Digital Surface Model, and the Canopy Height Model as a product of the digital models (Figure 2).

Figure 1 Outlining the two phases and six tasks in the LiFOR project

Private Forest Estate Desk Assessment And Fieldwork For Ground Truthing

Figure 2 Summarising the LiDAR data acquisition process and origin of Canopy Height Model

Field work is currently underway, being led by Ciaran Walsh, a Masters researcher based at UCD, who is assisted by Dan Fitzgibbon. An initial desk-based analysis of the private forest within the LiFOR study area was carried out before any field work took place. Initially, strata based on species and age classes were identified, ensuring that an even spread of species and stand ages would be sampled. Up to a maximum of ten forests per stratum were then randomly selected (Figure 3). Each forest was assessed using various sources of aerial imagery to determine if the stand has potential to produce one or more viable sampling plots for LiFOR. The assessment included stand accessibility and visual presence of the target species. If any of these forests were deemed unfit for sampling, others within the stratum were randomly selected and assessed until there were ten forests in each stratum or all forests in that stratum had been sampled. An inventory protocol was drafted with assistance from Coillte. Upon arrival, an initial visual assessment is made to ensure uniformity of forest height, potential hazards and whether the stand has undergone thinning. If a forest fails this suitability assessment, the reason is noted, and the next forest is visited. If the assessment is positive, the next step is establishing the centre of the 11 m radius inventory plot(s) (Figure 4). The location of species in each forest was often not clear from the desk assessment and was done on-site instead. In keeping with the randomised sampling design, the plot centre was determined by randomly selecting a direction and a distance to walk from the access point of the forest. Accuracy is essential as we will be comparing the LiDAR data and the forest inventory plot information at the coordinates of the plot centre. To ensure this, we are using a Trimble R1 Differential GPS unit capable of identifying location to sub-metre accuracy (Figure 5). In each plot,

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Private Forest Estate the species, diameter at breast height (i.e. 1.3 m above ground level), mortality, and the heights of the trees with the largest diameter were recorded. Diameters are recorded manually using a Silvanus callipers. Heights were recorded using a Haglof Vertex IV and T3 Transponder, with the vertex being calibrated daily at ambient temperature to ensure consistency of measurements. The transponder and Vertex are also used to temporarily mark plot centre and to mark the plot boundary. Field plot centres are recorded using a Trimble Yuma using Arc Pad and diameter, species, heights, plot mortality and any points of note for a plot are also recorded.

Bringing It All Together When the field work is complete in March 2019, the LiDAR data and the ground truthing will be combined and processed in a collaborative effort between UCD and Coillte. The main output from this task, and phase 1, will be estimating productivity at the forest level, based on manual inventory, and forest delineation based on canopy height (including identification of unproductive areas). The measure for forest productivity in Ireland is the generalised yield class. In practice, generalised yield class can be estimated based on a forest’s age and Top Height, i.e. the height of the largest diameter tree in a 0.01 ha plot. A standard output of a LiDAR data acquisition project is a canopy height model, and it is possible to estimate Top Height based on an analysis of the raw LiDAR data. One further output of phase 1 is to compare the relationship between manually estimated Top Height and LiDAR estimated Top Height for the full range of species. If statistically significant relationships are found, it may be possible in the future to estimate, with adequate accuracy, Top Height for a broad range of species with LiDAR coverage in Ireland’s Private Forest Estate without the need for ground truthing. Figure 3 LiFOR forests and final random selection for sampling drawn on OSM Standard Base Layer

How Will The Industry Benefit From The Project? It is early days yet in the LiFOR project, but the identification of pathways to improve forecast accuracy in terms of productivity and productive area is an exciting avenue to pursue. We are enthused at the idea of helping to make better informed business and policy decisions in terms of timber production, carbon accounting and potentially for non-timber goods and services. The project will also demonstrate the value and further potential of aerial LiDAR in forest measurement for Ireland’s Private Forest Estate. A successful project will mean changes in the methods employed for timber forecasting in Ireland. This impact will be maximised by direct interaction with the key end users in the Forest Service and Forest Modellers. Contact details for more information: forestry@ucd.ie Figure 4 Two typical plots visited for LiFOR. Sitka spruce on the left planted in 2002, north of Devils Bit, Co. Tipperary and oak on the right planted in 2007, south of Dunkerrin, Offaly

Figure 5 The inventory equipment used to record LiFOR inventory plots. From left to right - Haglof Vertex IV (on case), Haglof T3 Transponder and staff, 30 m measuring tape, Silvanus manual callipers, marking paint, Trimble Yuma field computer and Trimble R1 receiver (sitting on the case of the Yuma cover) 32

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Article by Edwin Corrigan1, Charles Harper1, Ciaran Walsh1, Daniel McInerney2, Maarten Nieuwenhuis1 University College Dublin1; Coillte2

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Forestry Careers

Forestry Careers:

Five Real Case Studies

Professional education leads to sustainable careers in forestry writes Tom Kent of Waterford Institute of Technology Forestry Careers in Ireland As the Irish forestry sector continues to expand, the industry has recognised the need to recruit more students into professional forestry education. The experiences of young forestry graduates, shared at the recent Waterford Institute of Technology Careers Day, highlights the varied opportunities that have developed for holders of a forestry degree in Ireland. Careers Day is a great opportunity for current forestry students to meet potential employers, learn from the experiences of graduates, and focus on the transition from professional education into industry, kick starting their forestry career. WIT forestry graduates have developed careers in all parts of the Irish forestry sector, including the Forest Service and Teagasc, Coillte and private forest management companies, the sawmills and harvesting contracting companies. Several graduates have successfully created their own forest business and graduates are also found working in the forest industries of the UK, France, Iceland, Canada and Australia. Among the graduates speaking at the event were:

Dr. Enda Coates, Forestry Inspector, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine

Figure 1. Ronan O’Keeffe, WIT student organiser; John Dungan, Euroforest Ireland; Emily Costello, Arbor Forest Management; Jamie Hawan, Coillte; Jason Skelly, WIT student organiser; Dr. Enda Coates, Forest Service at the WIT Careers Day.

Having completed his PhD in 2012, Enda was a post-doctoral researcher at Waterford Institute of Technology on several projects in forest energy supply chains, wood fuel characterisation, short rotation forestry and forest harvesting productivity. Enda joined the Forest Service in 2018 as a Forest Inspector in Plant Health. The Forest Service Plant Health unit are responsible for forestry aspects of the EU Plant Health Directive. The work includes: controlling the import of wood and wood products including wood packaging material; annual forest health surveys in forests and forest nurseries; export certification and plant passports; forest pest and disease outbreak management and eradication measures. Enda advised forestry students interested in joining the Forest Service that a Level 8 qualification, such as the BSc in Land Management in Forestry was required and the Forest Service recruited a wide range of graduates with varying professional and research experience.

Emily Costello, Planning Forester, Arbor Forest Management Emily completed her Leaving Certificate in 2013, her BSc in Forestry from WIT in 2016, and opted to continue studying on the BSc in Land Management in Forestry, graduating in May 2017. She immediately took up a position as Technical Support Forester with Veon Ltd., where her main responsibilities were to rebuild the company’s GIS and attribute database and complete and track felling licences. In October 2018, Emily moved closer to home and took up a new role as Planning Forester with Arbor Forest Management. Emily enjoys the variety of work as a forester 36

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with Arbor, as she is now organising FSC and PEFC certification for client forest owners, mapping new forest properties and liaising with the Forest Service on forest applications.

John Dungan, Forester, Euroforest Ireland Ltd. John came back to education as a mature student in 2011, completing the BSc in Land Management in Forestry in 2015. John joined the Forest Service upon graduation, and worked on the National Forest Inventory between 2015 and 2017. This was an excellent first experience taking John to 23 counties of Ireland collecting essential forest productivity, composition and environmental data from amongst the 1900 permanent forest plots. John joined Euroforest Ireland Ltd. in 2018, where he works with clients and contractors in preparing forest sites for road construction, thinning and timber sales. John identifies attention to detail, self-motivation and excellent teamwork and communication as critical attributes of a good forester

Jamie Hawan, Harvesting Function Manager, Coillte

Jamie has a background steeped in forestry, as his father was a forester and he was raised with a keen interest in the outdoors Natural Heritage nature reserve in Scotland. Having worked in numerous administration roles and banking, Jamie took the plunge in forestry at WIT in 2012. After graduating with the BSc in Forestry in 2015, he successfully applied for the Coillte Graduate Programme, where he was offered a fixed term contract initially in Forest Establishment with responsibility for preparing site packs, contractor and operations management and

Forestry Careers stakeholder interactions. He was offered a temporary Harvesting Manager position with responsibility for all Coillte harvesting activities in Co Clare before moving into his current role as Harvesting Function Manager in Coillte BAU5, covering Waterford, Tipperary, East Cork and East Limerick. Jamie recommended the Coillte Graduate Programme to forestry graduates as an excellent opportunity to gain experience with the State forestry company.

Forestry at Waterford Institute of Technology The Level 7 National Diploma in Science in Forestry, renamed the Bachelor of Science in Forestry in 2004, took in fourteen students in September 1997. Twenty one years later, 24 students commenced their forestry studies at WIT and are currently engaged in the first year of the three year degree programme. In the intervening years, a total of 439 students from all over Ireland have entered the programme. In 2005, a formal progression link was agreed between WIT and Teagasc Ballyhaise College and over 50 Level 5 Certificate in Forestry and Level 6 Advanced Certificate in Forestry students have availed of this opportunity to transfer from Ballyhaise to WIT in order to continue their forestry studies. A one-year, top-up Level 8 Bachelor of Science in Land Management in Forestry was added in Figure 2: Ms. Stacey Bradley and Mr. Niall O’Toole from IForUT and both WIT forestry graduates, speaking with Dermot O’Driscoll, final year student at the WIT Careers Day. 2005. About half the graduates of the Level 7 BSc in Forestry (Credit: George Goulding) continue their studies on the Level 8 forestry degree at WIT. qualifications at Master’s level and two graduates, Dr. Ed Daly and Dr. Students have also transferred onto the Level 8 forestry Enda Coates, were awarded a PhD from their novel research in forest degree programme in UCD, or have continued studies in universities in the UK and the Netherlands. Several graduates have gained post graduate protection and forest harvesting.

Backleas, Stranorlar, Co. Donegal Proprietor: John Gallinagh, Tel/Fax: 074 9132612 Contact: Conor Gallinagh, BAgrSc, Horticulture, 087 6496887 John Gallinagh: 087 6988481 Forestry&Energy

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Forestry Careers

Figure 3: Learning by doing in the forest is a key component of the professional education at WIT

Professional Forestry Education in Ireland The inspiration for creating professional forestry education in WIT came from the excellent education and training provided to generations of Irish foresters in Avondale, Kinnitty and Shelton Abbey. These facilities were all closed by the 1970’s and graduates were not awarded qualifications at the time. In the early 1990’s, Michael O’Laighleis and Eamon Magee from Coillte approached WIT with the view to gaining recognition and validation of this prior forestry education for hundreds of Coillte staff. Chief Executive of Coillte, Michael Lowry, placed great importance on staff professional development and the company facilitated staff in the validation process at WIT. This process led directly to the development of the forestry degree by WIT to renew professional education in Irish forestry. Professional education in the sustainable management of forests as a natural resource is increasingly important as more evidence emerges on how trees and forests improve our lives, make the air we breathe, clean the water we drink, absorb carbon dioxide that limits global warming and provide wildlife habitat and public amenities, enabling a wide range of recreation . A forester’s role is to ensure that our forests continue to supply these environmental and social benefits, while also producing wood, a sustainable and renewable material used in construction, furniture, joinery, paper, energy and bio-refining of chemicals. Forests currently make up 11% of the Irish landscape, and the forest sector contributes €2 billion each year to the economy and employs 12,000 people. WIT looks forward to continuing in the professional education of foresters who will drive the development and expansion of the Irish forest resource.

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For more information on Forestry Careers in Ireland, visit Careers Portal: www.careersportal.ie For more information on Forestry at WIT, visit: www.wit.ie For more information on the Coillte Graduate Programme, visit: www.coillte.ie

Figure 4: Communicating the many benefits of trees and forests is an important role as a forester. (Credit: Nick McCarthy)

Forestry Careers

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Commercial Feature

A Family Run Business Established in 1972, Dermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. has evolved from modest beginnings to becoming one of Ireland’s largest and most reputable tree surgery companies.

propelled AHWI RT400 mulching machine – unique to Dermot Casey Tree Care – which has been used on major infrastructure operations over the last decade as well as site clearance and land reclamation contracts for the forestry and agricultural sectors. Always keen to work with the most modern equipment, Dermot Casey Tree Care have invested in purpose-built forestry tractors, coupled with felling grapples and 20” self-propelled chippers. The larger diameter chippers also produce a viable source of biofuel. Dermot Casey Tree Care is the largest arboricultural contractor for ESB Networks’ Overhead Network Vegetation management programme. Experience and accreditations developed within this sector enables Dermot Casey Tree Care to work near overhead networks with a reputable degree of safety and confidence; these skills are transferable into both the commercial and domestic sector. As part of their continued expansion and development, Dermot Casey Tree Care specialise in Timber Harvesting for ESB Networks and the ever-expanding private forestry sector in Ireland.

Staff, Client and Public Safety is Our Priority

D

ermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. has a proven and successful track record in providing arboriculture and consultancy services to a wide range of commercial organisations, local authorities, state boards and domestic homeowners.

Professional Tree Surgery - Nationwide With so many companies offering tree surgery services at a variety of prices and standards, it is difficult to know who to trust. Dermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. – ISO 9001, 14001 and 18001 accredited – has the expertise, training, experience and specialised equipment to cover all aspects of tree surgery. Dermot Casey Tree Care employ an award-winning team of NPTCcertified arborists – all with extensive industrial experience and knowhow. Staff are trained to the highest arboricultural and safety standards and use industrial best practice methodology and equipment. An in-house Safety Officer is tasked with ensuring ongoing audits of crews, equipment checks and safety briefings. Tree felling is conducted in accordance with BS3998: 2010 (Tree Work) and BS5837: 2012 (Design, Demolition and Construction), appropriate Health & Safety Method Statements and the guidance provided by Arboricultural and Forestry Advisory Group Safety. Dermot Casey Tree Care arboricultural services include tree felling, pruning, trimming, mulching, chipping, crown reduction, stump grinding, site clearance, bridge, motorway and railway maintenance, tree surveys and reports. Dermot Casey Tree Hire also offer a 24-hour emergency call out service throughout Ireland. This dedication to our work has earned us a solid reputation for quality, reliability and professionalism.

Specialised Equipment The latest and leading-edge PiCUS Sonic Tomograph is used for tree risk assessments in order to measure the thickness of the residual wall of trees with internal defects such as cavities or decay non-invasively. Constantly upgrading their equipment and fleet, Dermot Casey Tree Care were the first company in Ireland to introduce insulated platform equipment for working safely around live overhead networks and the self40

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Dermot Casey Tree Hire is a safety- and performance-driven company, adhering to all guidelines issued by the Health & Safety Authority and are fully compliant with safety legislation. Reliability is underpinned in deploying equipment and machinery that are CE compliant and all working activities are risk-assessed and strategically planned to the highest standards to ensure the health and safety of our operatives, our clients and the general public. It is this innovative and progressive outlook that enables Dermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. to proudly say that they are the safest tree surgery company in Ireland!

Environmental Awareness

Dermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. deems environmental protection as a fundamental part of its business and is fully committed to the prevention of pollution and reduction of its carbon footprint, conducting all its working activities in an energy-efficient and environmentally responsible manner.

dermotcaseytreecare.ie 022 55000 treecare@dermotcasey.com

Finance

Forestry Farming -

The Tax Considerations While there are tax advantages to investing in forestry, there are also pitfalls to bear in mind, explains Declan McEvoy.

Coillte estimates that Ireland’s forestry industry will double in size over the next 10 years. Currently, around 731,650 ha or 10.5 percent of total land area is forest. Set out below are the main taxes forestry farmers need to be aware of. Income Tax If you are a landowner who has planted trees and managed them on a commercial basis, you may be exempt from income tax on your profits, subject to satisfying certain conditions. This is because profits or gains from the occupation of woodland which is managed on a commercial basis with a view to a profit are exempt from income tax and corporation tax (but not USC and PRSI). The exemption applies to profit from the sale of trees, whether standing or felled, and whether cut up or not, however you will need to be able to show evidence of operating on a commercial basis. Note that since these profits are exempt from income tax, if you incur a loss when woodland expenses are deducted in any given year, you cannot offset this loss against other income. 42

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Declan McEvoy, Head of Tax IFAC

Capital Gains Tax As an individual landowner, if you dispose of woodlands, the amount you receive for the sale of trees growing on your land is excluded from any chargeable gain for capital gains tax purposes. In other words, where land is sold with timber standing on it, the gain from the land is liable to CGT but the gain from the timber is exempt. This exemption does not apply to companies.

Relevant Contracts Tax RCT is a withholding tax that applies to payments by principal contractors to subcontractors in certain industries, including forestry. This means that if you engage a subcontractor to carry out forestry activities, you will need to register with Revenue as a principal contractor and deduct tax from your subcontractor. The relevant deduction depends on the subcontractor’s tax status. It can be 0 percent, 20 percent or 35 percent.

Stamp Duty Sales and transfers of land are liable to stamp duty, however the trees growing on commercial woodland are exempt provided that the woodland occupies a substantial part of the land (not less than 75 percent) and is managed on a commercial basis. This means that any sale of forested land has to be apportioned for stamp duty as the land is liable to stamp duty and the crop is not.

Finance Capital Acquisitions Tax Capital acquisitions tax is a tax on gifts and inheritances. You can receive gifts and inheritances up to a set value over your lifetime tax free. Once due, CAT is currently charged at 33 percent. Where you inherit or receive a gift of agricultural property, you may qualify for Agricultural Relief if you meet certain requirements. This is a substantial relief which reduces the taxable value of agricultural property by 90 percent for CAT purposes. Agricultural property is defined as agricultural land, pasture and woodlands situated in a member state and the crops, trees and underwood growing on such land. Usually, to claim agricultural relief, you must pass the so-called ‘farmer test’ however this does not always apply if the agricultural property consists solely of trees and underwood. Revenue will take into account whether the woodlands are operated on commercial basis with a view to the realisation of profits when deciding whether the relief is due. Note that there may be a need to split the value of the gift/inheritance between the growing trees and the land. Business relief may be available if you manage the forestry on a commercial basis. Agricultural relief can be clawed back if you sell land received by way of gift or inheritance within six years or if you no longer meet the con-

ditions for the relief. These clawback provisions do not apply to trees or underwood but they do apply to the land on which the trees are growing.

VAT For VAT purposes, forestry is deemed to be a farming activity. If you are not registered for VAT, you will need to apply the 5.4 percent VAT addition when selling timber to a VAT registered trader. This should be kept in mind when agreeing a price with the timber merchant. If you are not VAT-registered, you can claim the 5.4 percent flat-rate refund on certain fixed capital costs, such as fencing and roadways (but not planting). Claims are submitted to Revenue via the VAT 58 form. If you are VAT-registered, you must charge VAT at 23 percent on timber sales apart from fire wood, which is chargeable at 13.5 percent.

Seek advice While Ireland’s private afforestation has increased steadily since the 1980s, there is still considerable scope for development in the forestry sector. This short article touches on the main taxes forestry farmers need to be aware of however individual circumstances vary and it is always advisable to seek your accountant’s advice on your particular situation.

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Commercial Feature

Tractor and Digger Conversions at Oakleaf Forestry

All Kesla loaders are designed for efficiency and usability as well as working safety. Each loader is a combination of solid strength, reach and agility. In practice, this is demonstrated in the precision, comfort and power of the work: the loader responds to the controls almost like it is reading the driver’s mind. Many of the structural solutions used in the loaders are based on heavy-duty professional cranes used in trucks and forest machines, which makes Kesla an extraordinarily durable and reliable partner for forest work. We can also add simple guarding to the body, windows and underside of any make or model of tractor.

Digger Conversions By adapting their existing machinery to suit another application customers can realise huge savings on the capital cost of machinery and also make better use of a machine that is underutilised or may be only used seasonally. We strive to meet the specific needs of all customers and provide practical advice and effective service for all. Conversion services we offer include:

O

akleaf Forestry offer services to customers who wish to convert their current machinery for work in the forestry industry. The relatively low investment cost compared with that of specialised machines means that this is the perfect choice for smaller contractors and farmers who want to diversify their business and supplement their current income. The team of highly skilled and experienced engineers at Oakleaf Forestry can customise or update your machine to your specific requirements and to meet current forestry specifications.

• • • •

Fitting forestry cranes to tractors, – roof mounted and axle mounted – including all window and under body guarding systems from JAKE, Finland. Installation of Kesla Stroke and Roller Harvesting Heads on diggers, including the integration of controls and computerised measuring equipment. Bespoke timber handling attachments. Hoppers and conveyors for firewood, woodchip, etc.

Tractor Conversions JAKE are renowned as being the very best in the business and have been developing the crane mounting systems since 1987, being the leading manufacturer of this sector in Finland since 1994. JAKE Mounting Kit range also includes other forestry equipment such as armour plates, boom supports, hydraulic support legs, front axle stabilizers and forest fuel tanks.

All Kesla loaders are designed for efficiency and usability as well as working safety. Each loader is a combination of solid strength, reach and agility. In practice, this is demonstrated in the precision, comfort and power of the work; the loader responds to the controls almost like it is reading the driver’s mind. Many of the structural solutions used in the loaders are based on heavy-duty professional cranes used in trucks and forest machines, which makes Kesla an extraordinarily durable and reliable partner for forest work. Kesla’s extensive experience in forest technology has given it superior expertise as a developer of harvesters. Kesla’s harvester family offers the market’s most comprehensive line of both roller and stroke harvester heads. To find out more about the specialist services offered at Oakleaf Forestry t. +44 2838 330011 or +353 19697894 e. info@oakleafforestry.com www.oakleafforestry.com 44

Forestry&Energy

Helping to get the job done efficiently Whether its harvesting, shearing, mulching, tilling, chipping, crushing, splitting or kindling we have tried, tested and trusted equipment from Europe’s leading manufacturers:

Neuson Forest, Rabaud, FAE, MDB, NHS and Mus-Max. Full sales and service backup. For more information

George Murphy

086 2231756 www.murphybrosferns.com Forestry & Energy Halfpage 1.19.indd 1

14/01/2019 16:45

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Climate Action

Forests and Wood In Climate Action

For landowners and forest managers, the increased recognition of land use in climate action presents a number of opportunities

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orests and land use have always been recognised as key components of understanding the carbon cycle and climate change. The loss of forest cover through deforestation is one of the main sources of emissions globally while, at the same time, forests are important sinks and stores of carbon. Forests and wood provide a triple climate benefit through active sequestration of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the long-term storage of carbon and by substituting non-renewable materials with larger carbon footprints. The role of forests, and other terrestrial stores, as potential sinks and sources of greenhouse gases (GHG) is well-recognised in the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement but the development of accounting rules has been challenging at both European and International level. One of the primary challenges has been trying to represent the full carbon cycle in managed forests where carbon is removed from the ecosystem at harvest but continues to be stored in wood products that lose carbon slowly over time, while the forest is regenerated. As part of the development of the Paris Agreement, the EU committed to at least a 40% domestic emission reduction in GHG emissions by 2030. This will be achieved through reductions of 43% in the Emission Trading Scheme (ETS) sector and 30% in non-ETS sectors, which include agriculture, transport and buildings. In 2018, the EU agreed Reg48

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ulations covering emissions reduction targets for the accounting period 2021-2030 for the non-ETS sectors and land use, land use change and forestry (LULUCF) accounting rules, which covers managed forestland, cropland, grassland and wetland. These two regulations are linked as EU Member States can employ a capped amount of net accountable removals from LULUCF to meet their emissions reduction goal for the non-ETS sectors. For Ireland this cap is set at 26.8 million tonnes of CO2 for the ten year period. Accounting involves measuring changes against a reference and the LULUCF Regulation provides for the accounting of GHG in managed forests in different ways. For land that has been planted in recent decades, afforested land, the changes that occur in a particular year are accounted in full to provide an incentive for countries to engage in afforestation. Although such forests should be net removers of GHG, any losses that may occur resulting from management are also estimated. In addition, early harvesting or disturbances such as fire or disease may result in such forests being net emitters in a given year. As deforestation is considered a significant contributor to GHG emissions, where a forest is converted to another land use, such as grassland, the resulting losses of carbon are accounted in full and any resulting harvested wood cannot be accounted. Changes occurring in the older managed forest estate are accounted against a projection of the estate

Climate Action based on the continuation of sustainable forest management practices that were observed in the years 2000 to 2009, referred to as the forest reference level (FRL). The area in the FRL represents about 58% of the total forest estate and many of these forests are due to be harvested and replanted in the coming decades, which will result in significant changes in annual emissions and removals. An initial version of the FRL has been developed and submitted to the European Commission and can be found on the website of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). The FRL was generated using data from the National Forest Inventory and relevant publications, in addition to spatial data collected by the DAFM. One of the assumptions that must be made in the FRL is that the proportion of the annual roundwood harvest that is used for energy use is maintained during the accounting period. The benefits associated with the use of bioenergy, through avoiding fossil fuel emissions, are accounted for in other sectors such as energy production. Other factors that could lead to accountable emissions from managed forests are the shortening of rotations, delays in replanting or the use of less productive species when replanting. The LULUCF Regulation presents both opportunities to expand the important role of forests and wood in climate action, while providing recognition in terms of increased removals and emissions reduction, but also challenges to ensure that forest management practices continue to be conducted in a sustainable manner, including the use of bioenergy. Given Ireland’s recent and outgoing afforestation policy and regulatory environment, managed forests as a whole should be a substantial contributor to Irish emission reduction targets for 2030 and provide the majority of the possible contribution from LULUCF. Ensuring this contribution is achieved will involve continued afforestation, avoided deforestation, and the ongoing dedication of industry to sustainable forest management practices. From the perspective of landowners and forest managers, the increased recognition of land use in climate action presents a number of opportu-

nities. Most notably landowners can continue to avail of the grants and premiums offered under the afforestation scheme to plant forests on their land, which increases the long-term storage of carbon while allowing them to diversify their income. In Ireland over 23,000 land owners have planted forests and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine continue to provide a range of schemes which have both climate and financial benefits. Land owners should consider planting some of their lands with trees and in addition to climate mitigation they can also avail of financial incentives which include: • • • • • •

100% grants provided to cover the cost of establishing a range of different forest types Up to 15 annual tax free premiums, higher rates for broadleaves Opportunities to diversify and supplement farm income Timber sales exempt from income tax Successional planning, retirement and pension considerations Supports for forest road building

Wood is well-recognised as a renewable and sustainable material with a lower carbon footprint than alternatives, such as concrete or steel. Research by the European Forest Institute has found that each tonne of timber used instead of cement for construction purposes can result in an avoided emission of two tonnes of carbon dioxide. Innovative bio-based materials have the potential to play a central role in replacing society’s current reliance on plastics and other fossil-fuel related materials. This means that wood can play an important role in decarbonising the economy as a whole, which should result in continued healthy demand for timber and other wood products. Wood for bioenergy will also continue to play an important role in reducing the use of fossil fuels, a role which is likely to increase under the Support Scheme for Renewable Heat. Overall, this means landowners can continue to generate income from their forests while providing important climate change mitigation benefits.

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Fire Management

Fight Fire with Fire The development of a broad fire management culture in Ireland is essential writes Ciaran Nugent.

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ildfire is now a regular feature in Irish Landscapes, with large scale catastrophic fires occurring almost on a 5 year cycle. Climate change projections for Ireland predict a warmer, more humid future, with better growing conditions and potential for vegetation growth. This could prove problematic in upland areas, where grazing activity is less intensive, and where vegetation types have a natural affinity to fire. Fire favours unmanaged areas, particularly areas where grazing and other vegetation management activities are excluded or restricted. As the national forest estate expands, so too does the potential risk to valuable forest assets adjacent to these lands, and in line with climate projections.

“Over 10,000 hectares

As the scale and intensity of fires increase, so too does the difficulty in suppressing them. An increased reliance on aerial fire-fighting means an increase of fire suppression costs, potentially at the expense of other objectives. The development of a broader fire management culture in Ireland is essential to avoid the ‘suppression trap’ whereby increasing resources are allocated to fire suppression, at the expense of other fire management measures. A greater proportion of the current National forest estate is in small scale private ownership, and less capable of absorbing these costs. It is clearer now than ever that the role of land management is central to successful fire outcomes and a sustainable upland farming sector is essential to managing fire prone landscapes into the future. Without farmers, pastoralism and grazing regimes in these areas, fuel loads will continue to grow, and fires will continue to feed off these. There is a long standing tradition of fire use in Irish upland farming that must be recognised also. Many wildfires have their origins in poorly conducted agricultural burning but to completely ban and exclude fire completely from landscapes would be a serious mistake. The summer fires of 2018 have shown that even where agricultural activity is non-existent, the general public are equally capable of creating fire problems in high risk areas if fuels permit. Therefore, the best approach is to accept that the tradition of burning exists and to accept that there is a need to improve and modernise the techniques and organisation involved. Traditional ‘controlled’ burning needs to be replaced by modern approaches to prescribed fire implementation, conducted by local farmers but overseen and supported by relevant state agencies. Several of the current European Innovation Partnership Projects supported by DAFM in Upland areas contain strong fire management elements, intended to empower local landowners to manage fire risks safely in the modern upland environment. Local level fire management structures like the Cork Wildfire Cooperative and the Kerry Wildfire Partnership actively promote safe practice through demonstrations and outreach to farm groups. These approaches have resulted in a significant reduction in fire activity in the areas where these structures operate. The alternative is to exclude fire completely from landscapes through law enforcement and to continue with current restrictions on the open season for controlled fire use. This has not worked at all to date to prevent or reduce fires. Indeed, current legislation may even be a factor in current fire problems. Recent tragic events in California and Greece have shown that fire exclusion can only have one outcome – bigger, badder wildfire problems. Irish forestry initially had a very pragmatic approach to burning, and forest managers had a long tradition of

of burned land was identified in 2017.”

As our understanding of Irelands fire problem improves we begin to see not only the scale of our current problem, but also the potential of the future one. At present, Ireland’s annual burned area is significantly larger than that of New Zealand, a country of comparable population and economy, which burns approximately 6,000ha/annum. In 2017 over 10,000 ha of burned land was identified in Ireland. In contrast to Ireland, New Zealand has well developed and highly experienced forest fire fighting capabilities. We now need to follow the NZ lead, and train, equip and optimise the use of existing firefighting resources that are to hand, and prepare these for the challenges ahead. 50

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Strategic Fuel Reduction Burn, Newcastle, Co. Down, April 2015. (Photo NIEA)

Fire Management

Ecological prescribed burn, Luneberg Heath, Luneberg, Germany. October 2018.

cooperating with farmers in the safe implementation of controlled burns to the benefit of both. As fuel loads rise, and hill farmers become fewer, these approaches are more important than ever. While many millions of Euro is spent annually on fire suppression by forestry interests, comparatively little is spent on fuel reduction measures, including prescribed burning. A little investment in fuels management could reap larger dividends. Strategic fuel reduction in fire prone areas would make it easier for fire services to contain and suppress wildfires at known choke points, with fewer resources and less reliance on air support, while at the same time reducing the risks to forest owners, local communities and habitats. These types of approaches are now in regular use in Portugal, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands and across the UK, including Northern Ireland. Cooperation between agencies and landowners on implementation of burning operations helps develop local relationships and knowledge that are very valuable when a big fire does occur. Well-designed burns can help improve habitats for threatened species such as Curlew and Hen Harrier, as well as protecting these habitats from fire to begin with. In a best practice environment, controlled fires are managed using the same command systems, fire behaviour analysis, terminology and equipment as wildfire suppression operations. Controlled fires permit leadership skills and teamwork to be honed in preparation for the fire season, and this development potentially can pay off in other business areas also. More than ever, forest managers and fire authorities in Ireland need to utilise prescribed burning measures to turn prevent larger and more damaging fires from spreading later in the season. The experience in Ireland and elsewhere in Europe during summer 2018 clearly demonstrates the urgent need to see them applied in our landscapes to protect habitats, communities and resources from fire, and to underpin sustainable upland farming and habitat management.

Fire in Mature Forest, Tralee, Co. Kerry in June 2018.

Forestry Operations in the vicinity of Overhead Electricity Lines

S death.

afe working practices must be implemented when carrying out forestry work where there are electricity wires and cables. There are no second chances with electricity because these wires are always ‘live’ and even coming close can result in serious injury or

The Electricity At Work - Irish Forestry Safety Guide was recently published by the Health & Safety Authority and here, Arthur Byrne, Public Safety Manager for ESB Networks explains what is required. The fundamental safety principle is to always ensure a safe distance between the area of the electricity wires and where work is taking place. and the falling distance of the tallest tree.

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The dimension of the Hazard This safe distance is the combination of the Electricity Hazard Zone Zone is either 6 metres or 10 metres, depending on the voltage. The falling distance of the tree is the vertical height of the tallest tree. Based on the distance of the trees from the wires, each tree is categorised as being Red Zone, Amber Zone, or Green Zone. Each of the Zones must be clearly marked using paint or high-visibility tape on the trees. No tree felling is permitted within the Red Zone of an energised overhead electricity line. Extraction machinery , or any part of any machine, load, or tree being processed must never come within the hazard zone.

The Red Zone is the distance of the Hazard Zone plus one tree length. • For example for a 10,000 volt line, the hazard zone is 6 metres, and if the height of the tallest tree is 20 metres, then the Red Zone is 6 + 20 = 26 metres. No tree felling is permitted within 26 metres, measured either side of the outer electricity wire.

• 4.9 metres in special circumstances for designated forest roads only and where the electricity line height has been measured accurately by a competent person in consultation with ESB Networks, and the measured height is at least 6.0 metres above road level.

Red Zone timber can only be felled if the electricity line is disconnected and earthed. In these circumstances , the following control measures must be in place: • Early consultation with ESB Networks to consider the de-energisation of the electricy network. • On the day of the work, the forestry person in charge ( e.g. Forestry Works Manager) must be in possession of the Declaration of Disconnection/ Permit from the ESB Networks operator before work can commence. • Felled timber must be placed outside the hazard zone to enable safe extraction when the electricity line is re-energised. • Everyone must be clear of the Red Zone before the forestry person in charge ( e.g. Forestry Works Manager issues the Proof of Readiness to the ESB Networks operator for the electricity line to be re-connected. The Amber Zone is one tree length (tallest tree) beyond the Red Zone. Amber zone trees can be felled with the electricity line energised but only in a manner that is away from or parallel to the electricity line. The Green Zone is two tree lengths (tallest tree) beyond the Red Zone. Tree felling, harvesting and chain-saw operation in the Green Zone is permitted with the electricity line energised. Goalposts must be erected where machinery and vehicles pass under an overhead electricity lines. Goal post heights must never exceed: • 4.2 metres.

Where work is taking place in the vicinity of electricity lines and cables, the following are some important additional requirements: • Consult with ESB Networks in advance ( at least 2 months) to discuss harvesting plans. • Written Method Statement/Risk Assessments, including the felling and extraction arrangements. • On-site marking of Red, Amber and Green Zones. • Trained and competent operators. • Forestry personnel must be informed of the dangers from electricity and what to do in an emergency. • Traffic and vehicle movements must be properly controlled.

In an emergency involving work in the vicinity of electricity wires and cables, contact ESB Networks immediately on 1850 372 999

There are other important considerations that you must also take into account. Please read and understand the Guide in full. The Guide is available at: www.hsa.ie Forestry&Energy

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Forestry Contractors

International Project Supporting Forest Contractor Business Management and Innovation Improving business and operational efficiency is key to sustainability of all stages of the forest value chain writes Amanda Sosa and Tom Kent of WIT

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orest Business Innovation and Advancement (FOBIA) is a threeyear project started in 2017 and it is funded by the European Regional Development Fund via the Interreg Co-operation programme. FOBIA is coordinated by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE), and is a collaboration between research organisations, private and public companies and education and training providers in Finland, Scotland, Sweden and Ireland. Despite differences in forestry history and culture, the harvesting sector in all partner countries face common challenges such as declining profitability, especially for small wood-harvesting enterprises, lack of business skills and limitations on the recruitment of skilled machine operators. Faced with these barriers, improving businesses and operational efficiency at all stages of the forest value chain is key to ensuring the sustainability of the forestry sector in all partner regions.

customers are served, what products or services are offered to them, how the products or services are produced and delivered, and what revenues and costs this brings to the company. The implementation of a framework for mapping and analysing the main components of harvesting businesses will enable national and transnational comparisons. This part of the research project will also help to understand how different enterprises create value, to identify development needs in harvesting companies, as well as success factors for increasing competiveness.

“The project will provide

contractors with free training packages” FOBIA aims to improve the competitiveness of forest harvesting companies by providing resources for successful business management and by developing tools that monitor and increase the productivity of harvesting operations. These outputs will be packed into an online training platform that harvesting companies can utilise independently, at the time and place of their choosing. Recently, Waterford Institute of Technology (WIT) as Ireland’s project partner hosted FOBIA’s project management meeting. This open event included participation by relevant stakeholders, from harvesting contractors, sawmills, forest services companies, and members from the public and private forest sector. The project partners presented preliminary results, providing a platform for discussion and highlighted the relevance and impact of the project to the different stakeholders attending the event.

Figure 2: Tool for characterising the business model of harvesting companies developed by SLU

Preliminary results presented by the Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) show that the relationship of harvesting companies with their customers have a strong influence in the how the harvesting services are provided. For small harvesting companies, business relationships are limited to a single large client (forest management company or sawmill) who is likely to consider the harvesting contractor’s services as an extension of their own business. As a result, the contractor may be confined by the client’s tactical decisions, limiting the contractor’s autonomy.

Figure 1: Forest cover in the partner countries

Understanding the harvesting sector The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) developed an evaluation tool for characterising the business model of harvesting contractors. A business model describes how a business operates and how it creates, delivers and captures value. Through interviews with experts in Finland, Scotland, Ireland, and Sweden, this tool is now being used to describe the harvesting sector. This includes, identifying which type of 54

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Figure 3: Some of the preliminary results from the interviews in Finland

Forestry Contractors In Sweden and Finland forest companies are the main buyers of harvesting services, while contractors in Scotland have a more diverse customer base. In Ireland, Coillte is the main buyer of harvesting services although recently there has been an increasing demand by the private forest sector. The different number of customers also reflects the way in which forestry services are contracted; small harvesting companies in Finland tend to have short term relationships with customers, while medium and big contractors can have up to 17 year relationships with its customers.

Forestry contractor profitability An overview of Finnish harvesting contractors’ financial performance showed that bigger companies (with a turnover of at least €500,000) were more profitable than smaller ones. The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) also analysed financial statements for approx. 500 harvesting contractors confirming that also in Sweden smaller companies have the lowest net profit margin (1.1 %). Bigger forest companies could reduce their costs somewhat, which in turn had an impact on their profits. However, for small contractors, short term contracts combined with a low level of profitability, led to difficulties in securing investment and restricted their ability to innovate or develop entrepreneurial skills. The low levels of profitability and poor liquidity makes small harvesting contractors vulnerable for unforeseen events. For example, in connection to the drought and forest fires taking place during summer 2018 there were several reports in Finnish and Swedish media about the severe financial pressure that this caused for many harvesting contractors due to stopped forest operations or increased work costs. The next step in the project is to investigate if the differences in profitability can be linked to differences in the companies’ business models and characteristics. This will be done through a survey of all harvesting contractors in Northern Sweden (approx. 800 limited companies). The results from this study will be presented by end of this

Figure 4: Comparison between harvesting companies of different sizes (G1 = largest contracting companies, G4 = smallest)

summer and we aim at understanding which internal and external factors have the largest impact on the contractors’ profitability.

Harvesting contractors organisation in Sweden Anna Björk from the Swedish Association of Forestry Contractors (Svenska Skogsentreprenörerna) shared with the audience the business management system offered to harvesting contractors in Sweden. This system is currently implemented by 120 companies in northern Sweden and includes administrative tools that help companies to comply with certification and national regulations, including corporate and employer responsibility, environmental competences, health and safety and others.

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Forestry Contractors A discussion revolved around the cost of this service, implementation (inperson or online), certification, and the benefits of this and other services that a forestry contractor’s association can provide to small harvesting companies. This presentation allowed a discussion and comparison of the different degrees of obligation from stakeholders (forest services companies, harvesting companies and forest owners) in each partner country.

Improving operational efficiency Monitoring the performance of harvesting operations is vital in the supply chain in order to deliver the right product to the right market at the right price. Modern harvesters and forwarders are often fitted with automatic data recording equipment, which can record several variables per operator in a single shift. The data is recorded under a “de facto” standard called StandForD, which uses a series of specific files. Currently, FOBIA is developing open-source tools that read StandForD files from harvesters and forwarders and generates useful information about harvesting operations. The Natural Resources Institute Finland (LUKE) analysed data from 23 harvesters and 56 operators in Finland, developing productivity models for both thinning and clear cutting, and assessing the main factors affecting time consumption on harvesting operations.

Figure 5: Modelling the effect of stem size on harvesting productivity in Finland using StandForD data.

WIT, in collaboration with LUKE, is currently working in helping harvesting contractors in Ireland to understand their harvester data and develop productivity models. WIT is seeking harvesting contractors who would like to have their data analysed in confidentiality.

Logging Site Lite application Tietohippu Ltd, a project partner developed an application called Logging Site Lite. This application includes a wide range of functions such as recording costs for multiple machines and operators on diverse harvest sites for a range of customers, payroll management, work planning, and even invoicing. When used systematically, the application can reveal site, machine or operator-specific factors behind low profitability, and this can provide valuable information to the contractor in tendering quotations. In addition, Logging Site Lite has the potential to be used as an educational tool in forest harvesting and management; demonstrating the impacts of harvest type, harvest system productivity, tree size and product assortments on machine cost and business profitability.

Monitoring harvesting productivity The Trade Association of Finnish Forestry and Earth Moving contractors (Koneyrittäjien), established in 1969, participated in the event. Timo Makkonen presented an online databank developed by harvesting contractors in collaboration with Trimble®. This databank aims at assessing and improving harvesting productivity. As Timo says “… Productivity rises when you start following productivity”. This databank is still in development, and it can offer reports on productivity and fuel consumption. It can also provide figures on average productivity per machine type, type of cut, etc. This data provides rough information that contractors could use to start questioning the efficiency of their operations. The audience, specially harvesting contractors, welcomed this initiative, as they are interested in comparing their productivity to a national average. The opportunities and limitations of these data, as well as issues related to data ownership and GDPR were discussed in this session.

Online training In addition to producing tools for analysing and improving harvesting efficiency, the project will provide contractors with free training packages focused on improving business and management skills. The training modules will be delivered via an online platform and this will allow companies and operators to develop their competence regardless of time and place. WIT will pilot these modules in Ireland during autumn, hosting workshops and training events to get feedback on their usefulness. If you are a harvesting contractor, and are interested in getting information back from your harvester data, or if you are interested in the project and the materials we are developing, please contact us at amanda.sosa@wit.ie or TKENT@wit.ie For more information about the FOBIA project: http://fobia.interreg-npa.eu/ For more information about WIT Forestry: www.wit.ie/wd076

Figure 6: Factors affecting harvesting time consumption in Finland for thinning and clear cutting (most important factors deviated furthest from 0)

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Figure 7. Some of the project partners that attended the meeting in Waterford, Ireland from Finland, Sweden and Scotland.

Commercial Feature

Robinson Distribution Ltd

Established in Portarlington, Ireland in 2004, Robinson Distribution Ltd. has continuously expanded and developed into a market leading trailer and crane manufacturer, supplying an ever growing customer base in the transport and forestry sector across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. Our Customer Mission The company now boasts an ever increasing customer base across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Our goal is to support our customers in their goal of purchasing trailers and equipment that will provide a strong return on investment and augment the success of their business.

Trailers & Cranes

Background Robinson is an ambitious family owned and managed business with a long and proud history of transport, agri–products and forest machinery. Throughout its history, Robinson’s has been an innovative company with continuous research and development being at the core of the business. Our track record of trailer and crane design and manufacture provides us with a strong competitive advantage in terms of new product development. All our trailers and cranes are designed and customised by our team of experienced engineers. Each product is manufactured to meet the specific needs of the operator which is backed up by our strict quality procedures. Our attention to detail enables us to build a product that will simply outlast others with superior strength and durability. Our success has been built on an ethos of serving our customers with quality transport solutions, efficiency, and reliability and also by ensuring there is a complete focus on customer satisfaction at the core of everything we do.

“Our state of the art production plant is one of the most modern trailer manufacturing facilities in Ireland”

Robinson manufactures a wide range of trailers and cranes, all designed to meet the specific needs of our customers, with specifications across three main categories including; On Road Trailers: Bulk Tipper Trailers, Platform Trailers, Container Trailers Timber Trailers: Centre Axle Drawbar Trailers, Semi– Trailers, Super Structures, Turntable Trailers Cranes: The company also supplies, custom manufactures and fits cranes, including brands such as Robinson, Loglift, Kesla, Liv. Our new timber cranes are now operating out in the Irish forestry industry with very positive feedback from our customers. We manufacture two models of crane to choose from, a 9 tonne and a 12 tonne. These both come in a single and double extension model. Our cranes have the highest quality finish with investments in our own forms for castings in Scandinavia, Swedish Steel, Parker Hydraulics, Indexator Rotators and Links, Tamtron and Maxi Cap Weighting Systems and high power LED working lights. The high standard of finish extends to the main components as they are blasted, primed and painted which presents a huge advantage over competing products. Robinson also supply their own grapple with its crane. This is a Robinson 42 Grapple which has a gripping area of 0.42m2. Robinson’s also manufacture their own Robinson One Piece Timber Bunk. These are made of specialised Swedish Steel. Due to the weight and price of the Robinson Bunks, they can now compete aggressively in the market place, making them very popular with customers.

Facilities & Competencies

Contact Us Today

With ongoing investment, research and development; the company has continuously developed a modern manufacturing facility designed to manage the expectations of today’s transport sector. Our state of the art production plant is one of the most modern trailer manufacturing facilities in Ireland. As a business we continuously innovate by applying cutting edge design aligned to the specific and changing requirements of each trailer’s function with the aim of saving fuel, maximising payloads, increasing manoeuvrability and flexibility, improving safety whilst ensuring we comply with all legal regulations Our focus is on building the highest quality trailers to the highest manufacturing standards. We achieve this through a combination of: Engineering & Design Excellence, Advanced Technology, A Wealth of Experience

For a discussion about your needs and how Robinson would be pleased to assist you, please call us today on Tel: 057 86 24832 or email scott@robinsondistribution.ie You can visit our website on www.robinsondistribution.ie

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Product News

Michelin Expands Heavy-Duty Truck Tyre Range

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ichelin is expanding its X Multi family of truck tyres, with the launch of the new X Multi HD (heavy-duty) D (drive) tyre in 315/80 R22.5 and 315/70 R22.5 sizes. Targeted towards timber haulage, solid bulk, agricultural and specialist transport operators – including fleets used for milk collection and animal feed deliveries to farms – the tyre manufacturer says the X Multi HD D is designed to be the most robust tyre in the market for versatile applications requiring a combination of high mileage potential and traction. Its launch marks the first time Michelin has offered a dedicated heavy-duty drive tyre within its regional tyre range, for operators which are required to travel on unpaved access roads during the final part of their collections or deliveries, where there is the potential to encounter more aggressive surfaces. Commenting, Chris Smith, Sales Director B2B UK and ROI at Michelin, says: “We’ve developed the Michelin X Multi HD D to cater for fleets where more than 80 per cent of their work is on highways and national roads, but where their priority is maximum robustness and resistance to accidental damage from unpaved access roads”. Both sizes are available on the replacement market with immediate effect, and the first fitments will be offered as original equipment by major truck manufacturers over the coming months. For further information on the Michelin commercial vehicle tyre range visit http://trucks.michelin.co.uk/

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Commercial Feature

Alstor 840 pro combi 8x8 …..

A Serious Machine Now available for Demonstration at Home Forestry LLP

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lstor AB of Sweden have released their new 8x8 mini forwarder the 840 pro combi. It is based on the very successful 833 but the new machine is hydrostatic drive. The engine is a 1.3 litre Kubota diesel with 29 hp. The new 840 pro has electrically operated locking differentials and with them

disengaged the turning circle is greatly reduced and also the impact on the ground. The transmission is a 2speed variable hydraulic system (with inching control), with hydraulic work brake and a manual park brake. The standard crane on the Alstor 840 pro is now 5m Palms forest crane with larger support legs. The Alstor 840 pro is available with a full flow sharing Parker valve with the ability to store up to 4 operator’s mini lever control and speed settings. The valve also has a Bluetooth app that can connect to the factory to monitor IQUAN. The forwarder body is available with 2,3 or 4 bunks to allow short wood operations. The Alstor 840 pro combi can also be set up as a small first thinnings harvester using a Tapio 160 stroke head, all controlled through the Parker valve and mini levers. The timber bunks are removed with the crane and a counter weight is added to the chassis to enable more stability and less need for the support legs. The cab is full rops, fops & ops and can be fitted with air conditioning to increase operator comfort in the summer. Machine weight is 2.3 tonnes and can be moved from site to site with a suitable, ,4x4 and trailer enabling less transport costs and making smaller sites more viable. The first Alstor 840 pro Is now at Home Forestry LLP, in Shropshire and is proving to be a seriously well-built and designed machine. This is a very serious consideration for professional operators with difficult, sensitive or lower volume sites. For more information and to book a demonstration contact Nathan Home at Home Forestry LLP. 07966365157 www.homeforestry. co.uk.

Suppliers of new and used forestry firewood and fencing machinery Contact us for a demo at our Forestry Yard

Alstor mini forwarders • Rabaud Firewood processors • Saw benches • Kindling machines • Chain winches • Farma cranes and trailers • Log peelers & pointers • Log splitters 14-80 tonnes • Cone splitters • Cleaving splitters • Grader blades

New Rabaud Xylotrail forwarding trailers

T. 01746 718456 M. 07966 365157 www.homeforestry.co.uk E. nathan@homeforestry.co.uk Home Forestry llp, Willowdene Farm, Chorley, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 6PP Forestry&Energy

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Commercial Feature

From Sawing Raw Logs To Moulding Finished Flooring – One Scotsman Can Do It All tongue-in-groove and such. I did a lot of research on the Internet, and the MP360 covered everything - all the bases I needed.” One of the main reasons that Sandy was attracted to the MP360 was for its ease of use and its flexibility to handle different kinds of moulding projects in large or small quantities. “I don’t want to spend half a day adjusting the machine to do half an hour’s cutting,” Sandy says. “With the MP360, I can be moulding big timber one minute, and then be making tongue-in-groove the next. It’s a ten-minute job to switch out a couple of knives.” Sandy is planning to build a house next to his current workshop and equipment barn. The MP360 will be put to good use throughout the build. “I can now do my own design, I can do my own skirting boards and basically the whole interior design,” Sandy shares.

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or 17 years, Sandy ran a successful arborist business in Scotland. Now he’s ready to settle down, and his version of ‘retirement’ is building his own house among the rolling green hills west of Edinburgh, while investing in more and more Wood-Mizer equipment. Sandy has a mobile LT40 sawmill, plus a WM1000 wide capacity sawmill, which was the first of its kind in Scotland. “And just recently I’ve bought a MP360 Planer/Moulder from Wood-Mizer,” Sandy says. The MP360 planes and moulds on all four sides of boards at once - a necessary step in producing finished wood products from rough-sawn lumber. This ability to plane and mould timber was previously missing from Sandy’s workshop. “I was starting to make tables, and I had customers looking for

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Fischer – Rotary Mowers 1m – 6m wide

Farm Forestry

Timber Yields A Handsome Dividend For Kilkenny Dairy Farm

Michael Owens milks 125 cows with his brother Martin near Castlecomer in North Kilkenny. Recently, a land-use decision that was taken by their late father almost thirty years earlier to plant some forestry has yielded a handsome dividend.

Post clearfell - Michael assesses his impressive harvest that yielded over 750 tonnes timber

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ichael is well aware of the benefits that can be achieved with good grassland management including grass utilisation and provision of good infrastructure on his farm. He also keeps abreast of dairy technology and has recently installed a robotic milking system which has brought a balance to the farm workload and has made the running of the farm more manageable. Having trained in forestry, Michael’s late father Denis planted 2.5 hectares of mainly spruce in conjunction with some broadleaf species in 1989. At the time, forests were a new enterprise and he felt there was merit in it, having received positive insights from his training. “There was a little controversy at the time,” says Michael, “particularly as the fields had some road frontage. But my father had great foresight and having overseen thinning operations followed by the final harvest of the timber in October 2018 the roadside location was a great decision.” The farm forest matured rapidly following two profitable thinnings in 2010 and 2014. The net productive area was 2.2 hectares. According to Michael, “Our experience is that it has only added to the place.” Michael continues: “We are very happy with the way the harvesting worked out. The whole job was done in three days, it has delivered over 750 tonne (which was equivalent to 820 cubic metres (m3) freshly cut. We got €55 per tonne across the board - timber prices were strong so we seem to have harvested at just the right time. Now we have to start thinking about replanting and reckon it will cost just over 10% of the money we got for the timber to put it back under trees.”

distance to market. Timber returns from managed forests are exempt from income tax but subject to relevant USC and PRSI charges. Michael is also very aware of the need for protection and enhancement of his farm environment. He describes how during the harvesting “Number one, the weather was super, the ground was bone dry, there wasn’t a mark on the ground, but the brash was piled up in rows along the site and the forwarder (collecting the timber) travelled along these. Basically it doesn’t touch the ground and didn’t impact with the soil in any way.” The broadleaf trees in the forest were retained and Michael will replant a further 10% of broadleaf trees through the site for environmental and aesthetic reasons. Michael can now make plans for his forestry returns. “When you are farming you have a lot of options for what you are going to do with money. I have 4 small children and hopefully they might go to college.” Many farmers like Michael have the potential to diversify their onfarm resource and future potential income streams. At the same time a growing forest can efficiently sequester carbon and can help in efforts to offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “We want to do the job well and move forward but we don’t believe in trying to maximise cow numbers for the sake of it,” says Michael. “We try to do the best with our resources and there certainly is a role for forestry. With all the talk of carbon emissions, forestry will probably become even more important.” Through whole-farm planning, forests can be integrated into existing farms and provide options on appropriate land parcels. Forestry premiums, combined with retained basic payments and tax-free returns generated from timber production can diversify income streams and enhance family farm income. For younger farmers forestry may provide an ideal way to help with the mortgage on a new family home or help towards sustainable farm development. And for older farmers a forest can make an ideal pension pot. Michael is now looking forward to getting the forest planted again and seeing the next forest establish, grow rapidly and deliver, adding with a smile, “Hopefully when I am about 70 I will get some retirement money out of it!” Article by Tom Houlihan, Michel Somers and Richard Walsh, Teagasc Forestry Development Department.

Strong Demand With the strong demand for timber at present, farm forest owners can have a valuable crop on their land. “I was impressed with the timber and return from his forest,” says Michael. “It yielded pretty well, it was fairly straight and the product breakdown was 45% sawlog, 37% pallet wood and the remainder is going to pulp. So that seems a pretty decent return.” Timber prices can vary over time and according to a range of factors such as tree quality, forest type, forest area, quality of access and 66

Forestry&Energy

Michael in his 29 year old Sitka spruce before harvesting

Plant the seed for a sustainable future Find out how our National Team of Advisors can help your forestry venture

Call us on 1800 33 44 22 or visit www.ifac.ie

Driving the future of private forestry. With world class processing facilities capable of processing in excess of 1,000,000m3 of logs annually, Murray Timber has the capacity to ensure that forest owners always get the best price for their timber.

Call our Forestry Manager John Ryan today

on 087 7928405

Ballon, Co. Carlow, Ireland. T: +353 (0) 59 915 9178 E: sales@mtg.ie

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Ballygar, Co. Galway, Ireland. T: +353 (0) 90 662 4688 E: sales@mtg.ie