Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 12 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2022

Forestry & Energy REVIEW Volume 12 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2022 Price €4.95. £4.50 (Stg)

THE VOICE OF FORESTRY & RENEWABLE ENERGY

HEATING THE NATION

MARTELOSCOPE

FORESTRY ON DAIRY & DRYSTOCK FARMS

Is Wood Fuel a Key Component?

Outdoor learning for Forest Owners

What are the Barriers?

>> SEE PAGE 28

>> SEE PAGE 44

>> SEE PAGE 50

Biomass Required Sawdust | Woodchip | Pulp wood Forestry thinnings & residues Bord na Móna has a substantial annual biomass requirement to fuel its power plant at Edenderry Co. Offaly. The company is offering suppliers a continuous year round offtake with sustainable contracts.

For further details please contact: Kevin Whelehan 087 1732448 kevin.whelehan@bnm.ie

Joseph Spollen 087 965 4645 joseph.spollen@bnm.ie

Ciara Wynne 087 185 3647 ciara.wynne@bnm.ie

Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry & Energy REVIEW Volume 12 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2022

Features 20 All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2021-2040

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44 Foreword

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elcome to the Spring/Summer Edition of Forestry & Energy Review Magazine. Perhaps it is time to revisit renewable heat policy particularly in the light of current developments in Europe and worldwide. At present the greenhouse gas savings on fossil fuel displacement are considerably better for wood fuel systems than heat pumps and they are a lot cheaper to install. For an average Irish home an air source heat pump can cost from €12,000-€18,000, depending on installation cost. Plus, there is the need for it to operate in houses and buildings with a high level of insulation, otherwise the heat pump will struggle to provide water at 40 degrees centigrade, the COP will fail, and costs and Publisher: Denis Lane Tel. + 353 91 777222 Email: dlane@dawnmedia.ie Production: Derbhile Dromey Lauren McGregor Contributors: Noel Kennedy Teagasc Ciaran Nugent DAFM Marie Doyle UCD Sarah Keenan UCD Charles Harper UCD Killian Murphy UCD Virginia Morera-Pujol UCD Barry MacMahon UCD

Dr Simone Ciuti UCD Maarten Nieuwenhuis UCD Tom Kent WIT Tom Houlihan Teagasc Michael Somers Teagasc John Casey Teagasc Oliver Sheridan Teagasc Jonathan Spazzi Teagasc Dr. Ian Short Teagasc Dr. James Moran GMIT Dr. Daire Ó hUallacháin UCD Dr. John Finn UCD John O’Connell LTWO Jonathan Sykes LTWO Fergus Moore DAFM Eugene Curran DAFM Rachel Irwin Teagasc Teige Ryan None So Hardy

greenhouse gases will rise accordingly. A good quality, Ecodesign compliant wood fuel pellet stove costs between €5,000 -€6,000 to install. Also, the planned 600,000 heat pumps and 900,000 electric vehicles are going to require a lot of electricity to run even when the wind doesn’t blow. Time to plan for APF Ragley Estate Alcester, Warwickshire 22/23/24 September. Hoping you all Keep safe during these challenging times. We trust you enjoy reading this publication which will continue to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors. The Publisher Forestry & Energy Review Jack Brehony WIT Conor Noonan WIT Aine Ni Dhubhain UCD Eugene Hendrick SmartEarth Dr Dheeraj Rathore Teagasc Eibhlín Vaughan UCD John O’Sullivan UCD Fiachra O’Loughlin UCD Mary Kelly-Quinn UCD Eva Freeney UCD Johnathan Turner UCD Joe Harrington MTU Rodhraí Crowley MTU

Published by: Dawn Media Ltd, 2 Barrack St Clarinbridge Co Galway Tel. + 353 91 777 222 Email: dlane@dawnmedia.ie

Distribution: EM News Newspread

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2022 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.

Ireland’s forest estate is set to become an increasing source of wood over the next 20 years. The National Forest Inventory indicates that the area of privately owned forest is nearly on a par with the public estate, following the afforestation of over 300,000 hectares of private lands since 1980. In 2017, the total growing stock was estimated as 117 million cubic metres of roundwood. Most of the private forest estate has been established over the past three decades, with many areas being thinned, and some clear-felled at the end of rotation. Ireland has a strong and well-developed wood processing sector and is a net exporter of timber and timber related products. This arises from a combination of relatively high forest growth rates and investment in processing technology.

28 Heating the Nation: Why Wood fuel matters The fundamental tenets of renewables policy are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase security of energy supply and favour the emergence of least cost solutions. It is arguable that present policies being pursued are out of kilter with best practice particularly in the light of recent geopolitical realities.

42 Forestry Licensing Dashboard We have published the forestry dashboard for week April 1, which provides details on all licenses issued for various elements of forestry on a cumulative basis for the calendar year to the end of March.

44 Equipping Forest Owners to Manage Diverse Forests With the trend in species diversification envisaged to continue, there is now a growing need for owners to better understand their forest management options as part of a sustainable and integrated approach. A critical element of this is to control the thinning process and for owners to realise the full potential value of their forests.

50 Increasing Tree Cover on Irish Dairy and Drystock Farms To better understand the factors that influence farmer decision making with respect to tree planting on farms, the main attitudes, influencers, barriers and intentions of the farmers must be identified. To facilitate this, a research project with Teagasc and University College Dublin as partners, has been set up to analyse farmers perceptions of, attitudes towards, and willingness to plant trees on farms.

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News

Laois woodland scene wins 2021 Teagasc Forest Photo Competition

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n December Martin Maher from County Laois was announced as the overall winner of the 2021 Teagasc forest photo competition by the Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Senator Pippa Hackett. With the competition theme of “Celebrating Our Forest and Wood Use”, Martin’s photo “Walking into Autumn” scooped the top prize and netted him €800 in prizes. “Celebrating Our Forests and Wood Use” was a two-themed competition to highlight both the autumnal beauty of our forests and the multiple uses and applications of wood in our lives. It provided a great opportunity for budding, non-professional photographers and photo enthusiasts to get snapping while being in with a chance to win exciting prizes. The two themes were: “Our forests in Autumn” – this category was won by Martin Maher for his photo taken in Corrig Wood, Portarlington, County Laois. Highly commended photos which each received a €100 voucher were “Autumn’s Palette” by Miriam Kelly and “Autumn Walks” by Sharon Lynch. “The many uses of wood” – this category was won by Elaine Fleming with her photo “Spoons”. Her winning image shows her partner’s spoons that he began to make during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Highly commended photos were “Woven Bridgehead” by Paul Dalton and “Biodegradable Dog Toys” by Noel Lehane. Commenting on the conclusion of the competition, Tom Houlihan, Forestry Specialist with the Teagasc Forestry Development Department said: ‘Teagasc is again delighted to have hosted this forest photo competition in 2021. Congratulations to Martin and other competition prize recipients. The two categories were selected to highlight the many important forest benefits and highlight the importance of wood as a sustainable material in our everyday lives.’ Teagasc Forestry Liaison Officer Fergus Price, who co-ordinated the initiative sincerely thanked all participants who submitted such a range of high quality images and the competition judging panel. Based on the success of this initiative, Teagasc plan to continue this competition in 2022 and incorporate new themes and further competition categories. The winning photos from the Teagasc photo competition

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are available to view on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/ forestphotos21 . This competition was coordinated by Teagasc with support from the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

Pictured holding the overall winning photo of the Teagasc Forest photo competition is Minister Pippa Hackett and Fergus Price, Teagasc Forestry Liaison Officer.

We have a large supply of Conifers, Broadleaves and Hedging for the 2022-2023 season 2019-2020

News

Cavan farmer wins RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award

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n November Cavan farmer Owen Cooney was announced the winner of the 2021 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award. Owen was presented with his award at the RDS Forest and Woodland Awards ceremony by Minister of State Pippa Hackett and RDS President Professor Owen Lewis. The RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award category aims to recognise excellence in sustainable use of land that incorporates both farming and forestry through the successful adoption of a whole farm planning approach. Owen farms 35 hectares in County Cavan where, in recent years, he moved from dairying into contract rearing of dairy calves and some calf to beef. He has been planting and managing trees and successfully integrating forestry into suitable areas of his farm over many years. Combining his roles as farmer and forest owner has enabled Owen to develop an efficient management system that meets his objectives for his farm while also providing income, biodiversity, shelter and landscape benefits. Congratulating Owen , Teagasc Director, Professor Frank O’Mara, highlighted how “the award acknowledges Owen’s role in achieving sustainable integration of his forestry and farming enterprises”. Cavan based Teagasc forestry advisor Kevin O’Connell said; “I am

delighted that Owen’s commitment to forestry on his farm over many years has been recognised with this award. The forests he planted on suitable ground are now generating income and providing wider environmental benefits while improving farm efficiency. It is a win-win for Owen and his farm.” Receiving the Special Commendation Award in the 2021 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Category was Westmeath farmer James Ham. For more information on all aspects of forest creation, management and training visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry

2022 Teagasc National Forestry Events Calendar Date

Event

Venue

21 March – 01 April

Afforestation walks

Nationwide

May 4

Pine Weevil – integrated pest management conference – registration at www.teagasc.ie/pineweevilconf

Tullamore Court Hotel

9 – 20 May

Forest Recreation walks – registration at www.teagasc.ie/forests4recreation

Nationwide

2-6 June

Bord Bia Bloom 2022

Phoenix Park

June

Forestry event focusing on ash dieback

TBC

5 July

Continuous Cover Forestry Event

Caherconlish, Co Limerick

July 19

Forestry presence at Energy In Agriculture

Gurteen, Co Tipperary

14 August

Tullamore Show – Forest Village

Tullamore, Co Offaly

20 – 22 September

National Ploughing Championships

Ratheniska, Co Laois

TBC

Talking Timber - Conifer timber marketing event

TBC

October

Woodland for Water Event

Cork

Management and thinning of conifers event

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he management and thinning of older conifers was the theme of a national Teagasc event in October. The event was held on the 23 year old forest of RDS Production Forestry Award winner Aisling Minnock in Tullamore. Planted in 1999 the 50 hectare forest includes 33 hectares of pure blocks of Sitka spruce and Norway spruce now approaching their third thinning. Led by Teagasc forestry advisers, forest owners and foresters were brought through a series of stops where a range of topics from species characteristics and forest roads to felling licences and the reasons for thinning were discussed. The groups then met Dr Niall Farrelly, Teagasc forestry researcher, who is conducting a thinning trial in part of the Norway spruce. Before discussing the thinning research each participant was invited to take part in a short thinning selection exercise. They were asked to assess a small plot of trees and to mark/select what trees they would remove in a thinning. They carried out the exercise twice - before and after they were provided with marking guidance. The impact of the guidance on the results showed that all participants had responded positively to the information and had improved their selection 6

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accuracy. After complimenting the participants on their selections and highlighting this example of successful technology transfer, Dr Farrelly explained the purpose of the research and outlined the findings to date from different thinning treatments. Based on a combination of systematic and low thinning and comparing different levels of thinning intensity (% 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 best economic, volume production and optimal log size results were coming from moderate to heavy thinning which is an important message for owners, foresters and harvesting contractors. However it was stressed that local site conditions including soil type, age, exposure and access will influence thinning decisions in the context of windblow risk and thinning intensity. The research is ongoing.

New Opportunity for Forest Owners Have you, or are you about to receive your final premium payment from the Forest Service? If so, why not unlock the Future Value of your Forest?

NewGen Forestry Limited is currently offering the perfect solution to landowners looking for a hassle-free, annual income from their forest. If your forest is 15 years or older, NewGen is offering you the option of selling the harvesting rights to your forest. In return NewGen will offer you an attractive upfront payment plus an annuity payment for up to 20 years. This will provide you with a new and innovative income stream while you, the forest owner, retain 100% ownership of your land. NewGen will also provide a reforestation payment to help replant your forest once felled.

Contact your NewGen Forester - John O’Reilly john@newgenforestry.ie 087 408 4998

www.newgenforestry.ie

News

Hardwood Focus 2021

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n October Teagasc hosted a broadleaf management webinar focussing on the efficient firewood production from thinning broadleaves. The theme clearly struck a chord with forest owners with over seven hundred registrations and four hundred and fifty viewers on the night. Irish broadleaf forests account today for approximately 30% of all Irish forests with much of our broadleaf farm forest still young and at developing stage. Reasons for planting a broadleaf forest on the farm are diverse such as biodiversity enhancement, water quality protection, landscape impact and timber production. The programme followed the format of a series of short information videos, live presentation and studio panel and a Q&A session responding to attendees’ questions. Videos showed a recent second thinning of Oak as part of transformation to a Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) system in Limerick. It featured forest owner Jonathan Sykes and his consultant forester Padraig O’Tuama who addressed the current woodland management objectives. The importance of timely first and second thinnings was emphasised in order to provide the better trees with sufficient space for vigorous growth, allowing for the production over time of more valuable hardwood sawlog. It also focussed on how Jonathan was using

the lighter thinnings to produce firewood for use in his own domestic biomass boiler while the larger thinnings were sold to Liston Fuel Logs in Limerick where we saw the process of commercial firewood production in accordance with the standards of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) scheme. The wood produced from early thinning operations is a by-product of management. The firewood market, together with support from the DAFM thinning grants, is a very important enabler to broadleaf management and allows forest owners the chance of some additional early income. Between videos the expert panel of Jonathan Spazzi, Teagasc forestry adviser and Dr.Ian Short, Teagasc broadleaf researcher addressed some of the specific management issues raised. This was followed by a presentation by Noel Gavigan from Irish Renewable and Bioenergy Energy Association (IrBEA) in which he discussed the various aspects of firewood as a renewable and sustainable energy source. The programme ended with a lively Q&A session in which the panel answered questions across a range of thinning and firewood topics from viewers. The programme was recorded and is available to watch at: https://www.teagasc. ie/crops/forestry/news/2021/hardwoodfocus-2021.php

Exclusive Insurance Scheme for Forestry Contractors and Tree Surgeons

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Teagasc Forestry Services

Research

Advice

Training

Our research covers many aspects of the life cycle of a forest from seedling to sawdust. Research is carried out in Teagasc research centres in state-of-the-art laboratories and growing facilities and on privately owned farm forests throughout Ireland.

Teagasc provides objective and independent advisory services to all private landowners on forestry related matters. Teagasc forestry advisors provide free, independent and objective advice on any technical or financial aspect regarding forestry.

Teagasc offers a wide range of QQI certified practical courses. Topics can include formative shaping of broadleaves and timber measurement. A forestry qualification from Teagasc enables students to develop wide ranging and interesting careers.

For more information: Visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry Follow @teagascforestry on social media

News

New Teagasc Guide to Harvesting and Selling Timber

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eagasc has just published a new guide for forest owners on harvesting and selling conifer timber. The “Step-by-Step Guide to Harvesting and Selling Timber from Conifer Forests” was launched by Minister of State Pippa Hackett during a recent visit to Teagasc Oak Park, Carlow. With private forests contributing almost exclusively to the forecasted dramatic increase in timber supply to the Irish market in future years, more and more forest owners will be selling timber and seeking a successful outcome both for their forests and financially. The mobilisation of this important timber supply is dependent on timely and active management of the forest. Active management commences with individual forest owners developing an awareness and understanding of their own forests and harvesting needs. This allows for timely planning of activities such as applying for a felling licence and providing suitable access to their forest. Forest management is a relatively new venture for many forest owners and the steps involved in organising forest harvesting and timber sales, including knowing, where to start and who to approach, can be challenging, particularly if this is a new venture. With this in mind the 28-page publication offers a step-by-step guide to forest owners in getting timber from their conifer forests to the market place by focussing on six critical steps: • Step 1 – Seek Advice and Training • Step 2 – Know your Forest • Step 3 – Plan your Timber Sale • Step 4 – Prepare for Harvesting Operations • Step 5 – Agree a Timber sales Contract • Step 6 – Control your Harvest and Sale

The key messages for owners considering forest management and timber sales are set out in this booklet; start the process in good time, get good advice, engage people who will work for the benefit of the forest and make sure to have a good contract in place to ensure a successful outcome. The guide which is full of valuable, practical tips is available to download from Teagasc at https://www.teagasc.ie/publications/2022/harvesting-and-sellingtimber-from-conifer-forests.php Hard copies are also available free of charge from the Teagasc Forestry Development Department at 091 845200 or from your local Teagasc forestry adviser.

New Teagasc Marteloscope Training Programme

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ngagement with forest owners and managers to develop new skills to support integrated forest management models which can complement current practices underpins a new marteloscope training programme now offered by Teagasc. Marteloscopes are specially prepared forest plots which are commonly used across Europe for training participants in tree selection and tree marking in an outdoor-classroom forest setting. The new training programme was launched by Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in February when she visited the new Teagasc marteloscope in Oak Park, Carlow. 10

Forestry&Energy

The marteloscope is part of a national network established in partnership with the European Forestry Institute, and in collaboration with Pro Silva Ireland and Coillte. Available to forest owner groups and other stakeholders the practical and interactive training adopts a facilitation-style format and encourages participants to learn by doing, leading to group discussions and valuable peer-to-peer learning. For more information on the marteloscope training network see Teagasc forestry adviser Jonathan Spazzi’s report later in this issue.

News

Galway Agroforestry Field Day

T

here is increasing interest and discussion around agricultural sustainability and diversification options. In October, Teagasc in conjunction with the Irish Agroforestry Forum organised a successful field day to explore agroforestry as an option in more detail. In glorious sunshine a group of thirty farmers and landowners visited a new agroforestry plot on a sheep farm in Headford, Co Galway where the owner was now integrating growing trees with sheep grazing and grass management. The impressive 3 hectare plot, on dry limestone land, was planted in 2020 with Oak, Downy birch, Hazel, Cherry and Walnut. Protected by tree shelters the trees were planted at 5 metre spacing equivalent to 400 trees per hectare. Sheep graze between the trees and the grass may also be cut for silage. On behalf of the Irish Agroforestry Forum, Dr Jim McAdam outlined the many environmental and practical farming benefits of an agroforestry system which are supported by extensive research over the past thirty years. These benefits include improved animal welfare, extended grazing season, enhanced biodiversity and carbon storage among many others. John Paul Fahy, forester with Green Belt Ltd, explained how

the agroforestry plot was designed and planted and its particular challenges compared with conventional forestry. Financial supports to plant agroforestry under the Afforestation Scheme and the application process were detailed by Eugene Curran, DAFM Forestry Inspector while Liam Kelly, Teagasc forestry adviser described the positive interactions that can be available between agroforestry and farming schemes while emphasising the potential for valuable timber production. A lively discussion followed with questions and suggestions in relation to alternative species and spacing, opportunities for different agroforestry models including riparian models and what opportunities the next CAP and forestry programme may bring. More information on agroforestry is available at www.teagasc.ie/forestry. The event is featured in the documentary “ Agroforestry - the answer to a lot of issues“ produced by KCLR (Kilkenny Carlow Local Radio) and can be downloaded at: https://kclr96fm.com/documentary/ agroforestry/ The field day was supported by DAFM under the Woodland Support Projects for 2021/2022.

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For Sales & Service please contact:

For Sales & Service please contact John Deere Forestry Ltd. Ballyknocken, Glenealy, John Deere Forestry Ltd. Co. Wicklow, Ireland

Ballyknocken, Co. Wicklow, Ireland Tel: +353 Glenealy, (0)404 44969 Sales Contact: Ed Power +353 (0)87 2542570 Tel: +353 (0)404 44969 (Sales) Contact Ed Power Mob: +353 (0)87 2542570

www.johndeere.ie/forestry

www.johndeere.ie/forestry

Ponsse

Ponsse Opens A New Service Centre In Oulu

The expansion of operations in Oulu is driven by the desire to bring Ponsse’s services closer to the customers in the area. Spare parts, forest machine accessories and maintenance services will now be available to the customers in Oulu even faster. Our competent personnel in machine sales will also provide services to the customers.

“

The service centre also allows us bring spare parts and our services closer to our customers in Oulu. The range of spare parts we offer at the Oulu centre is based on the machinery working in the area. This helps us to provide a better level of service to local customers”, says Jani Liukkonen, Country Manager, Finland. We offer a comprehensive package of Ponsse services to the customers in Oulu. The services at the centre include a wide range of spare parts and forest machine accessories, machine sales, extensive field maintenance and Ponsse Shop. In addition to the forest machine accessories, Ponsse Shop sells high-quality clothes for work and leisure. Two experienced forestry service technicians and a spare parts salesman assist the customers at the centre. Since 2017, Ponsse Northern Express service has also been operating in the area. It is a customerfriendly freight service for delivering spare parts for forest machines. The Oulu’s new customer service centre is located in Rusko, a suburb of Oulu, at Laakeritie 7B. The site is conveniently located near Kuusamontie (highway 20). Ponsse’s service network in Finland includes a total of 24 offices, employing about 200 experts. Ponsse’s market share in Finland is more than 45 per cent. The international Ponsse maintenance network consists of 235 service centres. All PONSSE service centres are situated in central locations to accommodate our both customers’ operations and logistics.

The New Ponsse Active Manual Service Helps And Guides With Videos

P

onsse offers sustainable and innovative harvesting solutions based on customer needs. We want to be a forerunner in the development of digital solutions for the industry. Ponsse is launching a new customer oriented PONSSE Active Manual, which is an instruction and maintenance manual service with videos to support the daily work of forest machine operators. THE NEW PONSSE ACTIVE MANUAL SERVICE HELPS AND GUIDES WITH VIDEOS The visual PONSSE Active Manual is an instruction and maintenance manual service that works on your mobile device and supplements the current instruction and maintenance manual by offering videos in addition to the manual. The new service makes use of the latest technologies, such as 3D modelling. Active Manual has many benefits for forest machine operators: it is clear, fast, and easy to access. “These days, people use instruction videos for doing all kinds of things, so it’s natural to also have operating instructions for forest machines available in video form. You can watch the videos

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whenever and wherever you want over the internet, and they can provide you with instructions for daily operation procedures,” says Pinja Aho, Visualisation Specialist, Ponsse Plc. The new service improves the productivity of forest machine operators by providing them with fast and easy access to the most common instructions for the operation and maintenance of forest machines. The service’s videos will improve the utilisation rate of forest machines by ensuring access to instructions and support whenever and wherever they are needed. CONTINUOUSLY UPDATING CONTENT The video library is continuously updated, and videos are added as soon as they are produced. PONSSE Active Manual is available on Apple and Android app stores. Further information Pinja Aho Visual Specialist, Ponsse Plc tel. +358 40 719 2381, pinja.aho@ponsse.com

HARVESTER OF

TOMORROW

The new Scorpion is here. The best features are the same as before, only further improved. Good visibility, high stability and excellent ergonomics make the Scorpion a popular choice. A roomier interior and high quality materials raise the comfort to an entirely new level. Once the door is closed to the outside world, all is quiet, elegant and in the right place. Active Crane is like an arm that can reach for the trunk without needing to think through every motion. It makes the crane easier to use, helping new operators in particular to work more economically and without stressing the machines structures. The boom's end damping prevents shocks in extreme positions. This reduces the stress on the crane and improves comfort. The solution is technically simple and remains reliable even in extreme conditions.

NEW GENERATION

SCORPION Ponsse Ireland

Tel : +353 578 63 3762

A logger's best friend www.ponsse.com

Forest Contracting

Government Action Spurs Activity On Government Action Spurs Activity Forest Contracting Front On Forest Contracting Front Written exclusively for Forestry & Energy Review magazine

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ecent announcements by Government forecasting double-digit growth in the number of new tree planting and felling licences – coming on top of what Minister Pippa Hackett called “significant increases” in the numbers of felling and roads licences issued last year – have spurred activity on the forest contracting front. Describing 2021 as “a record year for licencing” in terms of felling volume and forest roads - with the promise that “we intend to build on that” – these statements by the Minister point surely to the success of industry’s efforts to alert Government to what one industry watcher said: ‘ was the crippling condition that had enveloped the licencing system for far too long’. “Clearly, Government has heard the concerted lobbying calls from forestry contractors and timber producers and the high-profile PR efforts of grower bodies such as the Munster-based FOCS organisation” he noted. Recognising the desire of global warming watchers and the disappointing reality that ‘every silver lining has a cloud’, the Minister also pointed to what she termed “the broader challenge” of increasing the level of planting, noting “a decline in the number of applications for planting licences in recent years”. Despite this cautionary note, and the future threat that it poses, it is gratifying to note that the general trend is moving in a positive direction. With that change will come ‘increased activity’, already evident on the ground as contractors gear themselves for a growth in demand for their services and equipment. According to one leading provider, Komatsu Forest distributor McHale Plant Sales, this move to re-equip and invest in new machinery is reflected in a number of recent deals by the Birdhill and Rathcoole company. Amongst these is the delivery of a new Komatsu Forest model 931XC harvester to Kilkenny-based contractor, Willie O Dwyer. Another committed Co. Kilkenny-based Komatsu Forest user is Tony Codd whose Millpond base is preparing for delivery of two new Komatsu Forest forwarders: a 845 and 855 models. Add to these a number of additional deals that McHale has ‘under negotiation’ about which their 118 16

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spokesman was understandably tight-lipped. Since being appointed to represent Komatsu Forest in 2018, McHale Plant Sales has carved a significant niche for itself in the forestry sector covering the entire 32 counties (for almost 30 years, it has distributed Komatsu construction equipment in the ROI). Supporting its drive has been what its spokesman calls “the appointment of ‘forestryknowledgeable’ sales personnel and mobile ‘technically-tuned’ technicians”. Models making up their forest products portfolio are the six-strong models 901 - 951 harvesters range and a correspondingly comprehensive six-strong models 825 – 895 forwarders range with respective XC & TX variants. Within the offering is a ‘Smart Crane’ harvester attachment and a broad choice of harvester heads.

Our Wheeled Harvesters

Cutting edge technology. Impressive stability. The Komatsu harvesters have been in the forefront of productivity enhancing technologies for decades, and the best days are still ahead. In everything from smarter thinning to heavy duty final felling. Choosing a red harvester will get you maximised productivity from day one and many years to come. Komatsu offers an impressive line-up of market-leading harvesters that are paired with equally impressive services. Discover the full Komatsu line-up of market-leading harvesters at McHale Plant Sales including the 901XC, 931XC and 951 which are paired with the equally impressive S and C series harvesting heads.

Contact a member of our sales team for full info Tim Shanahan – 087 2381329, Pat Shanahan – 086 8366739 For Komatsu Forest parts, please contact Keith Carey on 061-379112 Birdhill, Co. Tipperary Tel: 061 -379112 Email: info@mchaleplant.com

Greenogue Business Park, Rathcoole, Co. Dublin Phone: 01 -4018540

www.mchaleplantsales.com

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Tree Surgery

Ireland’s Largest Tree Surgery Company:

Dermot Casey Tree Care

Dermot Casey Tree Care is a family-owned tree service that started out in 1972 as a small company. Over the last four decades, our tree service has perfected its skills and blossomed into Ireland’s largest tree company.

I

t comes as no easy feat, however, as our passionate team has put in hard work and dedication to reach high levels of professionalism in the tree industry. Are you interested in getting your trees serviced and want to learn more about our company? Below, we talk about what we’re doing to continue to provide Ireland with the best tree care available today. DERMOT CASEY TREE CARE IS CHANGING THE TREE INDUSTRY Change is progress here at Dermot Case Tree Care. We understand and appreciate the dynamic changes within the tree industry as new machinery and safety regulations are made. In response to change, we adapt. Here are just a few ways that we continue to provide the most current, innovative tree industry services. High Safety Standards and Accreditations Dermot Casey Tree Care is up-to-date on the highest safety standards and accreditations. And it shows, as we have received ESB Network’s Platinum A safety rating three years in a row. We are I.S.O. Safety Management accredited. This means that we strictly adhere to the progressive guidelines set up to provide our employees, clients, and the general public with the safest tree services possible. We are driven by high performance and the utmost safety. As such, we also follow all of the Health and Safety Authority guidelines, being sure to be entirely compliant with the safety legislations in place. We are also the biggest tree service company for ESB Networks’ Overhead Network Vegetation Management Program. In this program,

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Forestry&Energy

we oversee the safest ways to perform services. Before we perform any tree services, each project is risk-assessed and planned by our strategic team to determine the safest ways to conduct our services. There is no safer tree service company in Ireland! PROFESSIONAL TEAM OF EXPERTS Our team of highly-trained tree professionals are rigorously trained to perform all tree services in the most methodical and expert way. We offer first-class services because we’re not afraid to push our team members to perform to the best of their abilities. Our staff are our pride and joy, as they know the importance of our extremely specialized industry. Here at Dermot Casey Tree Care, staff are continuously updated and trained as new standards come into play. We have changed a lot over the course of the past 40 years, but one thing that has not changed is our ambitious team of arborists. Providing services nationwide, our crew is checked regularly by qualified supervisors to make sure that they are keeping up with our extensive in-house training program. In training, each member of the team is taught the vital skills necessary for upholding our reputation as the best tree service Ireland has to offer. We even have an in-house safety officer who conducts ongoing audits of all of our staff, our equipment, and the safety procedures that keep our community safe and thriving. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT At a time when environmentalism is becoming ever more prominent, Dermot Casey Tree Care has stayed up-to-date on the most environmentally-friendly ways to provide tree services to the community. Environmental protection is key to our business’s mission.

Tree Surgery

All of our services use energy-efficient techniques to reduce pollution and lower our carbon footprint. We comply with all legal requirements for environmental responsibility within the tree service sector. Even our large diameter chippers are environmentally-friendly in that they produce Biofuel, which is a form of renewable energy.

•

MODERN, UPDATED EQUIPMENT Technology is an ever-changing world. In order to keep up with the changes within the tree service industry, we continuously update our machinery as technological advancements emerge. We were Ireland’s first company that used insulated platform equipment in working with dangerous power lines. We also were one of the first on board for using self-propelled mulching machines that have grown in popularity across Ireland in recent years. Currently, we have invested in the best of the best when it comes to equipment. Examples of our latest machinery include: • Purpose-built forest tractors. • Felling grapples. • 20” self-propelled chippers. • Site clearance tracked mulchers. • Excavators with telescopic booms fitted with sip mulcher or bio harvesting shears. Having current machinery increases performance, ensuring that we get projects done in a timely manner.

•

TREE SERVICES WE PROVIDE Dermot Casey Tree Care provides tree services to both residential and commercial areas, playing a prominent role in the landscaping and tree maintenance of many communities within Ireland. We value our community’s safety, and trees are an important part of that safety. Here are the numerous services that our tree company provides:

• •

• • •

Tree Surgery- tree branches are carefully and safely removed using professionally-approved practices. Stump Removal- unsightly tree stumps are removed completely and properly disposed of Hedge Cutting- aesthetic hedge maintenance makes your hedges look professional and attractive Tree Services- this includes state-of-the-art tree removal, pruning, and trimming Site Clearance- high-tech robotic mulchers remove trees from domestic and commercial sites Landscaping- planting, shaping, and other landscape maintenance is conducted year-round, for every season and occasion 24-Emergency Works- dangerous trees that pose safety hazards to passersby are removed around the clock

SAFETY YOU CAN TRUST We understand the hazards that come with performing specialized services such as tree surgery. That is why we are 100% committed to the reduction of any harm that might befall our team, clients, and general public. When you work with us, you know you are in safe hands. GET YOUR FREE EXPERT QUOTE If you’re ready to have your trees serviced by Ireland’s first and biggest tree surgery company, then look no further. Dermot Casey Tree Care is here to help you every step of the way. With our professional team of tree experts, we will work with you from start to finish to provide your trees with the best tree care services available. Contact us today via telephone 022-55000 or email at treecare@ dermotcasey.com to get started with a free quote.

Forestry&Energy

19

Roundwood Forecast

All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2021-2040 Prepared by Richard Walsh Forestry Inspector

I

reland’s forest estate is set to become an increasing source of wood over the next 20 years. The National Forest Inventory indicates that the area of privately-owned forest is nearly on a par with the public estate, following the afforestation of over 300,000 ha of private lands since 1980. In 2017, the total growing stock was estimated as 117 million cubic metres of roundwood. Most of the private forest estate has been established over the past three decades, with many areas being thinned, and some being clearfelled at end of rotation. Ireland, in contrast with the rest of the EU has a relatively low level of forest cover, with 11% in the Republic of Ireland (ROI) and 8% in Northern Ireland (NI). Despite the low level of forest cover, Ireland has a strong and well-developed wood processing sector, and is Figure 1: Forecast of NRV by Ownership Category (≥7cm top diameter). a net exporter of timber and timber related products. This time. There are many influencing factors which may result in a forecast arises from a combination not being achieved e.g. catastrophic events such as storms or the of relatively high forest growth rates and investment in processing accelerated impact of climate change. Since the previous forecast, the technology. operating environment for forestry has become increasingly complex with issues around the licensing of forest operations and the devastating AGE OF IRISH FORESTS spread of Ash dieback across the country. Furthermore, Britain, which Forests in Ireland are relatively young in comparison with other EU forests. The majority of the forest estate was afforested over the past fifty is Ireland’s largest market for timber products, left the EU in January 2021 adding a further element of complexity to forecasting and future years, with a large area of the private sector in the ROI being planted timber demand. over the past twenty-five years. Forest ownership is 50.8% state in the ROI and 52.7% state in NI, compared with an EU average of 40%. FORECAST LIMITATIONS These forests are mainly coniferous with 66% in ROI and 46% in NI. There are two main changes from the previous forecast: (1) the private Broadleaf forests account for 20% in the ROI and 32% in NI, with sector Republic of Ireland forecast is now constrained by projected mixed and short rotation forests accounting for the balance. estimates of industry demand while adhering to sustainable forest management and (2) Coillte has not published an updated forecast FORECASTS FOR FORWARD PLANNING using a revised methodological approach as they are currently Round wood production forecasts are essential for investment planning examining the implications on future timber supply of emerging and the overall development of the forest and wood energy sector. The environmental and other demands on the management of its estate. last All-Ireland Forecast was published by COFORD in 2016 for the The gross volume estimates from the 2016 Forecast and the current period 2016-2035. As part of its mandate the COFORD council Wood forecast are broadly similar over the common forecasting period (i.e. Mobilisation and Forecasting Group has now brought forward this 2021-2035) with 93.4 million m3 from the 2016 forecast, compared updated All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2021-2040. This with the current forecast of 93.7 million m3 for the same period. The document collates forecast volume data from a number of sources and forecast presented in Table 1 for net realisable volume (NRV) totals presents them on an all-Ireland basis. Forecast volumes are based on a 133.45 million m3 over the forecast period. The NRV increases from range of assumptions, yield models, management regimes and forecast 4.74 million m3 in 2021 to 7.94 million m3 in 2035 followed by a rules which may or may not be applicable at individual forest level. small decrease of 0.35 million m3 and then remains constant at circa To aid in interpretation and planning, the All Ireland Roundwood 7.6 million m3 up to 2040. When compared with the previous forecast Production Forecast 2021-2040 should be read in conjunction with the over the common reporting period 2021 - 2035, the volumes are more detailed Forecast 2021-2040 – Methodology report published by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM). Both of broadly similar. Figure 1 also outlines the annual forecast of NRV by ownership category. these documents are available at www.coford.ie A forecast of roundwood production is a best estimate at a moment in 20

Forestry&Energy

Roundwood Forecast

Table 1: Forecast of NRV by Ownership Category (000 m3 overbark & ≥7cm top diameter).

Forestry&Energy

21

Roundwood Forecast In Figure 2, the forecast of NRV for the size assortment categories tip 7 cm, 7 - 13 cm and 14 - 19 cm are relatively flat up until 2030, which then increase slightly until 2035 and decline slowly for the remaining years. In contrast, the 20 cm+ category increases steadily over the forecast period due in the main to the constraints imposed in the private sector ROI component of volume. Thinning volume continues to decline and now account for just 16.92 million m3 (12.7%) of total volume over the forecast period with the balance of 116.5 million m3 (87.3%) of volume coming from clearfells. Over the forecasting period, the geographic availability of roundwood is presented in Figure 3 across the Island, with larger volumes being produced in western regions.

A GIS portal was developed by DAFM to accompany the forecast that generates user defined spatial forecasts for private and Coillte forests. The portal facilitates the dissemination of comprehensive volume forecast information on the national forest estate in an accessible, reproducible and transparent way. The online tool is available on the DAFM website: https://publicapps.agriculture.gov.ie/gispublic/ rpfms/pages/workspace/public.jsp Firstly, the user specifies the area of interest by selecting a distinct point and an associated search radius (Figure 4). A forecast report is then produced and the output of which may be altered by adding or removing variables (Figure 5).

Figure 2: Forecast of NRV by Size Assortment.

Figure 4: Defining the area of interest on web forecast tool

Spruce species, with an estimated NRV of 117.41 million m3 (87.8%) of total volumes dominates the forecast volumes as was the case in the previous forecasts. Lodgepole pine and other conifers account for 4.0% and 5.6% of total volume respectively while broadleaves account for the remaining balance of 2.6% equivalent to 3.53 million m3 over the forecast period. WOOD FIBRE The potential wood fibre available for energy and other uses totals 34.77 million m3 over the period of the forecast. Annual volumes steadily increase from 0.89 million m3 in 2021 to over 2 million m3 between 2031 and 2035 and thereafter decreases to 1.82 million m3 in 2040. The forecast growth is due to the increasing volume of downgrade and wood residues which is in line with the growing availability of sawlog outlined in the NRV forecast.

Figure 5: Results generation on web forecast tool

Figure 3: Regional Forecast of NRV (000 m3 overbark & ≥7cm top diameter). 22

Forestry&Energy

Paul Vidgen Forest Machines Ltd

Forest Keep, Watersplash Lane, Ascot, Berkshire, SL5 7QP Tel: 01344 873499 Email: info@pvfm.co.uk Web: www.pvfm.co.uk

Forestry&Energy

23

Liebherr specialist machines for the timber industry

For effective timber harvesting and handling Liebherr offers a broad portfolio of powerful and efficient machines. Liebherr-Ireland LTD Unit 23n Greenogue Industrial Estate Rathcoole, Co Dublin, Ireland Tel : +353 (0) 87 202 9906 E-Mail : robert.macnaughton@liebherr.com Web : www.liebherr.com

Handle More with Liebherr.

A reliable partner for your timber and forestry needs With over 50 years’ experience in the UK’s material handling and earthmoving market, Liebherr-Great Britain is the first port of call for operators wanting a professional, reliable and productive solution to their timber handling and forestry requirements. Liebherr manufactures a wide range of tele-handlers, wheeled loaders, wheeled and crawler material handlers, excavators and dozers for use in the initial harvesting stage through to the loading of finished products and residues. Our range of equipment can be supplied in standard material handling specification or designed to suit your application, and comes with full support from the manufacturer.

APF

Welcome to the Largest APF Show in History

APF 2022, taking place on the 22/23/24th September this year at Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire is set to be the largest show yet in its 46 year history.

O

ver 320 exhibitors and 25000 trade visitors are expected to attend the event. Already the UK’s largest specialist show for the forestry, woodland, arboriculture and fencing industries, APF 2022 has been boosted by recently being joined by the Arboricultural Associations Arb Show. The coming together of these two leading events means that exhibitors are now getting two shows for the price of one and visitors have an unmissable one stop shop for all their new machinery and equipment needs. TRADE SHOW HISTORY APF 2022 is fundamentally a trade show. Hosting its first show in 1976 with its main aim being to provide a showcase for manufacturers of forestry and woodland machinery to sell their equipment to a very targeted audience. The show has kept that focus over the years so exhibitors know that 90% of all visitors are industry professionals and potential customers and it is the reason the event is renowned for the place to buy and sell into the industry. The initial focus was forestry and woodland but that has gradually expanded into closely related sectors such as arboriculture, fencing, grounds maintenance and biomass. One of the key features of the show, which sets it apart from other events, is that much of the machinery and equipment can be seen working under realistic conditions on a 2km demo circuit. Visitors will be able to see over £60 million of equipment on show. The show tries to encourage all sizes of business to attend from a small start up with a great new idea to the large multi-national manufacturers. Stand costs are typically far cheaper than other agricultural and trade shows. It welcomes the one man band as much as a large corporation. APF 2022 remains committed to its early ethos of providing a showcase for exhibitors. Any profits the show makes are reinvested back into the industry. VISITOR ANALYSIS Around 40% of visitors are actively involved in the forestry & woodland industry and the remainder in the arboricultural, grounds maintenance and fencing sectors. The general public are very welcome to attend but the firm emphasis is on the trade visitor. Joining forces with The Arb Show will see an increased focus on the arboricultural sector with a new feature of the Arb Worker Zone. This will be a dedicated area with practical demos, technical workshops and talks on all things arb.

26

Forestry&Energy

Fencing is another rapidly expanding area of the show. Fencing plays an important role in many planting sites but the fencing industry has not had its own show. For APF 2022 we now have The Fencing Village, a show within a show. Many of the leading fencing companies have already booked in and visitors will be able to see the latest machinery, equipment and materials in action both on the exhibitors stand and in a dedicated fencing arena. This new area is sure to attract a host of new visitors coming specifically to look at this area. Although a trade show APF 2022 seeks to provide more than just trade stands to attract the visitor. There will be many other events and activities and competitions being staged over the three days. These include The World 25m poleclimbing championships sponsored by Husqvarna, the European Chainsaw Carving Championships sponsored by A W Jenkinson and Tilhill, The UK Open Fencing Competition sponsored by McVeigh Parker, the UK Open Tree Climbing Championships, a large traditional woodland crafts area and horse logging. They will also be the Forest Worker and Arb worker zones and demos of tree dismantling with a crane amongst many other attractions. TRAINING & EDUCATION The show seeks to have an important training and educational remit and there will be plenty of opportunity to catch up on all the latest safety and training requirements, learn about what it takes to become an instructor or assessor and catch up on the latest plant health news. Parties of schoolchildren will be welcomed and given a guided tour of what happens in a modern working woodland and learn about possible careers in the various industry sectors. The event has a reputation for being a friendly event, run by people in the industry for the benefit of the industries represented. It wants the provide the visitor with the opportunity to see almost every major industry manufacturer, compare products working in a realistic working environment, see world class competitions and meet and network with colleagues from all over the UK, Ireland and the rest of Europe. There is too much to see and do in one day so you are available to camp onsite within 200m of the showground. There is still some remaining exhibitor space available and advance tickets and camping are available to book now at www.apfexhibition. co.uk. Email: info@apfexhibition.co.uk. Tel: 44 (0)1428 723545

CONFOR PRESENTS THE UK’S LARGEST & MOST EXCITING TREES & TIMBER SHOW

FEATURING….. THE WORLD POLECLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIPS - EUROPEAN CHAINSAW CARVING CHAMPIONSHIP - UK OPEN TREE CLIMBING COMPETITION WOODLAND CRAFTS - HORSE LOGGING - WORLD LOG TO LEG CHAMPIONSHIP UK FORWARDER DRIVING COMPETITION - BRITISH OPEN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS FEATURING... FOREST WORKER ZONE ARB WORKER ZONE CHAINSAW - TREE HEALTH SEMINARS THE WORLD POLECLIMBING CHAMPIONSHIPS - EUROPEAN CARVING CHAMPIONSHIP UK OPEN TREE CLIMBINGPROCESSING COMPETITION -- WOODLAND CRAFTS - HORSE LOGGING FIREWOOD BIOMASS PRODUCTION WORLD LOG TO LEG CHAMPIONSHIP - BRITISH OPEN FENCING CHAMPIONSHIPS FOREST WORKER ZONE - ARB WORKER ZONE - TREE HEALTH SEMINARS 300+ EXHIBITORS - 2½ MILES FIREWOOD PROCESSING - BIOMASS PRODUCTION - FENCING VILLAGE

APF 2022

300+ EXHIBITORS - 21/2 MILES WORKING MACHINERY

rd 2322nd/23rd/24th /24thAPF /25th2022 September September Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5PS Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire B49 5PS info@apfexhibition.co.uk Website: www.apfexhibition.co.uk Email: Email: info@apfexhibition.co.uk Website. www.apfexhibition.co.uk Tel: 01428 723545 Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram Tel: 01428 723545 Follow Us on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

Woodfuels

Heating the Nation – Why Woodfuel Matters By Eugene Hendrick

Woodfuel can achieve decarbonisation in heat supply where other methods are not financially viable. By Eugene Hendrick.

INTRODUCTION The fundamental tenets of renewables policy are to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase security of energy supply, and favour the emergence of least cost solutions. Does our heat policy help or hinder the achievement of these aims? Given the rush to electrify residential heat, using high cost and embodied carbon technologies, and the lack of focus on commercial and industrial heating the answer seems to be more hindrance than help. Heat1 accounts for about 38% of all energy use in Ireland (41 TWh in 2018), and 20% of greenhouse gas emissions (almost 14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide). This fundamental, and maybe awkward fact, is drowned out in the discourse about the need to reduce emissions from electricity generation, transport and agriculture. Last year an evidence-based report from Renewable Energy Ireland 40 By 302 made a series of policy recommendations across all renewable energy options, from heat pumps to district heating to bioenergy. It was largely ignored by policy makers and media alike. This is in the context of renewable heat accounting for just 6.7% of heat energy in 2017. The following year, renewable heat use actually dropped back to 6.5%. Clearly, we have a long way to go, especially as residential heat use accounts for 42% of all heat use, and it is always difficult to change individual behaviours. Not that commercial or industrial heating, the next highest heat users, are shining examples. Here the story is that one fossil – oil – is being gradually being replaced by another – “natural” gas – largely because of a highly questionable policy of extending the

gas grid, linked to extremely low prices. Some of the short-sightedness of that approach is being exposed by gas price hikes, which actually began rising through 2021. More about that anon. Solid biomass (78%), dominates renewable heat, in particular in the wood processing sector, which has ready access to relatively low-cost residues. One would think that playing to one’s biomass strengths would help to inform a robust heat policy to deploy it and a range of proven technologies and approaches to tackle the fossil stranglehold in the residential and commercial/industrial heat sectors. No, instead an unwavering adherence to an energy efficiency approach - building fabric first – has become the orthodoxy. Commercial and industrial heating rarely get mentioned. It was refreshing therefore that the national heat study from the SEAI - Net Zero by 2050 published in the past couple of weeks states in one of its Key Insights: Evolving existing policy supports to focus on replacing fossil fuels in buildings can have a more significant and immediate emissions reduction impact than a fabric-first approach. It goes on to state: this approach [fabric-first] is not guaranteed to be consistent with the rapid decarbonisation needed to meet the goals of the Climate Action Legislation. It is also not financially viable for a large proportion of consumers in the analysis. Support scheme design that focuses on meeting the minimum levels of fabric performance to support a switch away from fossil fuel heating sources is likely to see more uptake and require less investment. However, the conclusion that heat pumps are an ideal fit for retrofit-light is open to question, given the level of insulation needed for a high COP

Heat energy is used for heating and cooling. Examples include energy used for space and water heating in homes and businesses, cooking, air conditioning, high-temperature process heat in industry, etc. (SEAI –RENEWABLE ENERGY IN IRELAND - 2020 Update) 1

2

The report’s main conclusion was that by 2030, 40% of all heat could come from a suite of renewable technologies. 28

Forestry&Energy

ROTOCHOPPER SHREDDERS Rotochopper shredders for processing of brash, stumps, whole trees and wood waste. Available on tracks or tyres from 275 to 1,100hp, capable of loading a walking floor with brash reduced to <100mm in less than 15 minutes. Also available in static electric to 825 kW for low cost processing in your yard.

UK and Ireland Dealer: Phone: +353 86 3881615 Email: sales@brightgreen.ie, Web: www.brightgreen.ie Brightgreen Recycling Ltd, Fleenstown, The Ward, Co. Dublin. UK depots in Ayrshire and Norfolk.

North EnBaerlagynce Kerry with Nature Woodchip in

Mob: 087 253 5909

Woodfuels

and economic operation, and the relatively high capital costs for heat pumps detailed elsewhere. In many of these situations, modern efficient biomass boilers offer a more economic and higher carbon dioxide saving. Whatever about policy-based incentives to change behaviours, unforeseen events have a habit of challenging the best laid plans. Nothing more so than those leading to scarcity and price hikes. One of the consequences of the lessening demand during period of the Covid-19 pandemic has been resurgent demand for fossil fuels, which has led to price increases. These have been made more acute by the war in Ukraine. These increases in demand and tightening in supply has inevitably led to steady and then sharp increases in prices of transport and heating oil, and in gas, albeit the latter has yet to fully impact. While oil and gas prices have a volatile history, and can and will fall back from current peaks, a number of commentators forecast that any new equilibrium is unlikely to see prices return to the low levels of recent years3. This is likely to put pressure on not only deep retrofitting investment, but also on carbon tax and the projected increases to 2030. Whatever about the efficacy of retrofitting policies, it is well to remember that carbon taxes have underpinned best in class renewables performance by countries such as Denmark and Sweden. RECENT EVENTS –AND THE SOARING COST OF HOME HEATING OIL So, recent events have once again turned the focus on the cost and availability of fossil fuels, particularly transport and home heating oils. Prices for heating oil have reached the levels not seen for a decade, and have recently peaked over 1.60/litre, an effective doubling since the

beginning of the year4. Those who heat their homes and buildings using woodfuel can count themselves lucky to be largely insulated from the price spikes of the past weeks. As Figure 15 shows, home heating oil had been climbing in price since the latter part of 2021, on foot of supply chain constraints and increased demand. Woodfuel prices have remained relatively stable over the period since 2006. But it is fair to say as input costs rise, woodfuel is also likely to increase in price, though at nowhere near the level seen for oil. If oil settles back to the €1000/litre level, woodfuels at current prices still remain very competitive as Table 1 shows. A price of €800/litre makes oil more competitive with wood pellets.

Fuel

Unit

Price €

c/kWh

Annual cost €

Oil

1000 litres

1000

9.40

1316.00

1 tonne

380

7.82

1094.80

1 tonne

248

6.00

840.00

Wood pellets (bagged per tonne) Firewood (20% MC – bulk delivery)

Figure 1. Fuel prices in Ireland, 2016 to January 2021. See for example Embrace high fossil fuel prices because they are here to stay by Amrita Sen at https://www.ft.com/content/a15e7ade-dad0-4ed3-a1721974ac9d5b23 3

4

oilprices.ie

To compare prices, one litre of home heating is equivalent to 10.35 kWh, one kg of pellets is equivalent to 4.9 kWh. Actual heat provided will depend on boiler efficiency. 5

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Forestry&Energy

Worrell Harvesting Ltd. The complete forestry company FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT

Ken 087 2599372 & Cormac 086 1712279

Do you want to sell your timber? Worrell harvesting is specialising in timber from Pine & Spruce Clearfell and Thinning’s, Hardwood and Softwoods. Fire damaged areas, roadside timber.

Contact us today for top log prices, reduced reforestation cost, extra revenue from BIOMASS HARVESTING, and a Demo of our LOG WATCH live digital Timber Trackability system

Woodfuels

Figure 2. Historic and predicted natural gas prices denominated in euro/MWh7, and based Dutch TTF Gas benchmark price. COMMERCIAL AND INDUSTRIAL HEATING At a commercial and industrial scale, gas and oil are the dominant energy sources for space and process heating in Ireland. Open market gas prices for large consumers were running at around 2-3 c/kWh through 2020 and early 2021, a price that biomass suppliers found hard to match. Through the second quarter of 2021 and to year end, prices rose to over 5 c/kWh. The war in Ukraine has caused prices to spike at 20 c/kWh in recent weeks (Figure 2), and while the price has inevitably fallen back, some commentators6 forecast a hardening of prices up to 25-27 c/kWh through to the middle of 2023. Though it hard to see such a price being sustained for any given period, likewise it is difficult to see a future gas not being well above a multiple of the 2020/early 2021 price, at least into 2023. These events may encourage more commercial and industrial users to consider investments in renewable energy and biomass in particular. But significant barriers to change remain, not least the capital cost of changing away from oil and gas heating, and there is good case for state polices to financially support fuel switching. The current instrument in that space, the SSRH (Support Scheme for Renewable Heat) however lacks any significant level of ambition, and has become bogged down in red tape since its initiation over two years ago. Its rule- set needs to be made far more explicit, so as to remove uncertainty for investors, it needs be strongly promoted and the funding models extended to large scale industrial heat users. While residential gas users saw average prices fall by 12% in the first half of 2021, they have increased since and now stand at 7-8 c/kWh. This price, as indicated, is likely to rise as forward bought stocks are depleted. ELECTRICITY PRICES Similar considerations apply to electricity prices, given the need to stabilise the grid against variable sources such as wind. Over the month to the 12th March, about half of electricity generation was from wind and other renewables (including dispatchable biomass power and CHP), and half from fossil, mainly gas (Figure 3). A consequence of the continuing deployment of wind on the grid, and the switch from coal and oil to gas, is the gradual lowering of

Figure 3. Average “ fuel mix” on the Irish grid 12 February to 12 March 2022 (The “Renewables” category includes wind, solar and hydro sources. The “Other” category includes Peat, Distillate, Waste, Combined Heat and Power (CHP), Aggregated Generating Units (AGUs), Demand Side Units (DSUs) and Turlough Hill in generation mode.) Source https://www. smartgriddashboard.com/ embodied carbon dioxide emissions in electricity supply. By 2018 this figure had reached about 300 g CO2 /kWh. But it remains a fact that heat pumps, even allowing for COP8 of 3, still carry embodied emissions of about 100 g CO2 /kWh. Woodfuels also have embodied carbon emissions, due mainly to fossil fuel use in harvesting, transport and processing. These range from 15 to 30 g CO2 /kWh and are well below the greenhouse gas savings requirements set out in the Renewable Energy Directive II that woodfuels and all bioenergy must meet to be rated as zero caron dioxide emissions. So, for the present the greenhouse gas savings on fossil fuel displacement are considerably higher for woodfuel systems, and they are a lot cheaper to install than heat pumps. For an average Irish home, an air source heat pump can cost from €12,000-€18,000, depending on installation cost. Plus, there is the need to operate in houses and buildings with a high level of insulation, otherwise the heat pump

6

https://tradingeconomics.com/

7

Divide by 1000 to get price in kWh

8

COP is the relationship between the power (kW) that is drawn out a heat pump as cooling or heat, and the power (kW) that is supplied to the compressor. 32

Forestry&Energy

GREEN

EQUIPMENT

SUPPLIES LTD.

Eniscorthy, Co. Wexford, Y21 P9P3, Ireland

Tel: +353 (0)86 242 5237

Email: ges@live.ie

Suppliers of: - Antonio Carraro - Tractors - VTN - Stump Removers - Energreen - Remote Control Mulchers www.greenequipmentsupplies.ie

Woodfuels will struggle to provide water at 40 oC, the COP will fall, and costs and greenhouse gas emissions will rise accordingly. A good quality, Ecodesign compliant woodfuel pellet stove boiler costs around €5,000€6,000 including installation. These comparisons also need to take fuel and maintenance costs into consideration, as well the lifetime of installed plant. Allowing for current fuel prices and maintenance levels, pellet stoves and boilers still remain competitive against all other sources, and that is without fully including the level of carbon tax which is set to increase from the current €33.50/tonne of CO2 to €100/tonne by 2030. At the larger scale it is worth remembering that policies to install 600,000 heat pumps and have over 900,000 electric vehicles on the road by 2030 would add about 1.4 GW to electricity demand. Even if there is sufficient installed wind and solar capacity on the grid to meet demand, there are days when renewables fall below 10% of demand, so back-up capacity and grid imports are needed to power and stabilise the grid. Gas is seen as the answer to the capacity problem, in the period up to 2030. The Climate Action Plan foresees a need for an additional 2 GW of gas-fired generation over the period up to 2030. The recent EirGrid/SONI auction resulted in the award of 1.5 GW new capacity, almost all to come from planned new gas-fired carbon emitting plants. Whether this will be sufficient for anticipated growth in electricity demand, and at what cost is unclear, as there is a lack of independent analysis of Ireland’s electricity capacity. In light of recent gas prices jumps and reduced supply such analysis becomes even more necessary. WHAT CAN BIOENERGY AND WOODFUEL IN PARTICULAR CONTRIBUTE TO RENEWABLE HEATING Another Key Insight from SEAI heat study is Available domestic solid and gaseous biomass fuels are used in all scenarios. Nationally appropriate sustainability governance is required to minimise upstream emissions, align with circular and bioeconomy goals, and avoid increasing emissions in nonenergy sectors. Between 7%-17% of heat demand is supplied by bioenergy by 2030 and a similar proportion in 2050. The wide range in the estimates is based on the feasibility of different scenarios which bring biomethane and short rotation coppice

on stream, based on policy development and underlying costs, and the necessity in the model to secure overall net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The scenarios are outlined in the Sustainable Bioenergy for Heat study which accompanies the SEAI heat study. The current annual heat demand across all sectors is outlined in the heat study as about 60 TWh or 216 PJ per annum. The upper 17% would therefore target would entail about 37 PJ bioenergy per annum by 2050 across all scenarios. As I am familiar with the forest sector numbers, I will concentrate on them. Let us start with the current level of use of woodfuel for heat, which was about 7.3 PJ in 2018 and set that as the baseline. All scenarios in the report assume an underlying supply potential 14-15 PJ per annum from woodfuel. This assumption is based on the COFORD roundwood production forecast figures for the period 2020-2040. I have adjusted these estimates based on • assuming a 50% higher intensity of sustainable biomass recovery from thinning for energy purposes, and • bringing an additional 3,000 ha of clearfell per year into residue collection. Table 2 shows the results of the adjustments by netting off existing use, and the expected intake of indigenous forest biomass at Edenderry power, assuming a move to 100% biomass. The plant is brought out of generation in 2030 and this frees up an additional 7 PJ or so per annum for use in more efficient heat projects. No assumption has been made with regard to supply of additional material from newly established short rotation coppice, which the report indicates could provide an additional 3 PJ per annum from 2030 onwards. This level of supply is contingent on high price paying potential for bioenergy. The forest woodfuel resource on the other hand is forecast for existing plantations. As regards demand an implicit assumption is the presence of a strong set of measures across the residential sector and commercial and industrial sectors, and that gas and oil prices do not fall back to 2021 levels for extended periods.

Year

2025

2030

2035

2040

2045

2050

Net additional availability PJ (000 cubic metres)

2 (260)

5 (640)

14 (1,890)

16 (2,140)

14 (1,950)

12 (1,630)

34

Forestry&Energy

Mark Mobile: 086 2261901 Office Number Cora: 0863643858

Woodfuels

CONCLUSIONS What could this potential additional woodfuel resource be directed towards in the context of the primary aim of renewables policy – reducing greenhouse gas emissions? 1.

2.

3.

4.

A straightforward and simple aim would be to immediately start to make inroads into the one million or so homes that use oil as the main heating fuel by switching to woodfuel, say 10,000 homes per year from 2023 to 2030. The woodfuels could be either low moisture firewood or pellet, the latter to come from a greatly expanded level of indigenous pellet production. The fuels should be combusted in modern high efficiency, low emission Ecodesign stove/boilers. The aim would be to target homes which are difficult to retrofit due to age or other factors, with an aim to meet the minimum levels of fabric performance to support an efficient switch away from fossil fuel heating. This measure would entail the use of 4 PJ of woodfuel, or 450-500,000 cubic metres derived from sawmill residues (pellets) and early thinnings and residual roundwood harvest. This would deliver a saving of 290,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum by 2030, in a sector that is otherwise difficult to decarbonise. The SEAI national heat study identifies district heating as a technology that could provide as much as 50% of building heating demand in Ireland. It is a proven and available technology. Wood fuelled district heating is a tried and trusted method across many European countries, including Denmark which has a similar forest resource distribution and size to Ireland, as well as a similar winter heating profile. A number of large towns in Ireland have significant institutional and commercial users of heat, some oil fuelled, but also gas. In order to begin this process a pilot scheme for five town district heating plants, scaled at an installed capacity of 8 MWh should be initiated. This would entail a woodfuel supply of 1 PJ or 80-100,000 cubic metres per annum towards the end of the decade, with an annual saving of 70,000 t of carbon dioxide. Robust and sustained markets are key to mobilising woodfuels, developing supply chains at scale and making the most of a scarce resource. Given the supply dynamics from the forest sector it is clear that additional sources of woodfuels and other energy vectors would be needed for bioenergy to provide up to 17% of heating. To reach that level it is essential that market development should come first, which should then provide a price for short rotation coppice and short rotation forestry to aim to achieve. Experience in the past with energy crops has shown the need to have a sustainable market price to make them viable. Very similar considerations apply to the forest resource. As alluded to earlier, the SSRH scheme needs to be streamlined and expanded, and particularly in order to make enable bioenergy-based district heating. Regarding the residential side a grant scheme for Ecodesign boilers, allied to a level of fabric improvement should be considered. If grants for heat pumps why not for modern bioenergy? New technologies such as bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS), and the use of biochar are emerging to meet the climate challenge. BECCS offers the prospect of so-called negative emissions, which the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says will be necessary to meet net zero by 2050. It is now available as an off-the-shelf technology but securing geologic storage sites needs further analysis and investigation. Policies and measures in this area will be guided by Commission’s proposals for the certification of carbon removals due this year (see article in previous edition). Given a workable policy framework, and an accessible storage capacity, BECCS could become a viable economic proposition and a commonplace part of existing and new bioenergy facilities. www.smartearth.ie

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MASTER.indd 41

27/08/2019 14:10

Irish Forestry

Family Tree Impact investments (FTI) operated by NewGen Forestry offer a new and Innovative Income Stream to Forest Owners Initial target of 2000ha of harvesting rights fast approaching

T

he recently launched forestry investment platform, Family Tree Impact Investments (“FTI”), operated by sustainable forestry manager NewGen Forestry, is actively acquiring forestry harvesting rights from existing plantation owners. FTI and NewGen are fast approaching their initial target: the acquisition of 2000 ha of harvesting rights. FTI – NewGen offer a new and innovative income stream to forest owners. In return for the acquisition of harvesting rights from the forest owner, FTI offers landowners the opportunity to receive up to 30% of the forest value upfront, with the balance being paid over a maximum term of 20 years in an annuity-like, inflation linked, income stream (term of annuity is influenced by the age of the crop and the requirements of the forest owner). FORESTRY SPECIFICATION NewGen will focus initially on forests that have come to, or are close to, the end of the Government’s Forest Service Premium scheme namely plantations that are 15 years old, or more. Unlike a traditional forest sale, the owner does not have to sell the underlying land: instead NewGen will simply take over the management of the existing forestry removing all future operational

120 38

Forestry&Energy

costs, including insurance costs, managing the licensing process, attaining environmental approvals and general reporting costs that the forest owner traditionally incurs. Under the terms of the deal, NewGen will also provide a reforestation payment to replant the forest. The proposed model addresses some of the major concerns voiced by forest owners; • How do I manage my forest when I stop receiving premium payments from the Government? • How do I pay for the replanting of my forest? The attraction for private forest owners is the assurance of annual premium payments after State payments cease, rather than depending on the irregular income from thinnings and eventual clearfells. The scheme applies to productive coniferous forests over 4ha, ideally 15 years of age and over. CASE STUDY Experience of a forest owner who decided to license his harvesting rights to NewGen / FTI In 1999, Edmond O’Byrne, a dairy farmer working 38ha in Ballycappoge Co Wexford, examined his options around changing to a land use that would provide him with a good economic return and a

Irish Forestry

better lifestyle. His dairy farm, whilst profitable, had its drawbacks. Some years, grazing was confined to a six-month window as Edmond struggled to intensively farm on a wet & heavy clay soil. Although the land was unsuited to certain farming enterprises, the land was ideal for forestry, so Edmond decided to plant his farm. Edmond enjoyed the benefit of receiving a forestry premium payment each year but in 2020 these premium payments came to an end. BENEFITS OF REGULAR INCOME Whilst he had since established his own business, including part-time work with RNLI, Edmond values the certainty provided by an annual income. “An annual and steady cashflow is important, I can plan my finances and I better understand my overall financial position” says O’ Byrne. Edmond understands the value of his forest in terms of thinning yields and final harvest, but the new 20-year horizon of annual premium payments plus an upfront lump sum offered by NewGen offered Edmond several benefits over an irregular income and the headache and cost of trying to manage his forest crop. Accordingly, Edmond decided to enter a license agreement with NewGen to sell the harvesting rights to his current crop of trees. Edmond noted that: “my children are pursuing their own careers and are not attracted to working a holding of this size, but in saying that I didn’t want to sell the land should they ever wish to return”.

NewGen construct forest road in preparation for first thinning

“Under the scheme offered by NewGen, I retain ownership of the land as I am only selling the harvesting rights to the current crop of timber”. REFORESTATION PAYMENT “The scheme also makes a reforestation payment to cover the cost of replanting the site after clearfell and this removes any concerns I have about the cost and impact of replanting the site”. SUMMARY “On balance this scheme suited my requirements and in economic terms converted the future value of my forest into annual cashflow but in personal terms it removed any concerns I had about insurance, licencing, managing contractors and risk around windblow and future pricing” NEWGEN POSITION This forest fits into NewGen’s investment portfolio, according to John O’Reilly, Forest Operations Manager and Director of NewGen Forestry, “The crop is primarily Sitka Spruce and the yield class (YC) is a strong 22m3/ha/annum” he says. “The crop has undergone one thinning, so our plan is to carry out one and possibly two more thinnings before clearfell at year 35 - 38.” O’Reilly says.

39 Forestry&Energy 121

ECO LOG 1250F THE COMPLETE ALLROUNDER WITH A TRACTIVE PULLING FORCE OF 200KNM AND SMOOTH OPERATING EPSILON CRANES ITS LEADING THE WAY IN A FIELD OF MANY.

ECO LOG AND GREMO MERGE

Eco Log and Gremo, two of forestry’s most innovative brands, have strengthened their relationship and have merged to produce the most diverse range of harvesters and forwarders that has ever been produced. This range can cater for any contractor’s needs and demands. The combined experience of the two teams have created a perfect range of machines for every terrain and every forest. All machines will be branded in the Eco Log colours and name. The machine Line-up consists of no less than five forwarder models with a loading capacity from 8.5 to 20 tonnes. Forwarder Type

Load Capacity

Eco Log 750

8.5 tonnes

Eco Log 1050

10.5 tonnes

Eco Log 1250

12.5 tonnes

Eco Log 574F

14 tonnes

Eco Log 584F

16 tonnes

Eco Log 594F

20 tonnes

The already-wide range of Eco Log harvesters will be complemented with a small eight-wheeled harvester; Eco Log 1058, 16 tonnes weight.

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The EcoLog 688 powered by a tier V Volvo Penta engine is the most cost efficient harvester in its class on the market. With fuel consumption of 13-14 Litres per hour in the toughest of clearfell, on steep terrain, the EcoLog 688F cannot be beaten on fuel consumption. In todays market with the rising cost of fuel, the EcoLog 688F will save you €15,000-20,000 per year in fuel costs when compared to other harvesters in this class. The innovative design further leads to increased efficiency and a reduction in running costs. The ergonomic design of the cab ensures operator comfort and ease of driving. The Log Max head is a perfect match for the EcoLog 688F, it’s simplistic and clever design results in fewer hose breakages and considerably less waste of hydraulic oil compared to competitors. Through exceptional ground-clearance, reliability, serviceability and a powerful harvester-crane you control your destiny to high productivity and a profitable total cost of ownership. Don’t burn your profits, call Liam on 086-607954 to discuss your new EcoLog today.

CALL LIAM BERGIN 086 607 9564

0

50

100

150

200

250

80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0

2022

94

112 120

212

Target

12

34

146 153

Issued

231 131

207

Monthly target for private licences with ecology input (excluding Coillte felling licences)

2021

148

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Number Afforestation Licences Issued

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2022

Afforestation

w/e 4th

14

19

16

50

Roads

w/e 11th

15

13

10

11

16

30

13

31

25

Coillte Felling

w/e 25th Private Felling

w/e 18th

29

50

Number of Licences Issued - March 2022 50

2021

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

0

0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

100

200

300

20

40

400

500

80 60

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100

Number Road Licences Issued

2022

Afforestation

w/e 1st

10

21

18

58

Roads

w/e 8th

Private Felling

Page 1 of 2

Coillte Felling

w/e 15th w/e 22nd w/e 29th

Number of Licences Issued - April 2022

2021

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Number Tree Felling Licences Issued

Forestry Licensing Dashboard – Week 1, April

Felling Licences - current week Type Hectares No. Thinning 914.52 45 Clear fell 337.25 31

Valid Licence Appeals Received YTD Afforestation 16 Forest Roads 4 Tree Felling 3 As notified to DAFM by the FAC

January February March April May June July August September October November December Totals

Afforestation Hectares 2020 2021 2022 270 353 482 531 463 269 298 506 440 566 627 0 309 458 166 293 155 64 214 125 280 269 570 300 485 393 499 395 4,342 4,246 1,132

Afforestation Felling Roads Total

Applications Received YTD 85 323 155 563

Licences Issued YTD 165 942 203 1,310

Other Scheme Approvals YTD Recon & Under planting (RUS) NW Conservation 34 8

0

100

200

300

400

500

600

Hectares/Kilometres for Licences Issued Roads Felling Kilometres Hectares Volume m3 2020 2021 2022 2020 2021 2022 2021 2022 5 20 29 1,170 3,338 3,507 831,530 928,753 10 30 14 1,400 1,939 3,858 531,010 853,328 15 26 43 1,462 1,059 4,654 298,959 785,837 16 18 1 1,437 1,311 0 303,190 0 13 30 1,332 2,237 564,007 9 28 694 4,108 933,153 12 5 1,003 1,382 319,961 10 19 1,904 1,302 343,035 10 13 1,183 6,516 1,585,000 7 18 2,387 3,772 1,003,661 10 32 2,335 3,608 1,017,094 13 26 1,935 2,283 722,367 130 264 78 18,241 32,855 10,767 8,452,966 2,567,918

2021 Issued

2021 Planted

2022 Issued

2022 Planted

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Issued V Planted 2021 and 2022 (ha)

Page 2 of 2

Hectares/Kilometres Planted/Roads Constructed Hectares Kilometres 2020 2021 2022 2020 2021 2022 January 136 181 69 17 5 9 February 273 216 279 6 4 9 March* 262 165 206 5 5 5 April 212 113 84 8 3 0 May 350 259 9 6 June 284 309 6 7 July 165 287 11 4 August 137 161 8 9 September 226 64 5 7 October 67 59 10 5 November 162 86 6 7 December 161 116 6 9 Totals* 2,435 2,016 627 98 70 23 *2022 estimated

Forestry Licensing Dashboard – Week 1, April

SEEFA News

Irish Forestry industry is surviving the licensing scandal of recent years, but the private sector are not yet out of the woods Like previous few years, 2021 was another hugely difficult and challenging year for forestry nurseries, forestry establishment, maintenance and harvesting companies.

SOCIAL ECONOMIC ENVIRONMENTAL FORESTRY ASSOCIATION OF IRELAND The ongoing difficulties and total inaction from the forest service was the determining factor in the rise of the Social Economic Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) in the fall of 2021. The association which membership comprises of private forestry nurseries, and private companies specialising in forestry establishment, maintenance and harvesting have come together to represent the sector from a seed to sawdust perspective. SEEFA maintain weekly communications with all politicians, keeping them informed of the ongoing difficulties and the continuing failure by the forest service to issue enough licences to the industry within an acceptable timeframe. The political support SEEFA have received has been hugely influential in keeping pressure on the department to actually perform to at least some level. Political interaction is initiated weekly after the department issue their licencing data or dashboard. Subsequently parliamentary questions then submitted for the attention of the minister for Agriculture Food and the Marine to ensure there is a continued focus of forestry on the political agenda. Forestry remains prominent in mainstream media, and SEEFA will continue to promote forestry until there is real change and evidence that the department are providing some level of service to the forestry sector, their stakeholders. EXTREME LOW BASE OF AFFORESTATION Despite the efforts of SEEFA and strong political support, afforestation levels in Ireland are at their lowest since the 1940’s. The total area of new planting in 2021 was just over 2,000 hectares, just 25% of the government’s climate action target of 8,000 hectares per annum. Unfortunately for over a decade now, lessons are not learned, 44

Forestry&Energy

nobody is accountable, and failure repeats failure without identifying the reasons forestry administration fails so spectacularly and the necessary changes at the top level are never considered. CARBON SEQUESTRATION In terms of climate change and carbon sequestration, the repeated failure by the forest service to reach targets have seen us fall short of 15,000 hectares over the past five years. Had this area been afforested these plantations had the potential to remove 5.4 million tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere over their lifetime. For timber supply, legacy issues will reverberate throughout the industry for years to come as 2021 saw approximately 1,000 hectares of the 2,000 hectares planted were for wood producing commercial species such as Sitka Spruce. The irony for many is that in supressing afforestation and the planting of Sitka Spruce, opportunities to replace steel and concrete with timber in the future are being lost now. FORESTRY LICENCING PLAN DEFICIT The departments licencing plan for 2022 was presented to the sector in January, and created further cause for concern. All current data available suggests the forestry sector would require a minimum of 7,500 licences for 2022, yet the department set the target at a paltry 5,250 licences. This is a fundamental issue right across the board, the department seem completely devoid of understanding the actual needs of stakeholders. More worryingly is the evidence so far suggests the department will not reach the numbers set out in their own targets, with afforestation targets falling way short of the 1,040 listed in the plan. Despite repeated claims from both ministers that the department will prioritise licences to plant trees, the reality is that only 12% of all licences issued by the ministers department in 2021 were for tree planting, not what the public might expect considering the Green Party have responsibility for forestry.

SEEFA News This trend has continued in 2022 and to achieve their afforestation licence target the department would need to issue a minimum of 20 licences every week this year, something they only achieved twice in 2021. The opportunity for real change rests with the regulatory review of the licencing system which was conducted by law firm Phillip Lee which was completed in February. The legal advice within the report addresses many of the arbitrary rules imposed by department officials in recent years. This will identify the shortfalls in the department and minister Hacketts must fully embrace the recommendations within this report. A complete overhaul of the licencing system coupled with a change of attitudes within the department will ultimately determine if the industry is to recover and achieve climate change mitigation targets.

department officials. A new and fit for purpose licencing system is one of the key changes required to inject some confidence back in to the schemes. This should include statutory timelines on all licences so customers know how long it will take to receive approval. If the minister is serious and genuine in attempting to reinvigorate farmer interest in tree planting she must engage in meaningful discussions on Ash dieback with a view to compensate land owners with diseases crops. Another opportunity missed in reengaging the farming community in forestry could be the reluctance by department officials to fully integrate forestry in the next CAP. Although the forestry industry were not permitted membership on the Cap Consultative Committee, they did nevertheless submit excellent and creative proposals on how forestry could have been married into environmental measures within CAP.

SYSTEM OVERHAUL Industry awaits the minister to implement Lee’s recommendations with a sense of urgency and not tolerate institutional resistance from her

WAY FORWARD After several apparent own goals during a short tenure, it is hoped minister Hackett will soon start steering the ball in the right direction.

Forestry&Energy

45

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25/01/2022 12:34

BROPHY TIMBER SERVICES

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Harvesting & Extraction: +353(0) 872236454 Email: bts@live.ie

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Commercial Commercial Feature 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

48 58

Forestry&Energy Forestry&Energy

Research

Increasing Tree Cover on Irish Dairy and Drystock Farms “What are the main barriers and perceptions that impede agroforestry uptake?” By Rachel Irwin (Teagasc), Ian Short (Teagasc), Áine Ní Dhubháin (UCD) CURRENT FORESTRY COVER IN IRELAND In pre-civilisation times, Ireland had an estimated forest cover of 80%. During the industrial revolution, the demand for agricultural and forestry products intensified. This resulted in wide-scale deforestation of native woodlands to make way for more specialised farming systems and commercial forestry. A steady decline in the abundance of trees within agricultural systems ensued with livestock gradually became excluded from forest systems and native tree species replaced with high-yielding commercial species. During this period, traditional

50

Forestry&Energy

agroforestry practices declined rapidly in favour of high yield producing intensive agriculture. By 1928, 99% of the forest cover had been lost, leaving only 1% of Ireland’s land surfaced in trees. In an attempt to compensate for this, the Forestry Act was introduced in 1928. In conjunction with government incentives, this led to a near doubling of the forest cover from 5.9% to 10.5% between 1985 and 2012. Total forest cover currently stands at approximately 11%. However, this is still 7% lower than the government target of 18% by 2046 and with the current afforestation growth, it remains unlikely that this target will be

Research

Figure 1. Theory of Planned Behaviour

achieved. AGROFORESTRY, A NEW TERM FOR AN ANCIENT PRACTICE Agroforestry is cited by many as a means to achieve this target of 18% forest cover while continuing to produce high quantities of food. Agroforestry refers to the incorporation of trees within agricultural landscapes and has been a land management practice in many countries since the beginning of the agricultural era. There are four main distinct practices of agroforestry within the European Union: Silvopasture; Silvoarable; Agrosilvopastoral; and linear forms of agroforestry such as shelterbelts, riparian buffer strips and windbreaks. Silvopasture refers to the management of livestock and woody perennials within the same parcel of land. On agricultural land, it is classed as either wood grazing, orchard grazing or individual trees depending on the system, while it is referred to as forest grazing on forested land. The inclusion of trees within cropland is classed as Silvoarable and is referred to as either alley cropping, alley coppice, orchard intercropping or individual trees. Forest gardens relate to the inclusion of crops within forested systems. A mixture of both aforementioned practices is referred to as Agrosilvopastoral agroforestry. Linear agroforestry refers to the inclusion of trees between fields as riparian tree strips, wooded hedgerows and shelterbelt networks when occupying agricultural land, whereas linear agroforestry within forestry systems is referred to as forest strips. Within agricultural landscapes, trees can act as important sources of shelter for livestock while increasing nutrient recycling and providing a supplementary fodder source. Agroforestry systems can lead to the provision of vital ecosystem goods and services, such as climate and water regulation, nutrient recycling, emissions reduction, pollination and aesthetics. As such, they can provide both direct and indirect benefits to all farmers but especially Dairy and Drystock farmers. However, even with profitable financial incentives currently in place to promote agroforestry uptake, adoption of this system by farmers remains low. This suggests that farmer decision-making regarding the adoption of agroforestry may not follow the assumed economic rationality. UNDERSTANDING FARMERS DECISION MAKING IN REGARD TO PLANTING TREES ON THEIR LAND Although current European agricultural systems successfully produce high-value market products, costs to ecosystem services regularly

occur. As such, government incentives such as the “greening” measures available under the Common Agricultural Policy, have been introduced as a means to direct farmer decision making towards environmental stewardship and the creation of ecosystem services, allowing for sustainable intensification. However, the efficiency of such ‘greening’ measures to result in positive environmental impacts is controversial and may be attributed to policy design implications, leading to their slow and limited uptake. Many policy makers believe that once sufficient incentives are available, farmers will act in a rational manner and commit to such measures. Previous research assessing farmers’ reasoning for this lack of commitment has shown that factors, such as the productivist attitude of the farming community or preferences for specific agricultural practices, are major barriers towards successful adoption of such conservation practices. To better understand the factors that influence farmer decisionmaking with respect to tree planting on farms, the main attitudes, influencers, barriers and intentions of the farmers must be identified. To facilitate this, a research project with Teagasc and University College Dublin (UCD) as partners, has been set up to analyse farmers’ perceptions of, attitudes towards, and willingness to plant trees on farms. The Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) as shown in figure 1 above was used as the theoretical framework for the research and is a method used in many social-psychological studies to determine the reasoning behind a farmer’s willingness to adopt specific practices. The TPB states that intention is the most reliable predictor of behaviour and relates to both the motivation of the individual and their willingness to exhort effort to partake in this behaviour. The greater the intention to partake in the behaviour, the greater the likelihood that that individual will partake in that behaviour. To facilitate the use of the TPB, a two-step data collection process utilising both qualitative and quantitative methods was used. Interviews with both Dairy and Drystock farmers across Ireland were conducted to identify their main attitudes, their beliefs regarding the benefits and disadvantages of trees on farms, who are the people that influence their decision-making, and barriers to planting. The results of the study were then used to construct an online questionnaire promoted through various publications. This survey is currently in the early stages of analysis but already interesting results are coming to light. More research is required to identify appropriate methods of promotion and the creation of new policy measures that do not solely focus on financial gain.

Forestry&Energy

51

Training

Equipping Forest Owners To Manage Diverse Forests

A new forest training network aims to enhance owners’ confidence and ability in managing a diverse range of forests writes Jonathan Spazzi, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer

View of marteloscope plot 2 in Oak Park Teagasc research centre, Carlow BACKGROUND Since the foundation of the State, Ireland has undertaken progressive expansion of its national forest resource to reverse the deforestation trend of past centuries. With just over 1% forest cover at the turn of the 20th century the new State embarked on an ambitious policy to plant land and create employment through a growing forest industry. Early afforestation by the State focused on spruce and pine afforestation, but was followed in more recent decades by an increasing diversity of conifer and broadleaved species being planted. This reflected the increasing involvement of farmers and other private landowners 52

Forestry&Energy

bringing a wider range of agricultural land available for forest creation. Today, Ireland’s forest cover stands at over 11% of land area, of which approximately 30% is made up of broadleaf species and a further 20% of diverse conifers. Almost 75% of private forests in Ireland are less than 30 years of age and many are approaching thinning stage. TRAINING NEED With the trend in species diversification envisaged to continue, there is now a growing need for owners to better understand their forest management options as part of a sustainable and integrated

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Training

Senator Pippa Hackett, Minister of State, Professor Frank O’Mara, Teagasc Director, Liam Herlihy, Chairman of Teagasc, Derek McCabe, Chairman of the North East Forestry Group with fellow group members and the Teagasc Forestry team at the launch of the new marteloscope training programme in Oak Park. approach. A critical element of this is to control the thinning process and realise the full potential value of their forests. Enhancing forest owner management skills is imperative if a sustained level of timber mobilisation combined with strong ecosystem service delivery is to be achieved from our farm and other private forests. NEW MARTELOSCOPE TRAINING PROGRAMME In response Teagasc Forestry Development Department (FDD) has developed a new training programme, supported by DAFM, to facilitate owners and other stakeholders interested in adopting integrated management models. The programme is being delivered through outdoor forest training workshops using specially designed training plots called “marteloscopes” This new knowledge transfer initiative is designed to enhance owners’ confidence and ability in managing a diverse range of forests. The main aim of the training is to equip forest owners with the necessary skills to choose the most appropriate management systems to meet their objectives and to help integrate and enhance both the production and biodiversity value of each forest At the recent launch of the new marteloscope training programme in Oak Park, Carlow, Minister of State Senator Pippa Hackett emphasised the importance of early engagement with forest owners and managers in developing new skills to support integrated management models which can complement current practices. During her visit Minister Hackett met members of the North East Forestry Group (NEFG) who were participating in the first marteloscope training workshop of 2022.

A balanced mix of forest management systems is therefore required to cater for the increasing diversity of forest types, site conditions and, in particular, owner’s objectives. Recent developments in European and national forestry policy are also directed at promoting diverse and integrated management as a means of enhancing forest resilience in the face of climate disruption, sustaining forest production and delivering diverse ecosystem services. As part of this efforts, novel systems, known as continuous cover forestry (CCF), can enable, on suitable sites, commercial timber harvesting while permanently retaining a forest cover. THE “INTEGRATE” EUROPEAN NETWORK The European Forestry Institute (EFI) has, in recent years, further developed marteloscope plots with specially designed software to be used on touch screen tablets while in the forest. Since then, the EFI has facilitated the development of its “Integrate” network of over 150 marteloscope training plots across Europe.

WHAT IS A “MARTELOSCOPE”? A marteloscope is a specially prepared forest plot, ranging from 0.4ha to 1ha in size, which is commonly used across Europe as an outdoorclassroom forest facility for training participants in tree selection and tree marking. The name comes from the French “martelage” meaning “hammering” which refers to the traditional way trees were marked for thinning across Europe by using a purpose built hammering tool. ENHANCING FOREST OWNERS’ CONFIDENCE AND ABILITY IN MANAGING DIVERSE FORESTS Land owners plant forests for a wide range of reasons. These include income diversification, timber production, carbon sequestration, protection of water quality, protection/enhancement of biodiversity , creation of woodland amenities and improved work-life balance, to mention a few. In recent years, interest in planting a diverse range of forests has been steadily growing, including interest in native woodlands and the adoption of “close-to-nature” management options. 54

Forestry&Energy

Map of the European Integrate marteloscope network of over 150 training plots

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Training

Minister Pippa Hackett with Jonathan Spazzi, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer co-ordinating this project (left) and consultant forester Padraig O’Tuama, Prosilva Ireland (right) Teagasc Forestry Development Department has partnered with the EFI, in collaboration with Coillte and Pro Silva Ireland, to make this resource available to forest owners/foresters/students and other user groups. In a marteloscope plot, every tree is numbered and measured together with its estimated timber and biodiversity values. All the information is inputted into the tablet-based software. This is then used by participants to carry out thinning simulations and to analyse the impact of different choices on financial return and biodiversity. Exercises invariably lead to group discussions thus facilitating valuable peer to peer learning. To date in Ireland there is a total of nine marteloscope plots, three installed by Teagasc and six by Coillte. Teagasc has installed one plot in Curragh Chase forest, County Limerick in partnership with Coillte and two in Teagasc Research Centre, Oak Park, County Carlow, with both a conifer plot and a broadleaf plot to cater for a wide range of participants including forest owners, forestry professionals and students. It is envisaged that, given available resources and continued demand, further plots will be developed in other locations in the coming years. THE NORTH EAST FOREST OWNERS MARTELOSCOPE WORKSHOP In February forest owners from the North East Forestry Group (NEFG) participated to a marteloscope workshop in Oak Park, County Carlow. This was as part of a NEFG busy programme of activities for 2021-2022 funded by the DAFM under the Woodland Support Projects funding initiative which aims to promote multi-functional benefits of forestry from recreational, environmental, community and economic uses. As part of this initiative a video was also produced on the day by the NEFG and will be available on their You Tube channel in the coming months. The workshop training followed a facilitation style approach encouraging interaction and plenty of hands on exercises leading to frequent discussions in the forest. The workshop training had three main objectives: • To familiarise participants with different forest management scenarios ranging from clearfell to continuous cover harvesting systems • To practice the key skill of selecting trees by their quality-vigour and biodiversity value. • To demonstrate how, on suitable sites, timber production could be integrated with biodiversity enhancement leading to resilient and permanent productive forests. In the morning session, facilitated by Teagasc Forestry Development

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Forestry&Energy

Officers Frances McHugh, Kevin O’Connell and Jonathan Spazzi, participants were guided through a range of introductory and interactive exercises such as grading trees by their timber and biodiversity values and basic skills in tree species identification. To cater for different scenarios exercises on the day involved two separate training plots – a plot of mainly mixed conifers and a plot of mainly mixed broadleaves.

Discussing selection of quality trees for possible retention in the broadleaf plot

Training

INFOMAR software loaded onto a weatherproof grade table used as part of the marteloscope training for transformation thinning simulation This gradually progressed in the afternoon session into a full group thinning exercise where participants, broken into small groups, carried out a full simulation of a transformation thinning of the plot towards a permanent productive forest. INFOMAR software loaded onto a weatherproof tablet acted as management simulator and allowed participants to assess in real time the impact of their selection choices on the volume and value of the timber removed as well as on the biodiversity value of the forest. Each group was then able to present and discuss their results with the rest of the group.

Participants discussing tree selection in the conifer plot during one of the many exercises. 58

Forestry&Energy

Kevin O’Connell Teagasc Forestry Development Officer discussing management options with participants

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Training Progressive Limerick farmer and hands-on forest owner Donagh O’Grady who attended a marteloscope training course in 2021 commented “For me, the course content and presentation were excellent and gave me a much better understanding of many issues around forest management including production and biodiversity. … I now have the confidence to go into the forest and pick out the better trees. … I think for those owners growing timber, a course like this is absolutely invaluable. … The practical day in the forest was particularly enjoyable and informative”. FUTURE TRAINING WORKSHOPS The Teagasc marteloscope training programme is now available to

Group discussion following group exercise in the conifer plot

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Forestry&Energy

forest owner groups and other stakeholders. It offers a new practical and interactive knowledge transfer resource for participants to develop skills to manage a range of diverse forests. It forms part of a very dynamic Europe-wide training network exchange and it will continue to be developed in close collaboration with our European and national partners. A busy schedule of Teagasc marteloscope workshops is planned for this year, primarily for forest owner groups but also including consultant foresters and forestry students. For further information contact jonathan. spazzi@teagasc.ie

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) provides a range of information on forestry, associated grants and felling licences. The COFORD, Wood Technology Ireland and Wood Energy websites listed below are hosted by DAFM and provide a range of information important for the development of the forest sector. The relevant websites are: www.gov.ie/forestry Forestry Grants and S • Forestry Licence Viewer • Online management tools

www.woodtechnologyireland.ie Independent advice on the specification and use of wood products, and on timber standards

www.woodenergy.ie Advisory service on the wood biomass supply chain and wood fuels

www.coford.ie Download COFORD publications and Connect Notes

For up-to-date and detailed information on forestry grant schemes, visit

https://www.gov.ie/en/publication/e384e-forestry-grants-and-schemes/ For contact details of your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor, visit www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/

Book Review

Wood as a Fuel

This is more than a book. It is a compendium of information, relating to wood as a fuel, written in a thorough yet accessible language.

W

ood as fuel, is a newly-published book, written by Pieter D. Kofman and Eugene Hendrick. It describes all aspects of woodfuels from basic wood properties to standards, to woodfuel types, combustion and sustainable use. Woodfuel will have an important role to play over the coming decade and beyond in displacing fossil fuels for residential, commercial and industrial heating, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation policies. At the global level, woodfuel remains by far the largest source of renewable energy. Increasingly woodfuels are becoming more tightly specified, and new technologies to use wood for heating are constantly developing. From the woodland owners’ and woodfuel user perspective, the sale and use of early thinnings for energy purposes can provide a source of income, as well as sustainable fuel, for the landowner. For many, using thinnings and tops for firewood is part and parcel of the benefits of woodland ownership, and there is a ready market for thinnings for firewood and woodchip production. A number of forest owners have set up successful businesses producing and selling quality firewood. The book will be of interest to all those categories of timber growers and woodland owners and managers, especially as firewood is becoming more tightly specified for sale purposes, in order to provide better heating and reduce smoke and dust. The key is storage and air seasoning to reduce moisture content of logs to 20% or less. The book, in Volume II, provides the know-how and ways to successfully produce low moisture firewood for sale. Volume V provides the evidence for why well-graded, dry firewood is part of the answer, along with suitable appliances, to concerns about air quality. Volume III is devoted to woodchip production, where ways to produce more, high quality woodchip from thinnings and harvest

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residues are explained. Woodchip specifications vary according to the scale of combustion, and understanding the market requirements and price-paying potential are important for growers and specifiers. Wood pellets provide an increasingly popular way to heat homes, as well as in larger scale applications. As with all well-specified woodfuels they provide for clean and efficient combustion. Specially designed pellet stoves and boilers provide for efficiencies that are up to three times what can be achieved in open fires. This will result in considerable savings over time for the home owner, compared with burning logs in an open fire. Volume IV covers all these aspects of wood pellets in detail, including raw materials and manufacture, and how to ship, store and handle this versatile fuel. Wood briquettes are also covered, as their use for residential heating continues to grow. The opening volume covers the history of woodfuels, outlines what wood is, and why it makes such a useful and versatile fuel. It also covers all-important ISO standards, which are now the backbone of woodfuel trade. Trade itself, and other relevant aspects of transacting woodfuel, round out the volume. The final volume comprises two parts. First combustion, wood ash and embedded energy are covered, while the second part deals with key economic and sustainability aspects of woodfuels, including an in-depth examination of one of the main rationales for their use: tackling the climate emergency. Wood as a Fuel opens a new window into woodfuels, providing an essential and comprehensive reference for those engaged along the woodfuel chain. The publication costs €40, with postage and packing of €9.50, and can be ordered through from the books tab at Arrow Management. www.arrowmanagement.ie

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