Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 5 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2015

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TIMBER 2015 STRADBALLY HALL ESTATE COUNTY LAOIS MAY 9th – 10th >> SEE PAGE 20

FORESTRY PROGRAMME A NEW WHOLE FARM PLANNING APPROACH >> SEE PAGE 22

HOMES AND INDUSTRY AN INCREASE IN FIREWOOD, WOODCHIP & WOOD PELLETS >> SEE PAGE 26

Forestry&Energy Volume 5 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2015 Price €3.95. £2.95 (Stg)

R E V I E W

THE VOICE OF FORESTRY & RENEWABLE ENERGY

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Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry&Energy R E V I E W

Volume 5 Issue 1 Spring/Summer 2015

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Features

Foreword

20 TIMBER 2015

W

elcome to the Spring/Summer Edition of Forestry and Energy Review Magazine.

In this Issue, Ciaran Nugent fights fire with fire (how fire can be used to manage the threat of fire). Tom Houlihan explains the new Forestry Programme 2014– 2020, while Noel Gavigan talks about the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme.

Also, Des O’Toole of Coillte biomass provides a Case Study on the biomass boiler installation of Botany Weaving in County Donegal.

Eucalyptus is now coming of age…

Brendan Doyle provides a Question & Answer session suitable for anybody wanting to become self–sufficient in heating requirements with an acre or two to spare.

The BIG EVENT in the next few months is Timber 2015 which will be taking place in Stradbally Hall Estate, County Laois on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2015. David Wilkinson tells us that exhibitor numbers are up and cost of entry is down….not a bad combination.

The show will be of interest to a wide cross–section of our readers including timber growers, landowners, processors, equipment manufacturers and all those having a general interest in wood both commercial and recreational. Forestry and Energy Review will be exhibiting.

Hope to meet you all there.

This edition also includes a selection of features and profiles including: John Deere Forestry, LB Gremo,Wood–Mizer and Oakleaf Forestry.

We trust you enjoy reading this publication which will continue to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors.

Stradbally Hall Estate in Co. Laois is for the second time the venue for the Irish Forestry,Woodland & Bio Energy Show, which takes place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May, 2015.

22 WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEW FORESTRY PROGRAMME?

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The new forestry programme is designed to ensure that Irish Forestry remains sustainable, competitive and relevant in the modern Irish landscape, writes Ciaran Nugent of the Forest Service.

26 HOMES AND INDUSTRY Firewood, woodchip and wood pellets have greatly increased in use in Ireland over the past decade, as renewable fuels for both domestic and commercial heating. Noel Gavigan reports.

30 FORESTRY – A WHOLE FARM PLANNING APPROACH The new Forestry Programme 2014–2020 is generating strong interest from landowners,forest owners and the wider forest industry. Tom Houlihan,Forestry Adviser with Teagasc reports.

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36 Q & A SESSION WITH BRENDAN DOYLE OF D–PLANT Forestry and Energy Review caught up with Brendan Doyle of D–Plant to discuss Eucalyptus.

40 BOTANY WEAVING Botany weaving underpin security of supply for their new industrial biomass boiler installation. Des O' Toole reports.

44 WOOD MOBILISATION IN IRELAND

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The main factors affecting long–term global demand for wood products include increasing world population, continued economic growth, and the rapid growth of developing economies, especially in Asia. Charles Harper, Áine Ní Dhubháin,Rach Colling,Uwe Kies,Eugene Hendrick and Maarten Nieuwenhuis report.

48 FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE Can prescribed fire be used to reduce losses to fire in Irish Forestry? Ciaran Nugent (Forest Service) reports.

Profiles

Until the next time………

The Publishers Forestry & Energy Review

Contributors: Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Brendan Doyle (D-Plant Horticulture) Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Advertising: James Small Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

4 John Deere Forestry 28 LB Gremo Ltd 38 Wood–Mizer 42 Oakleaf Forestry Distribution: Easons, Newspread,WNS

Ciaran Nugent (Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine), Noel Gavigan (Irbea) Des O' Toole (Coillte), Eugene Hendrick (Coford), Published by: Select Media Ltd, Steven Meyen (Teagasc),Tom Houlihan (Teagasc) 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Charles Harper (UCD), Áine Ní Dhubháin (UCD) Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Rach Colling (UCD), Uwe Kies (UCD) Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Maarten Nieuwenhuis (UCD) Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2015 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.

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John Deere 810E Fixed Cabin

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John Deere 1270E IT4 8WD

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS OVER 500 FOREST OWNERS ATTEND TIMBER MARKETING EVENTS IN KILKENNY AND WESTMEATH Teagasc, in association with the Forest Service and the Irish timber industry, held two regional timber marketing events in counties Kilkenny and Westmeath last September. More than five hundred forest owners, with forests coming up for thinning, attended one of these two events.

The forest and timber processing sector were also strongly represented at both events. More than fifty trade stands were present, facilitating forest owners who have timber for sale to make contact with timber buyers in their area.

Dr Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department commented on these Talking Timber events:“There is

Over 300 forest owners attended Teagasc’s timber marketing event held at the Mullingar Park Hotel, Mullingar, Westmeath while over 200 forest owners attended Teagasc's Talking Timber event at Kildalton Agricultural College, Kilkenny.

(From left to right at the Mullingar event): Professor Gerry Boyle, Director Teagasc; Liam Kelly, Forestry Adviser Teagasc;Tom Hayes TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of Forestry Development Department Teagasc;Trevor McHugh, IFFPA and John Ryan, Murray Timber Group.

Over 200 forest owners attended Teagasc's Talking Timber event at Kildalton Agricultural College, Kilkenny. Forest owners were told that the quality of the timber has a very important bearing on the market price offered.

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an ever increasing demand for timber from the wood processing and wood energy sectors and farm forest owners are now in a position to help fill this gap.The Talking Timber events served to increase forest owners’ awareness of the opportunities and issues surrounding the marketing and sale of timber and provided a forum for forest owners to interact with timber buyers.” (Continued on Page 8)

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS Liam Kelly, Forestry Adviser with Teagasc said:“It was very rewarding to see the great attendance at both events after all the effort that goes in to preparing events of this size. Due to the number of people attending, it was great to see forest owners queuing at trade stands to speak to timber industry representatives on options that they offered for bringing their timber from the forest to the mill.”

Michael Somers, Forestry Adviser with Teagasc added:“It’s important that forest owners understand the value of their timber, which varies based on the size, quality and species of the timber on their land. Issues such as location and distance to the market are also very important.”

Each event started with an outdoor demonstration facilitated by the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association.The outdoor demonstration provided participants with an understanding of the quality of timber required by Irish sawmills.They also described the best way to ensure such quality.The clear, take home messages at each event was that the quality of timber has a very important bearing on the market price offered.

The outdoor sessions were followed by short, concise presentations from Teagasc, the Forest Service, the Irish Timber Growers Association, IFA and a local timber producer group.These presentations addressed the many queries that forest owners have on how to get the job done and gave forest owners a better appreciation of how the timber selling process works.

Participants also took advantage of the excellent networking opportunities at both these timber marketing events to make contact, providing a great opportunity for forest owners to engage with timber buyers in their locality.

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NEW TEAGASC FORESTRY VIDEOS NOW AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department has produced two new short videos.They can now be viewed on the Teagasc Forestry website www.teagasc.ie/forestry or on the Teagasc Media Channel on YouTube.

The first video “First Steps to Planting your new Forest” highlights the availability of attractive forest establishment grants.The video explains briefly what is involved and where to go for independent and objective advice. The second video “The importance of inspection paths in conifer forests” discusses the cutting of inspection paths in young conifer crops. Cutting inspection paths is an essential operation as they provide clear and easy access into and through the forest, so that growth can be monitored, the timber crop assessed and provision made for timber harvesting and marketing.

Launch of Teagasc's new forestry videos produced by the Forestry Development Department.

(From left to right): Professor Gerry Boyle, Director Teagasc;Tom Hayes TD and Ann Phelan TD, Ministers of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of Forestry Development Department Teagasc; Steven Meyen, Forestry Adviser Teagasc.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS OVER 1,300 LANDOWNERS HEAR DETAILS OF THE NEW FORESTRY PROGRAMME AT JOINT TEAGASC/FOREST SERVICE MEETINGS A nationwide series of information meetings on the new Forestry Programme 2014–2020 were organised by Teagasc in association with the Forest Service, DAFM.These meetings attracted over 1,300 people who heard details of the new attractive forest establishment and support grants and how the new forestry grants interact with other agricultural support schemes.At these meetings, the new forestry grant schemes were discussed as well as key differences with the previous schemes.

Some of the large attendance at the recent forestry information Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, Head of the Forestry Development Department meeting in Claremorris. This meeting was part of a nationwide with Teagasc commented on the success of the forestry information series of forestry meetings focusing on afforestation options in meetings “The recent series of forestry information meetings proved the new Forestry Programme 2014-2020 to be very successful with over 1,300 landowners attending. Our for local sales.A well planned forest can also benefit the countryside aim was to provide information to landowners on the significant visually and can provide recreational opportunities on the farm.” opportunities provided by the new forestry grants and premium The objective of the new Forestry Programme is to support the payment scheme. planting of over 43,000 hectares of new forests as well as support She added “With fifteen annual premium payments of over €500 per for the construction of up to 690 kilometres of new forest roads. hectare for conifers and approximately €600 per hectare for broadleaves, Another important feature of the new programme is substantial I would strongly recommend that landowners consider the potential funding towards protecting and enhancing Irish native woodlands. that this offers. In addition to the annual premium, it will be Under the Native Woodlands Conservation Scheme, almost 2,000 possible for most farmers to hold on to their Basic Payments. In hectares of these forests will be eligible for support. most cases, all the costs associated with the establishment of the Landowners heard at the meetings of the importance of planning crop in the early years are covered by an afforestation grant.” their forests to ensure that they complement other activities on the Frances McHugh,Teagasc’s Forestry Adviser in the South East said farm and also that they are established and managed in a sustainable manner from both economic and environmental perspectives.There are many “Many of the forest owners who planted in the past decades are options available in relation to what to plant and how to go about it and now reaping the benefits of their forests with income from timber Teagasc forestry advisers are available to provide information and support. sales. In addition to the returns from thinning and clear–felling, a To get further information and contact details of your local forest enterprise on a farm is an ideal way for landowners to grow their own fuel and timber supply for the future. New and expanding Teagasc forestry adviser, visit the website www.teagasc.ie/forestry. markets including wood energy have provided new opportunities

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See more about portable sawmill solutions on the following website www.logosol.co.uk or call us for more details on Tel: 01361–840–389!

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS ENJOY THE HEAT LONG AFTER MICHAEL FAHEY TEAGASC THE FIRE HAS GONE OUT www.thestokehole.com

Tulikivi Sarmi

he benefits of woodburning soapstone stoves are clearly evident to all those who have the opportunity to relax before one and enjoy the comfort and heat which they offer. In terms of energy efficiency, cleanliness and running costs they are far ahead of the traditional open fireplace, steel or cast– iron stove, producing very long–lasting comfortable heat.

Dry firewood is burnt in a short time cleanly, hot and efficiently and the gases produced pass inside long internal stone flue ducts over a large stone mass. Storing the heat into the stone mass.

This stone mass continues to radiate the heat evenly and steadily over a long period of time.The strength of these stoves lies in the fact that heat radiation continues long after the fire has gone out thereby reducing the amount of wood which has to be burned and in turn the costs of heating your home. These stoves only consume about one third the amount of fuel compared to a conventional stove. This system, whilst quite new to these shores, has been tried, tested and proven for generations on the continent. The warmth is gentle, even and thorough like the sun shining on one’s body. These qualities can, depending on where the soapstone stove is placed also be enjoyed by the surrounding parts of the house and not just the room in which they are placed. These stoves are clearly attractive focal pieces, which dramatically enhance their surroundings. Next to the soapstone wood burners the Stokehole Stone Stoves also supply soapstone electric heaters and stone boiler stoves.

For more information please contact: The Stokehole Stone Stoves Tel. 023–8855454 Mobile. 086–8072022 www.thestokehole.com

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

WHAT’S NEW AT ROBINSON? www.robinsondistribution.ie

since the beginning of October.With a front mount double extension forestry crane, the trailer has been closely monitored since it entered work, and Robinson has enjoyed great results and reports from the “super step”.

The trailer has weighed in lower than thought but is enjoying a high standard of extra features as standard. One benefit Robinson were not expecting to hear back was the reduction in fuel from the truck.

These figures are still being studied and is a reflection of the drop in the height of the load, the lower centre of gravity and closer coupling to the truck. t the APF show in the UK last Autumn, the rear of the trailer has been dropped by The “super step” is now available to order Robinson revealed their latest new a further 160 mm, thus leading to a lower with Robinson T6 bunks or any model of the concept for the timber transport centre of gravity, and with the extra internal very popular Alucar brand, with or without crane. Please call for further information. industry, the new “super step”.The trailer load space on the Robinson T6 bunks,the trailer Robinson Distribution, Portnahinch has many unique features with some patent has great stability and anti–roll characteristics.

There are many other new features in the House, Portarlington, Co. Laois. pending designs.The trailer is unique as the first bunk in the step frame chassis is movable trailer.The first trailer which was revealed at Telephone: 00 353 57 86 24832 or 057 86 24832. Visit the website: in a window in the neck, the bunk is controlled the APF was brought back to Ireland and www.robinsondistribution.ie has been running with a Robinson customer hydraulically by the crane operator’s seat,

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS NEARLY TWO HUNDRED FOREST OWNERS ATTEND A FORESTRY DEMONSTRATION FOCUSING ON THE SECOND THINNING OF BROADLEAF WOODLANDS IN CO MEATH Teagasc, in conjunction with the Forest Service, DAFM held a National Forestry Demonstration on the subsequent thinning of broadleaves last October. This event took place near Summerhill in Co Meath and attracted nearly 200 forest owners.

The event discussed the optimum time to commence subsequent thinning of Sycamore and other associated important issues such as felling licenses, felling, extraction, access etc. This was followed by a practical demonstration of the thinning of Sycamore.

This site had already received a first thinning and participants were able to see how the crop has developed since then. Participants were able to compare the difference in growth rates from an unthinned plot,to first and subsequent thinned plots. Participants were also shown how to manage the remaining trees to produce a valuable forest crop.

Dr Ian Short and Jerry Campion, Teagasc explain the science behind second and third thinning of broadleaves to participants at the joint Teagasc/Forest Service National Forestry Event in Summerhill, Co Meath.

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Their wood gasification boiler uses a three stage combustion process which shatters virtually every preconceived notion about emissions and efficiencies of wood heating.The boilers have efficiencies of 85% upwards to 97% with extremely low emission per kilowatt of heat delivered. Their boiler range includes self contained units which can be located outside.This attractive weatherproof alternative can be easily integrated to existing systems and has the ability to heat multiple buildings, pools and domestic hot water.The newest addition to their product range is a sanitary heat that can operate day and night with no panels or unsightly units mounted on the external of the buildings.These neat pieces of equipment have an efficiency of 360% and can be integrated into your existing system giving you true independence and hot water 24/7/365. If you manage to use a 100 litres every day, the running cost is only €70 per year, use less, it costs less.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS PROTURN COMPONENTS LTD IRELAND'S TEAGASC NATURAL NURSERY Precision Engineering. & MAIL ORDER PLANT PEOPLE onstruction sites are and bleakPlants” in winter but the new “Useful, Fruitful & cold Beautiful heated jacket from Makita www.futureforests.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

TIMBER 2015

Stradbally Hall Estate in Co. Laois is for the second time the venue for the Irish Forestry, Woodland & Bio Energy Show, which takes place on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th May 2015.

A wide range of log processors and wood chippers from all over Europe will be on display at TIMBER 2015

his year’s event is being marketed as TIMBER 2015 and will feature a wide range of forestry and fire log machinery.

Exhibitors will be showing machines manufactured both in Ireland and the UK, as well as from mainland Europe.As in previous years, the tree maintenance sector will form a major part of the event, with chainsaw manufacturers and dealers showing the latest in arboriculture equipment and technology.

TIMBER 2015 will capitalise on the solid foundations of the first two shows, maintaining its strong industry focus and its dual role of showcasing industry products and services and providing ‘cutting edge’ information and educational resources. The TIMBER 2015 focus will also be on the continued expansion of the crucial bio energy sector and also nursery related businesses. As in previous years,Teagasc Forestry will be presenting the most up to date and relevant information on its research, advice and training.

The forestry industry in Ireland has the advantage of climate and soils that enable tree growth at a faster rate than most of the developed world, and yet with only ten percent of our land area afforested, these advantages are under exploited. With insufficient

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A John Deere 1470 IT4 Harvester at work in Stradbally 2013

TIMBER 2015 is aimed at a broad spectrum and is of interest and value to a wide range – timber growers, landowners considering the potential of investment in forestry, timber buyers and processors, contractors, tree surgeons, gardeners, wood craft artisans, and basically anyone interested in woodland and forests and the countryside in general. Part of its appeal is the inclusion of sole traders and industry giants, local and national Irish, and international, exhibitors.

The continuing upward trend in exhibitor booking rates as the Show, now in its third year, evolves and progresses is very heartening.

Another key feature of the Show is the high number of demonstrating exhibitors and the opportunity to appraise machinery in action.

TIMBER 2015 is a very accessible event with a diverse appeal within its sphere. Parking is on site and free of charge.

Accompanied children are also free of charge. Further, ticket prices have been reduced by a significant one third to a very reasonable and affordable €10 per person, in keeping with the accessible ethos of the Show. The site of Stradbally itself is in a wonderful woodland park setting with the Show lay out designed to be compact and easy to move around whilst maximising foot fall. In addition,

“The continuing upward trend in exhibitor booking rates as the Show, now in its third year, evolves and progresses is very heartening” planting a continuing issue, there remains significant potential for TIMBER 2015 hosts the Husqvarna Irish National Tree Climbing growth in the forestry industry. Such growth, naturally, would also Championships,The Komatsu Forwarder Competition and extreme support the growth of the Irish economy in a sustainable way, as timber sports competitions as well as featuring chainsaw art 'ecowell as mitigating climate change and providing future generations sculpting' and the more sedentary, woodland crafts and conservation with access to recreational woodlands.TIMBER 2015 provides a features.There will also be hearty artisan food and the welcome unique opportunity for the wider industry to meet and discuss addition of 'micro' beers in the Copse. these challenges and to look at ways for the industry sectors to expand into Show organiser, David Wilkinson, considers that Stradbally, on the 9th the future. Its timing is particularly good and auspicious as 2015 is the and 10th May, will be the place to be for anyone and everyone 'roll out' year for the new five year 2015–2020 Forestry with an interest in the multi million Euro Irish forestry industry.

Programme just commenced by the Department of Agriculture.

For further information contact David Wilkinson at Tel: 0035387 9973608, Email: davidwilkinson@eircom.net and Biomass from Irish forests is a clean, renewable source of energy.

The replacement of fossil fuels by forest based biomass will lead Website: www.ifwshow.ie to a reduction in greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. Again the fast growing forest factor is relevant in that such forests are particularly suited to the re absorption of carbon dioxide released from wood combustion. Both the industry and the consumer are increasingly and acutely conscious of these issues.Accordingly, the use of firewood in fireplaces, stoves and wood boilers has grown in popularity and stove manufacturers with all the ancillary equipment will exhibit Visitors enjoying the attractive layout of the woodland exhibitions at the 2013 show at TIMBER 2015.

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FOREST SERVICE

WHAT'S NEW IN THE NEW FORESTRY PROGRAMME? The new forestry programme is designed to ensure that Irish Forestry remains sustainable, competitive and relevant in the modern Irish landscape, writes Ciaran Nugent of the Forest Service.

he Forestry Programme 2014–2020 is expected to generate In a radical departure from previous programmes, eligibility for considerable interest from a range of landowners, potential full premium rates is no longer confined to farmers.There is no investors and existing forest owners.The new programme longer a distinction between farmers and non–farmers where is being launched into an agricultural and environmental landscape premium rates are concerned, and any landowner or investor can now avail of highly attractive forest premium payments. This is that is vastly different from the one that existed when the first likely to receive considerable interest from previously retired programme was introduced in 1993. National forest cover now farmers, non–farmers and investors. The minimum qualifying area stands at almost 11%, and in marked contrast with the early 1990’s, for grants and premiums remains at 0.10 hectare for broadleaf the majority of forest holdings are now privately owned and managed. Environmental and biodiversity issues are now critical forests and 1.00 hectare for conifer forests While afforestation premium payments are now set at a 15 year components of forest planning and management objectives, and on a par with economic issues where decision making is concerned. limit, down from the 20 years previously paid, annual premium rates have been increased. Annual premiums now range between Changes in agricultural practice and environmental considerations €185 and €635/ha, and for the first time breaking the €200/acre now means that afforestation now generally takes place on improved/ enclosed or cultivated land types. Again, the availability of better psychological sound barrier. Given the land types currently involved quality land for forestry presents distinct advantages in terms of with afforestation, it is expected that first thinning stage will be achieved at the same timeframe of premium payments, i.e. 15 productivity and performance.

In addition to creating greater diversity in species selection, we years, and the reduced period will help focus forest owner’s minds on the need to manage plantations correctly for further income are now in a better position than ever to begin thinking about creating greater diversity of forest types, and a diversity of business generation.

As better quality land becomes available for forestry, the need models to support these.This is possibly the most interesting part of the new programme, with new forest categories such as Forestry for for appropriate business models to accommodate these land types has become more apparent. New and highly novel agro– Fibre and Agro–Forestry being made available for the first time.

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FOREST SERVICE forestry and Forestry for Fibre Categories offer options for those who want a faster return on investment, or who want to combine forestry with conventional farming practice, without having to sacrifice areas of land to one at the expense of the other.

These new land use types have a different grant and premium structure with Agroforestry having a five year premium lifespan, and Forestry for Fibre being set at 10 years. Given the recent drive for renewable fuels, and the need for specific fibre and fuel crops to fill projected demand gaps in the future, the forests for Fibre concept is a timely development. It may allow for strategic development of specific forest crops harvested over a 10–15 year rotation in proximity to where their produce is to be utilised, either as fuel for heating plants, or as feedstock for the panel board industries. If used correctly, it may provide for more favourable long term logistics and costs base for the emergent district heating sector.

Agroforestry measures are nothing new in many other parts of the world, but remain relatively untested under Irish conditions.

Quite a lot of research has been done in this area by the Forest Service, Teagasc and other partners to develop silvicultural recommendations that are appropriate to Irish conditions. It is hoped that uptake of the initial scheme offering will provide proof of concept for silvo– pastoral approaches to agroforestry.This aspect of the scheme is expected to be of particular interest in the organic sector, and will allow for mixture of pasture based enterprises with forestry, focussing mainly on hardwood species.

Under the new programme the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme (NWS Cons.) supports the protection and enhancement can also include the conversion of non–native woodlands (including of existing native woodland, primarily to protect and enhance native conifer forests) to native woodland, on important ecological sites (e.g. conifer forests within the Priority 8 Freshwater Pearl woodland ecosystems.The scheme is primarily focused on the application of appropriate restorative management of existing native Mussel Catchments).

A strong priority is placed on important native woodland types woodlands, including emerging (scrub) native woodland, but

“As in the general afforestation scheme, a grant is available to cover the costs associated with the establishment of the new native woodland. 75% is payable after planting with the balance paid by way of a second instalment grant 4 years after planting” and opportunities for habitat linkage, and on environmentally sensitive areas, with a view to realising wider eco–system services such as water protection. Other criteria may also be applied.The core objective of the NWS Conservation is the protection and enhancement of Ireland's native woodland resource and heritage.Wood production remains an option and is encouraged, once ecologically compatible and undertaken through continuous cover forestry.

The Native Woodland Establishment Scheme (NWS Est.) provides financial support for farmers and other landholders.The scheme supports the establishment of new native woodlands on 'green field' sites. NWS Est. provides opportunities to protect and expand Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity and is a key biodiversity measure within Ireland’s national forest policy. It also supports a wide range of other benefits and functions arising from native woodlands, relating to reversing wider habitat fragmentation, the protection and enhancement of water quality, landscape, cultural heritage, wood and non–wood products and services, the practice of traditional woodland management techniques, environmental education, and carbon sequestration.

As in the general afforestation scheme, a grant is available to cover the costs associated with the establishment of the new native woodland. 75% is payable after planting with the balance paid by way of a second instalment grant 4 years after planting.

Grants are dependent on which scenario is chosen by landowners, and these scenarios are defined by land use type and environmental values on the land in question.An annual forest premium is available to

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FOREST SERVICE

landowners, dependent on the scenario chosen.This premium is While most of the measures described so far relate to capital payable for a period of 15 years. development, the Department also recognises that development Native Woodland Establishment has been largely absorbed as of social capital in Irish forestry is equally important.To this end two grant categories within the general afforestation scheme, which a variety of measures aimed at enhancing cooperation, training, should ensure ongoing funding and continuity.The availability of technology transfer and continuous professional development are the scheme to suitable land types in the designated Acid Sensitive incorporated into the programme.These measures are intended to areas should allow a significant demand to be developed for the ensure that forest owners and managers can maintain a high scheme, and may be used to augment existing Native woodland degree of competence where forest management decision making is cover in these areas. concerned, and that all personnel in the forestry chain have access As always, access to forests for forest management, recreation or to training and guidance on matters relating to silviculture, forest protection reasons is critical.The new programme contains environmental performance, legislation, health and safety etc.

Coupled with the introduction of the new Forestry Act, 2014 a strong Forest Road Scheme measure designed to ensure that forest road development is durable, environmentally appropriate, which will provide an updated and more flexible legislative and fit for purpose. Grant rates of up to €40/m to a maximum of framework to underpin Irish forestry, the new programme should 20m / ha is available where 50% or greater of the area is due for serve to reinforce existing key areas such as afforestation, timber mobilisation and environmental and biodiversity management, harvesting in the next 3 years from the date of application.This harvesting date can be extended to up to 5 yrs where joint applications while permitting new and untested concepts and models for between neighbouring contiguous plantations are concerned.The forestry practice to be explored and evaluated.

In this way, forestry should be able to keep pace with other 1st grant instalment amounts to 90% of total grant while 20% of land use types, schemes and enterprises competing for land, and the forest must be thinned within 3 years of receiving the 1st retain and enhance its image as an attractive, flexible, and sustainable instalment. enterprise for landowners.

Special Construction Works associated with road development may be funded on environmentally sensitive sites up to max of €5000 per application or 50% of costs whichever is lower.

Additional funding is available for situations where significant additional aggregate is required to build a bell mouth where it is at least 2m below the surface of the existing public road i.e. an additional equivalent length of 30m per entrance. Forest roads connecting to an existing forest road network in a public, state or private forest may be supported including portion of road outside property where there is a formal agreement between owners.

A number of other support measures including Reconstitution supports for sites cleared in connection with Ash Chalara disease are also available.A site clearance grant of up to €1500/ha and subsequent replanting grants up to €5000/ha are available to landowners who have cleared land under Forest Service Ash Chalara protocols.

The Woodland Improvement Scheme continues on, with grants of up to €750 available to assist with thinning of broadleaf crops planted since 1980.

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WOOD ENERGY

HOMES AND INDUSTRY

Firewood, woodchip and wood pellets have greatly increased in use in Ireland over the past decade, as renewable fuels for both domestic and commercial heating.The Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme is working to increase their level of usage, through developing a recognised brand for sustainable wood fuels. Noel Gavigan reports.

Italy uses 20 million tonnes of firewood per year for heating and cooking

ike any fuel,wood fuel must adhere to certain quality parameters, revolution over the past 5 years. Despite recessionary times sellers if the use of wood as a fuel is to fully reach its potential of stoves report brisk trade over these past years. Homeowners driven market the industry must ensure that quality control is a by the desire to reduce costs opt to replace open fires with more efficient central consideration. In 2009 the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance stoves, and reclaim the simple pleasures of a wood burning stove.

Scheme was put together to address quality in wood fuel supply Installation rates are of the order of tens of thousands per year, and to allow suppliers be certified to a recognised quality mark. with some estimating as many as 50,000 stoves being installed per By the end of 2015 the WFQA certified its 11th firewood supplier year. Fuelling these stoves is now the challenge, and thankfully and 14th supplier of wood fuel overall. Over the past 18 months homeowners are taking to traditional firewood due to its cleanliness the scheme has taken hold in the market place, certifying nine new both in the home and in the wider environment. Homeowners are entrants to the scheme and seeing certification as a qualifying mark re–acquiring the discipline and skills to light and maintain a fire for large supply tenders. on a daily basis, the homeowner is also quality savvy – requiring Our European neighbours have long embraced wood as a fuel properly dried wood. The WFQA is an excellent aid to the homeowner source – indeed many have never stopped using wood since pre– when looking for good quality firewood. Recent public events such historic times. Surprisingly Italy uses some 19 million tonnes of as the Ideal Homes Show have seen the WFQA getting good recognition firewood per year for home heating and cooking. Austria, Italy, from the domestic user, and the initiative to have a recognised quality mark gaining widespread acclaim.

Irish Private Forests Post Harvest Slovenia and indeed all central and eastern states have very high usage levels of firewood and wood– chip.Wood has always been seen as a native and local source of fuel – with private forest ownership ensuring accessibility to fuel.Ireland currently uses an estimated 150– 200,000 tonnes of firewood per year, predominantly in rural areas – and predominantly in the South and East where access to peat bogs is limited.

Also, Domestic heating in Ireland The European Stove market produces many fashionable examples of practical has been going through a quiet stoves

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WOOD ENERGY

Woodchip boilers such as this one in Teagasc Athenry run on local woodchip and reduce fuel costs considerably

Ireland’s industrial sector has many heavy energy users; the wood processing industry, food industry and pharmaceutical industry are all reliant on process heat. It is no surprise that energy prices are of key concern to plant operators around the country. Coal was once a key fuel, as was heavy oil, however energy prices, emission licences and a general move towards corporate environmental responsibility has resulted in wood energy now being seen as key to industrial development. Over the past 3 years we have seen a number of large wood fired boilers being installed in industrial settings – many of these requiring upwards of 50,000 tonnes of woodchip

of the private forest estate is only beginning – and we can expect much to see in this space in the coming years.

A number of companies have set up specifically to service the private forester, purchasing raw timber from the grower and then seasoning (drying) the wood over a 9 –15 month period before processing it into firewood and woodchip.These companies see that order to achieve long term success they must ensure that they gain a good reputation with their customers for quality, reliability and good customer service. Quality certification allows these companies to stand out from the myriad of firewood traders, many

“Ireland’s industrial sector has many heavy energy users; the wood processing industry, food industry and pharmaceutical industry are all reliant on process heat” per year, while replacing millions of litres of imported fuel.The smaller commercial operators with heating costs running at 10,000 to 100,000 euros per year are ideally suited to replace oil boilers with woodchip heating, several dozen good examples of such plants exist around the country,many achieving heating bill reductions of 30–50%.

In Ireland we have ample forestry resources to supply wood fuels over the coming decades, the high rates of planting in the 1990’s and early 2000’s have now turned into maturing forests with ample woody material suitable for fuel use. Private forest owners around the country with the aid of Teagasc are starting to form into local discussion groups, producer groups and co–operatives, mobilisation CURRENT CERTIFIED SUPPLIERS

COUNTY

of whom operate outside the business norms of taxation, quality and customer service. Indeed it is a key goal of the most professional suppliers to ensure that they stand out from the crowd, and build a trusted brand and loyal customer base.

The WFQA is overseen by an industry representative steering committee and is run by the Irish BioEnergy Association with the assistance of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine.

Anyone looking to join the scheme can check the WFQA website www.wfqa.org FUEL TYPE

Forest Fuels Ltd (Hotlogs)

Meath

Firewood

Worrell Woodchip

Laois

Woodchip & Firewood

Aughrim Timber and Stake

Galway

Woodchip

Woods Fuels

Roscommon

Firewood

McCauley Woodfuels

Leitrim

Woodchip

K's Sustainable Energy Ltd

Wicklow

Firewood

Balcas Ltd (Brites)

Fermanagh

Wood Pellets

Cotter Bros Firewood

Limerick

Firewood

Woodside Garden Products

Carlow

Firewood

Sherlock Wood Products

Meath

Firewood

O'Brien Timber Products (Celtic Logs)

Galway

Firewood

Butterly Fuels Ltd1

Dublin

Firewood

Logs 2 Go Ltd

Westmeath

Firewood

O’Hara Woodfuels Ltd

Cavan

Firewood & Woodchip

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

LB GREMO LTD

Here at LB Gremo Ltd we want to bring you into the future of forestry here in Ireland.

We have researched the market worldwide to bring you the most suitable range of machinery for Irish forests.

hilst searching with you in mind we were conscious With the development of our service team, we can offer you a that you would need a machine that could be versatile first class call out service. to our conditions. As you are well aware our soft hilly Our highly trained team are skilled in the diagnostics and repair terrain is challenging for most harvesters and forwarders to handle, of all types of forestry machines. Our head fitter has over ten years’ however the nimble 8 wheel Gremo 1050–H and the Gremo 1050 F experience in the forestry industry. provide you with an excellent option.They are light and easy on We have a range of second hand harvesters and forwarders in the ground, with the 1050 H able to handle from first thinnings stock. Normally trade–ins from the purchase of new machines, all the way through to clearfell. It will come as no surprise that these machines have been brought from the forest where they 95% of our customers choose a Gremo machine again once having have been seen working, test drove and brought back to our bought one previously. If you are not one of them, maybe you workshop for service and repair of any faults. They represent have missed something. exceptional value for money. Currently in stock Timberjack 1110 The Verstile SP 561 harvesting head has been made with the D Forwarder and Gremo 950 HPV harvester. challenging Irish forest in mind. Irish timber, due to its fast For further information please contact Liam Bergin of growth, has a tendency to grow both crooked and rough and is LB Gremo Ltd, 19 Northman Court, Cloncollig, Tullamore, hard to clean, but the SP 561 head has mastered all challenges Co. Offaly. Tel: 086 6079564 or contact the following that the Irish Forest can throw its way. email: liambergingremo@hotmail.com

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“The Verstile SP 561 harvesting head has been made with the challenging Irish forest in mind.

Irish timber,due to its fast growth,has a tendency to grow both crooked and rough and is hard to clean,but the SP 561 head has mastered all challenges that the Irish Forest can throw its way” It glides through all challenges that the Irish woodland can throw its way, and the most eye–catching thing about the SP 561 head is its versatility in its compatible bases. It is partnered with the new Gremo harvesters but is compatible with a huge range of computer systems for other bases. So you too can benefit from the amazing work ethos of the SP head regardless of the base.The SP head is compatible with Dasa, Motomit, Valmet Maxi,Techno Matic and Timber Matic computer systems.

We are delighted to announce the expansion of our stores. With demand increasing due to the increase in Gremo harvesters and forwarders and SP Heads in Ireland, we have doubled the amount of on shelf stock cutting costs for you. We can arrange for next day delivery countrywide.

Also in stock is a limited supply of second hand parts. From tyres to pumps, these are ideal for those on a budget.

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TEAGASC FORESTRY

FORESTRY – A WHOLE FARM PLANNING APPROACH

The new Forestry Programme 2014–2020 is generating strong interest from landowners, forest owners and the wider forest industry. Tom Houlihan, Forestry Adviser with Teagasc reports.

his is reflected in the large attendances at the recently ELIGIBILITY FOR FORESTRY PREMIUM held nationwide series of joint Teagasc/Forest Service PAYMENTS information meetings. These meetings highlighted new The new Forestry Programme 2014–2020 does not differentiate opportunities to landowners including improved establishment between ‘farmer’ and ‘non farmer’ premium rates. Unified forest and support grants. premiums will now be available to approved applicants. These Forestry continues to be highly attractive for many farmers and enhanced premiums will be paid to compensate for potential landowners.The decision to plant is a long term land use change income foregone over a 15 year period. and consideration of all implications is recommended, including Eligibility criteria still apply in relation to the sale or transfer of its potential to compliment other farming enterprises and to provide pre–2015 plantations. For example, if the owner of a plantation, financial, environmental and social benefits. The merits of the established at the farmer rate of premium, plans to sell or transfer forestry option should be explored with family members, including all or part of his/her planted land during the term of contract issues such as future objectives and succession planning.

It is strongly recommended that farmers review current and potential gross margins available from current farm enterprise(s) when considering alternatives.Tools such as the Teagasc eProfit Monitor are invaluable in this regard.The Teagasc forestry financial calculator (FIVE) can be used in a complimentary manner to provide indicative returns by comparing forestry planting scenarios. Important indicators include the annualised value of a future timber crop in today’s money, the Annual Equivalent Value. Potential tax benefits and tax planning should also be considered.

A whole farm planning approach requires analysis of how planting land may interact with other important farming issues such as stocking rates and nitrates calculations.The interaction of forestry with other farm schemes is also critical and these interactions are generally well disposed towards forestry. Some of the main issues are summarised below.

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TEAGASC FORESTRY (normally 20 years, corresponding to the previous premium payment period), the transferee may be eligible to continue claiming the farmer premium by meeting the criteria for farmer status. This requires either an active herd number in the new owner’s name or documentary proof that 25% of income is from farming, as appropriate.

FORESTRY AND THE BASIC PAYMENT SCHEME (BPS) The Single Payment Scheme (SPS) is replaced by the Basic Payment Scheme from 2015 onwards. Eligible land planted with forestry since 2009 and which will be afforested under the new Forestry Programme 2014–2020 can be used to activate BPS entitlements.

This is a major advantage for applicants in a position to benefit.

Similar eligibility rules as before apply in 2015, including: • The land to be planted was declared on a 2008 SPS application.

• Applicants who wish to benefit from the Basic Payment on afforested land must continue to be an active farmer, as defined, and also be the person or persons in joint management or receipt of the afforestation premium. This applies to members of the same family.

• Afforested land must continue to meet all requirements of the relevant Forest Service scheme under which it was afforested.

Applicants who will plant their lands in 2015 should ensure the correct crop category and parcel use are entered on the Basic Payment Scheme application form at the time of its completion.

If planting takes place after the BPS submission deadline, a BPS amendment form must be submitted, notifying the change to eligible forestry.

FORESTRY AND GREENING Payment for ‘Greening’ measures will be calculated as a percentage of the BPS payment. While all farmers are required to comply

“While the Early Retirement Scheme (ERS) is now closed to new entrants, the new single category for forest premium may act as an incentive to retired farmers to plant, particularly where lands they had leased to qualify under the ERS are returned to them” • The declared land was eligible for SPS in 2008.

• The applicant who declared that land was paid under the 2008 SPS. • Applicants, who plant part of their holding from 2009 onwards, must retain at least 10% of the eligible hectares declared in 2008 (by themselves or their predecessor) in an agricultural activity, subject to a minimum area of 3 hectares.

• If the applicant is a new entrant to farming, the minimum area to be retained in an agricultural activity will be fixed by the Department on a case by case basis.

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with greening requirements, many farmers will be exempt from taking action in this regard. Tillage farmers with more than 15 hectares of arable land must ensure that at least 5%of their arable land is an ‘Ecological Focus Area’ (EFA).These EFAs can include landscape features such as hedgerows and drains/ditches, nitrogen fixing crops, buffer strips, arable fallow lands and catch crop/winter cover.

Existing SPS–eligible forestry and newly planted BPS–eligible forestry will also be acceptable towards meeting EFA requirements.

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TEAGASC FORESTRY

FORESTRY AND EARLY RETIREMENT SCHEME (ERS) While the Early Retirement Scheme (ERS) is now closed to new entrants, the new single category for forest premium may act as an incentive to retired farmers to plant, particularly where lands they had leased to qualify under the ERS are returned to them.

The following general rules apply:

whose total eligible area is equal to or lower than the threshold (30 or 34 ha) would result in a pro–rata reduction in ANC payment.

In the case of holdings above the threshold area, there may be opportunities to maximise ANC payment and also plant some land.

FORESTRY AND AGRI–ENVIRONMENTAL SCHEMES

While many REPS contracts finished in 2014, less than 1000 • Where the pension period has expired and land leased for the contracts will continue up to the end of 2015. Land in REPS can purpose of ERS is returned to the retired farmer, s/he may qualify be afforested without penalty within the contract term but no for the Afforestation Scheme, including new premiums, in respect further REPS payment is available on the afforested land. of these lands The Agri–Environmental Options Schemes (AEOS 1, 2 and 3) are not whole farm schemes. There may therefore be scope for • If the retired farmer is still in receipt of ERS pension, s/he must landowners to incorporate some forestry on non–AEOS parcels comply with the condition of that Scheme that the pension land within their holding without compromising AEOS requirements. be farmed by an eligible transferee for the period of the pension.

It is also possible for AEOS parcels to be considered for afforestation within the 5 year contract without penalty.Applicants should plan • If the retired farmer acquires land that is additional to the well in advance, discuss options with their planner/advisor, and pension land, s/he can plant that land and receive payment of keep DAFM informed as appropriate. premium in the same way as all other applicants.

Scheme details for the Green Low Carbon Agri–Environmental Scheme (GLAS) are being finalised. Depending on holding size, FORESTRY AND AREAS OF NATURAL it may not be necessary to include all of a farm holding under CONSTRAINT GLAS for eligible applicants. Parcels included under GLAS will The Disadvantaged Area Scheme (DAS) will change to an Areas need to be retained within the scheme until the end of the GLAS of Natural Constraint (ANC) scheme in 2015. It is anticipated that commitment period. Discuss options in advance with your planner/ land classifications under DAS will remain as they are until the 2018 adviser. scheme year when new classification criteria may come into effect.

While no plans appear imminent to amend either current land FURTHER INFORMATION The forestry option has many benefits but it is important that area thresholds for payment or DAS payment rates, finalisation of farmers and landowners are fully aware of the implications in the ANC scheme and its Terms & Conditions will be subject to advance of informed decision making. completion of current discussions with the EU Commission, under the Rural Development Programme 2015–2020.

The current area threshold for Less/More Severely Handicapped For further detailed forestry information, visit www.teagasc.ie/forestry where you can also find contact Lowland is 30 hectares, while the equivalent for Mountain type grazing is 34 hectares. Planting a forestry plot on a farm holding details of local Teagasc forestry staff.

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EUCALYPTUS FEATURE

Q & A SESSION WITH BRENDAN DOYLE OF D–PLANT Forestry and Energy Review caught up with Brendan Doyle of D–Plant to discuss Eucalyptus.

Euc Plantation at 3 years

1. What size Eucalyptus plantation would an average household require to be self-sufficient?

0.6 acres of Eucalyptus will replace an annual usage of 1,000 litres of oil in energy value based on 8–12 year rotation. An average household that uses 1,800 litres of oil per year would need to plant a little over 1 acre of Eucalyptus to meet their entire energy needs or 1/4 to 1/2 of an acre for just supplementary stove or open fire heating.

2. What site conditions are required for Eucalyptus plantations?

Most species of Eucalyptus require fertile free–draining soil, although there are some species suitable to heavy clay soils and peaty soils.

3. Is plantation pretty or should I keep it away from house.

Although not a native tree Eucalyptus is aesthetically pleasing and fits very well into the Irish countryside.

4. What is cost of plants…is there a grant.

Plant prices vary according to the amount you purchase. Prices start at €2 per plant but can cost as little as 50c each for 1,000 plants or more. There is a grant available for Eucalyptus under the new “Forestry for Fibre” scheme – details from your local Forestry Adviser – minimum 1 hectare (2.5 acres).

5. Will I be able to do the work myself or will I need help.

Most people would be able to handle 1–2 acres, both planting and maintenance. Keep in mind it is very important to keep the Eucalyptus plantation weed free for the first 2 years.

6. What is the establishment cost for a Eucalyptus plantation?

Total establishment costs for Eucalyptus is in the region of €1,200/acre (plants, planting, weed control etc.).

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7. Harvesting…clear harvest or thinning.

Coppicing varieties are generally not thinned but clear felled to allow light and room to coppice and re–grow. Non–coppice varieties like Nitens can be thinned or clear felled.

8. Is wood soft like ash to cut and split or hard.

Eucalyptus is easily split when fresh cut but can be a little more difficult if left to season first.

9. Is it suitable for open fire/ how long does it take to dry.

Eucalyptus is clean burning with a high heat output and low ash content suitable for open fire or stove. Eucalyptus is very wet when cut but dries very quickly once processed into firewood due to natural extreme splitting.Trees cut in early spring should be air–dry seasoned for burning by October.

10. Are there many plantations over 8 years that I can have a look at.

Because Eucalyptus has only recently been considered for wood fuel in this country there are very few plantations between 6–15 years of age – there are however some older plantations around the country that can demonstrate growth rates. Most people we talk to have a story about a garden Eucalyptus tree that out grew its garden in a short length of time.

11. What is the expected yield per acre from a Eucalyptus plantation.

One acre of Eucalyptus should yield 50 tons of seasoned firewood after 8–10 years.

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EUCALYPTUS FEATURE 12. Which is the best variety to grow?

The best variety to grow will be the one most suited for your site and conditions. For example E. nitens is the most vigorous variety by far but doesn't have the ability to reliably coppice and is only frost hardy to –13 degrees C.Trials over the last few years have shown that there are several varieties which have shown cold tolerance down to –16 degrees C, such as E. glaucescens, E. urnigera and E. subcrenulata. Also E. rodwayi is believed to be is suitable for wet or marginal sites.

Five year old Glaucescens

13. What does it burn like?

Eucalyptus burns clean with no spitting and a low ash content.

14. Will wildlife eat my Eucalyptus plants?

Eucalyptus is mostly unpalatable to mammals with the exception of E. gunnii.

AFFORESTATION GRANT AND PREMIUM SCHEME 2014-2020 Forestry for Fibre eligible species to be planted under this scheme are as follows: • Eucalyptus Glaucescens • Eucalyptus Gunnii, • Eucalyptus Rodwayi and • Eucalyptus Subcrenulata

national and other documented tree improvement programmes.

• Once land is converted to forestry for fibre it will be classified as forest land and the provisions of forest legislation will apply.

• Support for short rotation coppicing, Christmas trees or fast

“Because Eucalyptus has only recently been considered for wood fuel in this country there are very few plantations between 6–15 years of age – there are however some older plantations around the country that can demonstrate growth rates” • Eucalyptus Nitens. (E nitens only to be restricted to within 50 km of coast and frost–prone, low–lying areas also avoided), • Other species will be considered on application.?

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These additional species may be supported where demonstration plots are established for research purposes.

Criteria: • Preference will be given to applicants who propose to use improved genetic material, such as planting stock from the

growing trees is not provided for under this measure. Fast growing trees are defined by Ireland as having 9 years between cuts.Trees planted under this scheme will be cut between 10 – 15 years.

More information: http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/grantand premiumschemes/2015/AfforestationScheme20142020181214.pdf http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/media/migration/forestry/grantand premiumschemes/2015/forestrystandardsandproceduresmanual231214.pdf

Grant and Premium Rates:

Fencing Grant Rates: Fence Type

€/m (IS436 Rates)

€m (non IS436 Rates)

Stock

4.20

3.50

Stock/ Sheep

5.40

4.65

Max €500/ha

12a and 12b; and €450 for GPC

Stock/ Rabbit

6.30

5.55

At plantation level

5,6,7,8,9,10 and 11

6.50

€975/ha

€975/ha

Upgrade to deer

7.00

IS436 (120m/ha cap)

Non IS436 (100m/ha cap) Max €350/ha for GPC 1,2,3,4,

Premium Rates:

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MAKING PREMIUM HANDCRAFTED WOOD FLOORS IN BRITAIN Silvan specializes in very long, very wide handcrafted engineered wood floors – up to 15.5 metres long! Silvan uses British and French oak predominantly, as well as maple, walnut, and some other species. Jacob Mooney reports.

The Wood-Mizer LT40 hydraulic band mill breaks down the log into lamellas

ilvan Floors in Leicestershire started out as installers of premium hardwood flooring – importing and selling. But a few years ago, they started down the road of becoming a fully self–contained manufacturer in order to have full flexibility and control over their product, and to prove that British manufacturing is still very viable.

The directors at Silvan came up with a business plan that included setting up a manufacturing facility in Leicestershire that would be able to produce floors entirely from the round log.

“When we did this, it raised a few eyebrows,” recalls Richard Brewster, technical director at Silvan.“We wanted to wave the flag for British manufacturing. With our in–depth knowledge of the timber industry, we felt that this was something we could achieve ourselves.”

“We do what is called ‘full length planks’, so we have the capability of going up to 16 metres, which means we can go skirting board to skirting board,” explains Richard.“In respect to width, we can go as wide as 600mm.This flexibility plus the design aspect is what our clients really buy into.”

The first step is the initial breakdown of the logs on the Wood– Mizer LT40 sawmill, cutting lamellas up to 15 metres long and 600mm wide.The sapwood and heartwood areas are avoided, and the results are beautifully rift or quarter sawn boards where the wood grain is showcased at its best.

The decision to go with the thin–kerf sawmill has paid off, according to Richard.“It’s probably one of the most key, fundamental pieces of equipment that’s in the line of Silvan Floors,” he shares.“You never truly know, until you open that log up, what it is going to look like inside, and 9 times out of 10, it’s beautiful.The excitement starts as soon as that blade hits the log and continues through to the final finishing when you get to really see the grain come jumping out with the oils that we use to enhance the finish of the timber.”

“Waste chips and sawdust are sold for animal bedding, briquetting, pelleting – so basically none of the log gets wasted at all – a small carbon footprint,” Richard shares.

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“We sometimes have to pinch ourselves, to see how far we’ve come in such a short space of time,” Richard says.“It’s something that we’re very proud of, that we’re a British manufacturer. Retaining profits within the country is really important.”

“We definitely have the support of architects and designers in London.As soon as they know that it’s a British product, they say, ‘Wow, this is amazing’. So I think we’ve gone down the right track.

People don’t realize that British manufacturing is alive and kicking!”

For more information www.silvanfloors.com Watch a video tour of the manufacturing process and meet the Silvan Floors team. http://youtu.be/pTyvighPyUU

THE RESULTS Currently at the two–year mark in their business plan, Richard is pleased to share that they are ahead of their predictions, and have experienced tremendous growth and profitability in their second year specifically.

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Overview VIP deck, Lotus

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BIOMASS FEATURE - COILLTE

BOTANY WEAVING

Botany weaving underpin security of supply for their new industrial biomass boiler installation.

Des O' Toole reports.

otany Weaving was established in 1934 and today, they are The solution chosen was a UNICONFORT GLOBAL/G–120 four a market leader at the cutting–edge of high–quality aviation fire cycle steel boiler with a heat output of 1400 kW to produce and ground transportation interior textile manufacture, steam at an operating pressure of 6 bar, fitted with a base designed employing over 100 people at its facilities in Dublin and Donegal. for the installation of a grate mechanical auger burner.The whole Botany Weaving are approved to ISO 9001:2000 and EN9100. In combustion chamber is provided with a thick refractory lining in the airline field they are approved by Boeing Airbus and the Irish this industrial scale boiler.

Aviation Authority and Boeing recently awarded them with their The biomass fuel is fed from the fuel store by a hydraulic pusher Gold Approval for quality and on–time delivery. device into a trough that feeds up to the boiler infeed.The feeding In a competitive environment and with a growing concern system incorporates a cutting system for reducing any potential about rising fossil fuel costs and increased fuel price volatility, oversize particles, min–max sensors for activating the feed and a management at Botany Weaving began to investigate the renewable fire protection system. alternatives for their production facility located at Kilcar, Co. The wood chip fuel delivery reception and storage area is located Donegal. A biomass boiler was installed and commissioned in in an above ground fuel store with moving floor hydraulic pusher February 2013 and has been operational now for a full two years. device to feed fuel into the trough through a slot in the end wall.

Due to restrictive access at the site, biomass material is delivered to the site by Coillte and tipped into an on–site mobile conveyor system which delivers fuel into the fuel store.

Biomass is supplied on long term contract to the client’s boiler manufacturer’s specification and checked for compliance of moisture content, particle size and percentage fines As a direct result of the new installation, Botany Weaving are now displacing several thousand litres of oil per week and have reduced their energy costs by in excess of 50%.Payback for the entire project is attractive thereby maintaining competiveness and securing local jobs for the plant into the future.

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BIOMASS FEATURE - COILLTE

SECURITY OF SUPPLY FROM COILLTE Biomass feed stocks are sourced from Coillte’s own forest resources and private sources in the North West region. Coillte is committed to a biomass strategy that matches renewable energy requirements with local biomass supply and local private forest growers.

Coillte operates its local supply depot in Drumkeen, Co. Donegal to supply the Botany Weaving plant and a number of other clients in the region.This depot is the largest biomass processing depot in the country servicing clients in the North West and Northern Ireland. Infrastructure includes 7 acres of outside log storage yard and 2500m2 of covered wood chip storage sheds. In addition there is a weighbridge and quality testing laboratory.

Delivery vehicles comprise of moving floor trailers, tipping trailers and blower units.The depot has a modern Starchl Drummond chipper capable of processing 20T per hour.Typically this fuel hub stores in excess of 15,000m3 of pulpwood logs on a daily basis.

Pulpwood logs are sourced and delivered on a pre–planned basis several months in advance.The logs are systematically stacked for open air drying down to the required moisture content.

In tandem with adopting industry standard stacking procedures for the pulpwood logs; the key to ensuring quality wood chip at the correct moisture content is to manage stock rotation and replenishment and to ensure suitable air flow through the stacks.

Each depot will have its own specific characteristics and seasonal variations in moisture need to be planned and controlled with great care.This can only be gained through experience and by having a strong partnership with your contractor.

All wood chip will be produced strictly in accordance with quality specifications set out in I.S. CEN/TS 14961 : 2005.

Moisture content samples are taken in pre–approved aluminium sampling trays for testing by the oven dry method and/or using pre–approved and calibrated moisture testing devices. Particle

“Due to restrictive access at the site, biomass material is delivered to the site by Coillte and tipped into an on-site mobile conveyor system which delivers fuel into the fuel store” size is controlled during the chipping process by the provision of the correct size screens on the chipper feed. Regular testing will be undertaken to assess the percentage of fines.The client is invoiced per Giga Joule of energy delivered.

Coillte is playing a key leadership role in delivering sustainable biomass energy solutions to Irish industry. Coillte provides long term, secure biomass fuel supply contracts to its clients and can assist in the evaluation of the both technical and commercial viability of projects for large scale energy users. Sustainable biomass solutions are our business.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: DES O’TOOLE Business Development Manager – Biomass Coillte Unit 3.1, Woodford Business Park, Santry, Dublin 17, Ireland Tel: +353 1 8628491 Mobile +353 86 2301234 Fax +353 1 8427028 Email: Des.O'Toole@coillte.ie www.coillte.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

OAKLEAF FORESTRY Oakleaf Forestry specialise in compact harvesting and extraction machinery. Designed with economy, minimal damage to retained crop and minimal ground disturbance as a priority.

ypro manufactures the fastest and most effective tractor processors on the market – a range of machines designed to appeal equally to contractors and to farmers and self– employed forest owners. Hypro machines combine simple, efficient operation with high capacity and reliability while remaining a very affordable solution to smaller scale harvesting jobs. All machines are fitted with a radio control winch and there are a number of crane options that are also offered.The Hypro FG45 Felling Grapple with its 45cm Chainsaw and automatic tilt function is a great addition to any crane and can be also be fitted to 360° Excavators too which has proven very popular with ground works and utility contractors.

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Mini–forwarders are ideal for serving small woods and estates where low impact systems are preferred.They are easily transported between sites using a 4x4 and trailer yet have terrain capability equal to larger purpose–built units.Vimek Forwarders can be used to extract timber from sites in which larger machines would require substantial racks to be cut in order to move product to the landing.

Vimek Forwarders are ideal for ecologically sensitive sites, urban forestry, areas where ground damage is a concern and in first and second thinnings where crop spacing would prove restrictive for larger machines.A Vimek combined with a Hypro Tree Processor can harvest and extract timber from terrain that is inaccessible to other operators with larger equipment.

“Mini–forwarders are ideal for serving small woods and estates where low impact systems are preferred.They are easily transported between sites using a 4x4 and trailer yet have terrain capability equal to larger purpose–built units” Vimek, meanwhile, produces a range of mini–forwarders and harvesters which have all the benefits of a purpose built machine but none of the drawbacks found in their larger counterparts.

This type of equipment is attractive because it offers much lower capital outlay with a fraction of the running costs and allows contractors to operate in woodlands that would not permit the use of large conventional harvesters and forwarders.

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Joe Litter of Oakleaf Forestry was very pleased with the results from last year’s APF in England and plans to demonstrate them at this year’s IFW show at Stradbally Hall Estate, Co. Laois.“We are delighted with the response we have had so far to the demonstrations we carried out as part of our relaunch of the Hypro brand in the UK and we are very much looking forward to showing the range to our customers at home here in Ireland.We were very encouraged by the positive feedback received from new customers and also from the number of Hypro owners and operators who have told us about the Hypro Tree Processor machines they are still using after more than 20 years.”

Oakleaf imports and distributes forestry machinery from other leading brands, including Hypro, Vimek, Palax, Kesla, Kranman Rexon, Dorn–Tec, and Collino forestry machinery.The County Armagh based operation offers a complete, market–leading product range of modern low–impact forestry machinery – tough, reliable, fuel–efficient and service–friendly.

For more details go to www.oakleafforestry.com

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UCD FORESTRY

WOOD MOBILISATION IN IRELAND The main factors affecting long-term global demand for wood products include increasing world population, continued economic growth, and the rapid growth of developing economies, especially in Asia. Charles Harper, Áine Ní Dhubháin, Rach Colling, Uwe Kies, Eugene Hendrick and Maarten Nieuwenhuis report.

In Ireland, wood mobilisation is a major challenge facing the forestry sector, where wood mobilisation is defined as the factors At a European level, forecasts for the coming decades predict a and processes involved in bringing wood to market in the context substantial increase in the demand for wood:‘solid’ uses will of sustainable forest management. Increased demands mirror those grow steadily, while new chemical uses of wood will emerge and foreseen at the European level, especially for bioenergy. Here, an start to gain momentum.The highest growth rate is expected in increasing proportion of the wood supply is expected to come bioenergy, as wood energy plays a critical role in Europe’s future from private forests.This presents additional challenges for wood renewable energy supply and the achievement of climate protection mobilisation in this country. objectives.At the same time, environmental policies and regulations A European project “SIMWOOD – Sustainable Innovative Mobilisation increasingly restrict the potential wood supply. of Wood”, funded by the European Commission, aims to address Current trends in increasing demand are expected to lead to a the challenges of wood mobilisation and to identify ways of increasing scarcity of wood, stronger competition and structural shifts in the it.The project is focussed on 14 regions in nine countries around forest sector.

Europe.

In Ireland the region of study is the South and Eastern Forests in Europe cover nearly 160 million hectares or 37% of region.

This four–year project seeks to provide solutions on the land area. As a major biological resource these forests have how to facilitate forest owners, promote collaborative forest multiple ecological, economic and social functions. In addition to management and ensure sustainable forest functions, in order to preserving diverse landscapes, ecosystems, natural cycles and mobilise the wood resources in Europe.The regions were selected biological diversity, they provide a multitude of forest products. as good representations of the main forest types in Europe that Forestry is also a major employer in rural areas, as are the numerous hold significant unlocked wood potential. industries which use wood as the primary raw material.

AN INCREASING DEMAND FOR WOOD

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UCD FORESTRY

The project coordinator is Roland Schreiber, of the Bavarian State Institute of Forestry: “The European wood mobilisation problem has been addressed in many studies, projects and initiatives. However, the ongoing, rather narrow, initiatives are not likely to fill the gap between the future timber supply and demand.

More than ever we need innovative approaches to overcome the present barriers for wood mobilisation. The main barriers are not only technical, but to a large extent socio– economic, and are dependent on the motivation of a multitude of forest owners and other stakeholders.”

on novel adaptive silvicultural systems and more flexible forest planning and management practices responding to increased wood mobilisation by forest owners and less predictable climate change impacts.

4.

Forest Functions aims at assessing the impacts of wood mobilisation on other forest ecosystem goods and services, and to integrate related methodologies for risk control and mitigation into enhanced multifunctional forest management and decision making, to balance and optimise supply of ecosystem services in managed forest areas.

“In each region, stakeholder meetings, the so called “regional learning labs”, provide an opportunity for information exchange between the project researchers and those that will be impacted by the outcomes of the project” The overall goal of this project is to promote collaborative wood mobilisation in the context of multifunctional forest management across European forest ‘model’ regions. We have divided the problem into five main areas or ‘domains’ in wood mobilisation – governance, ownership, management, harvesting and functions. Each of our five domains deals with important topics that influence wood mobilisation: 1.

Forest Governance studies the structures and processes that shape policy and management decisions impacting on wood mobilisation, for example forest owner associations, grants, participatory technology development, risk sharing mechanisms, innovative tenure arrangements, the availability of information and knowledge, and the structuring of routes to access knowledge.

5.

Forest Harvesting studies the existing harvesting machine fleet and workforce, available and unavailable techniques, and technologies, systems, standards, labels or certification schemes for evaluating environmental performance of logging operations, and logistics and market constraints.

All types of forest owners are targetted in the project, but with a special focus on private owners, who represent a major opportunity to unlock currently unused wood production.The project accounts for multifunctional forest management in order to integrate forest ecosystem functions and to balance the

2.

Forest Ownership targets all different types of forest owners, the structures of forest holdings and trends in land fragmentation, and the potential mobilisable wood resources.

Many aspects of forest owners are considered including the forest–related values of owners, their motivations to engage in or restrain from forest use, their awareness of sustainable forest management, and their future perspectives.

3.

Forest Management points to the core forestry disciplines of forest growth, silviculture and forest planning.The focus lies

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UCD FORESTRY

economic, ecological and social impacts of any proposed wood mobilisation measures. The project recognises that successful solutions for wood mobilisation are likely to come from finding collaborative initiatives that work at a regional level, including participatory processes and governance initiatives related to sustainable development of forest dependent regions of Europe.

Dubin, Forest Enterprises Ltd (FEL) and the Irish Wood Producers (IWP). As part of the stakeholder interaction, a workshop on wood mobilisation was held in Mount Juliet in October 2014.

The participants considered the five wood mobilisation domains (ownership, governance, management, forest functions and harvesting) and addressed key issues in each: the main challenges for wood mobilisation in the region; how these challenges can be overcome; existing initiatives that have resulted RECENT WORK IN THE PROJECT In each of the model regions, a detailed analysis of the present in greater wood mobilisation; new initiatives (pilot projects) that could be tested in the Simwood project.The results from this situation, and the barriers and challenges for wood mobilisation workshop and similar events in the project will feed into the which currently exist have been identified.The next step is to identify solutions to these challenges and select some of these to MOBILISER to produce an information system for stakeholders. be tested in a series of pilot projects.

The project runs to October 2017. Further details are In each region, stakeholder meetings, the so called “regional learning labs”, provide an opportunity for information exchange available at www.simwood-project.eu. Any queries about between the project researchers and those that will be impacted SIMWOOD in Ireland may be sent to Aine Ni Dhubhain at UCD (aine.nidhubhain@ucd.ie). by the outcomes of the project.These meetings are an integral part of the research process. Information from all our regional This project has received funding from the European Union’s pilot projects will be assembled in the SIMWOOD 'MOBILISER', Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological a pan–European monitoring and policy support system, which targets regional and European stakeholders.Through the mobiliser, development and demonstration under grant agreement no 613762. stakeholders will have access to information relating to wood mobilisation in their region. Decision makers at a European and national level will also be able to evaluate the effect of national OTHER INITIATIVES RELATING TO WOOD and EU programmes for wood mobilisation and follow regional MOBILISATION IN IRELAND developments.

The COFORD Wood Mobilisation Group has recently completed a comprehensive review of wood mobilisation issues in the Republic of Ireland.The group plans to issue its report and THE SIMWOOD PROJECT IN IRELAND recommendations in early March.

The project is represented in Ireland by University College

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FOREST SERVICE

FIGHTING FIRE WITH FIRE:CAN PRESCRIBED FIRE BE USED TO REDUCE LOSSES TO FIRE IN IRISH FORESTRY?

Fire is one of the greatest threats to forest resources and conservation habitats in Ireland,

by Ciaran Nugent (Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine).

n average, hundreds of hectares of forest are lost annually to fire, and many thousands of hectares of open land are burned over. The focus of fire management in recent times has been on the sources of fire ignition, and encouraging landowners and others who use fire in the landscape to change their behaviour through cooperation, awareness and when necessary, direct law enforcement.

However, there is a gradual realisation among authorities that the real culprit behind Ireland’s wildfire problem is accumulated upland vegetation – potential fuels, and that dealing with these fuel loads holds the key to successful fire management in the long term. In a classic paradox, fire itself may offer solutions.

Fire is one of the oldest land management tools. Prescribed fire has been used by humans for centuries to effect desired changes in vegetation conditions; enabling rapid removal of unwanted, dead or older, less productive vegetation from land, and creating favourable conditions for new growth. Under controlled conditions, fire can be also be used to efficiently dispose of unwanted permitted residues such as hedge trimmings and cereal stubbles, and to eliminate vegetation that may develop into dangerous wildfire fuels following dry weather patterns.

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Fire is a powerful but dangerous tool, and needs to be used with skill and understanding if it is not to do more harm than good.The benefits of burning to the land must justify the effort and level of risk involved. Poorly planned or executed burning can cause long–term damage to soil and upland hydrology or precipitate unwanted vegetation change that will in turn reduce productivity in livestock or wildlife habitats.

Fire has been traditionally used in Irish uplands, as part of grazing practice, with skills and lore passed through generations. Such traditions and techniques appear to favour unsuitably dry conditions, and often precipitate dangerous wildfire incidents. Such practices simply have not kept pace with land use changes, and other related development and demographic patterns that have evolved in the last 50 years. We now have forests in places that were previously open landscape, and the proliferation of development in rural areas means that wildland–urban interface issues now exist in many traditionally fire prone areas. In this context, the ways of old simply no longer cut it, as far as fire is concerned, and increasingly place communities and resources at risk.

DAFM have gradually been building the capacity to redevelop and upskill prescribed fire practice in Ireland,in line with developments

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FOREST SERVICE in other EU states.The Department produced a Prescribed Burning Code of Practice in 2011, and most recently has been facilitating specialised professional training for fire management professionals and trialling fire training and education programmes for land owners and land management professionals. It is envisaged that the forthcoming GLAS scheme commonage element will contain a strong prescribed fire module, and that landowners will be encouraged to undertake training, and cooperate in the planning and implementation of safer, more productive types of burning activity.

A similar approach could be taken in forestry, but as yet, the sector appears reticent to adopt the use of prescribed fire for forest protection, despite there being almost no fire management capacity in private forestry. Recent submissions from private forestry associations to the DAHG Review of Section 40 of the Wildlife Act called for retention of the current restrictive approach to the use of fire, and enhanced enforcement measures against those found using fire on the land.

Clearly there is much persuasion to be done to convice a sector that endured heavy fire losses in 2010 and 2011 that prescribed fire can somehow be safe. Good examples exist elsewhere and can be adopted to Irish conditions and demonstrated, and this is being done.With current attitudes, it is unlikely that a well structured fire management culture that existed in the 1970’s can be restored.

Convincing the environmental movement in Ireland that prescribed fire is a valid land use tool may prove a more difficult sell. Recent submissions from Irish environmental NGO’s almost unanimously called for an outright ban on all forms of burning in the uplands. Such a ban would be very difficult to enforce but there are other considerations, such as the likely long term impacts of resulting fuel loads on future fire regime, and resulting impacts on habitats. If the legal use of fire as a management option is

excluded from the landscape, we run the risk that when wildfires do occur they will be bigger, more frequent and more intense, largely favouring those conservation areas where grazing and human activity are most heavily restricted and where fuel loads thrive unchallenged.

“Alternative methods to burning like mechanical swiping, mowing or flailing may require less personnel and organisation, and may be less subject to weather influences, but few of these inspire the same level of interest and emotional involvement among practitioners as fire does” Prevention of adverse impacts is central to prescribed fire philosophy.

In considering land management objectives, landowners must carefully consider whether burning is appropriate in the first instance. Not every site is suited to prescribed fire.

In some circumstances, there are safer, equally effective alternatives to burning available, including mechanised treatment or prescribed grazing programmes.

In most instances the application of a combination of all three will have the greatest beneficial response as part of an integrated land management system.

Alternative methods to burning like mechanical swiping, mowing or flailing may require less personnel and organisation, and may be less subject to weather influences, but few of these inspire the same level of interest and emotional involvement among practitioners as fire does. Certainly, few can compete in terms of costs per hectare treated, and low impacts on soils compared to mechanisation.

Fire is a good servant but a poor master. Mastering fire means mastering the skills of fire management, and learning to moderate, steer and influence fire behaviour on the land to our own designs at landscape level.The process of mastering prescribed fire, will ultimately lead practitioners to a better understanding of the land itself, and the myriad variety of species and systems that both influence it and depend on it.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

LATE NEWS

BRIEF OVERVIEW OF THE NEW FORESTRY PROGRAMME 2014-2020 T he new Forestry Programme provides 2. Forest Roads: This measure provides new opportunities to landowners support for the construction of forest roads including attractive forest establishment at a rate of €40/m to a maximum of 20m/ha. and support grants. The following measures Additional funding may be available in certain are currently open for applications: circumstances.

1. Afforestation and Creation of 3. Woodland Improvement (Thinning Woodland: This measure provides support and Tending): A grant of €750/ha is for the establishment of new forests including available for the thinning and tending of young afforestation, agro–forestry, forestry for fibre and broadleaf woodlands.A cost based grant may native woodland establishment. also be available for brashing operations to In most cases, all the costs associated with facilitate manual fertiliser application. the establishment of the forest in the early 4. Reconstitution Scheme (Chalara): years are covered by an afforestation grant.The This measure provides support in relation to new forestry premiums are paid for a period of ash dieback (Chalara).A site clearance grant 15 years ranging from €500 per hectare per of up to €1500/ha and replanting grants of year for conifers to approximately €600 per up to €5000/ha are available. hectare per year for broadleaves.

No distinction is being made between To find out more about any of the farmers and non–farmers. In addition to the above measures, contact your local annual premium, it will be possible for most Forestry Adviser. Contact details farmers to hold on to their Basic Payments. available from www.teagasc.ie/forestry

ENJOY THE COUNTRYSIDE AND BE VIGILANT FOR FIRES THIS SPRING e all have a part to play in protecting our unique rural landscapes, communities, habitats and forest resources alike from the threats posed by wildfire.

When utilised correctly, fire is an important and legitimate tool for upland management, restoring habitat structure and removing older, coarse vegetation, and permitting fresh and more palatable young vegetation to establish again. However, when applied in the wrong circumstances, or under unsuitable weather conditions, fire can have catastrophic impacts on upland habitats and rural communities.

Most worrying of all, illegal and irresponsible fire activity diverts emergency services from their main tasks of saving lives and responding to other types of incidents.

Walkers, hikers, mountainbikers and other recreational users are especially asked to support landowners and the emergency services by applying the following advice to reduce both the risks of fire, and the risks posed to recreational users themselves where fires occur. · Do not light fires in or near woodland. You will be responsible if fire spreads from a campfire or barbeque. Use only designated barbeque points where available. Thoroughly soak BBQ embers after use and take them home with your rubbish.

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· Be prepared – Any responsible walking party should have mobile telephone, maps and GPS.These can be used to provide very accurate location information about fire incidents to the emergency services. · Report any fires you see immediately to the emergency services – Dial 999 or 112. Give clear details as regards location, where at all possible using a national grid reference and any other useful information such as the size of the fire,wind direction,proximity to dwellings or forestry etc.You will not be billed by the fire service or local authority for making the call. · Report any illegal and suspicious activity to the Gardai. · Do not approach fires – Wildfires can be extremely dangerous and can rapidly change direction and behaviour.Avoid traversing uphill above fires – in suitable conditions and fuels fires can travel uphill faster than you can run. Smoke can be highly disorienting and damaging to health.Avoid passing through smoke. · Do not attempt to extinguish fires yourself. Fire fighting is dangerous work and should be left to suitably equipped and trained personnel.

· Do not block forest entrances or roads when parking – Whether you are walking, hiking, cycling or otherwise outdoors access may be required by the fire service or forestry personnel in enjoying the Irish countryside, have a very safe and enjoyable the event of an emergency, their job will be made easier if the roads season and be alert to the danger of fires. are clear.

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