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CASE STUDY GOOD WOOD MANAGEMENT ADDS VALUE >> SEE PAGE 48

FUTURE PROOFING YOUR FORESTS POTENTIAL >> SEE PAGE 42

APF 2016 EXHIBITION RAGLEY ESTATE SEPTEMBER 15th–17th >> SEE PAGE 30

Forestry&Energy Volume 6 Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2016 Price €3.95. £2.95 (Stg)

R E V I E W

THE VOICE OF FORESTRY & RENEWABLE ENERGY

Foreword/Contents/Credits

Forestry&Energy R E V I E W

Volume 6 Issue 2

Autumn/Winter 2016

Foreword ielcome to the Autumn/Winter Edition of Forestry & Energy Review Magazine. In this Issue, Noel Kennedy of Teagasc Forestry outlines that thousands of hectares of land are planted with new forests.This land will vary in type as will the trees planted. It is becoming more important all the time that the proper early management of these trees is vital. Certification: Until now Coillte has been the dominant supplier of timber to the primary processing sector: all of this supply is certified in terms of forest management standards and chain of custody certification. As the ratio of timber supply from private forests increase the threshold of 30% non certified mix will come under pressure.Therefore it is necessary for private owners to become compliant or there will be difficulty in finding outlets for the product Marie Doyle of UCD (Chair of SFMI) explains the issues and consequences in detail. Miscanthus: In 2006 Paddy O Toole and a number of other pioneering farmers planted miscanthus. Ten years later, and a lot of heartache, they conclude that miscanthus is a good crop if grown on good fertile soil but a bad crop if grown on bad soil. This may be oversimplifying the situation but Paddy explains it better in his own words…see inside. APF 2016: More than 300 Exhibitors, Ragley Estate, 15/16/17 Sept. Hope to see you there. This edition also includes a selection of features and profiles including: Husqvarna, LB Gremo,Wood–Mizer, Oakleaf Forestry, and others. We trust you enjoy reading this publication which will continue to provide a voice for the Forestry and Energy sectors.

24 FOREST CERTIFICATION AND PRIVATE FORESTS

Until the next time……… The Publishers Forestry & Energy Review

Features As production from private forests increases, certification will facilitate market access, writes Marie Doyle of UCD.

30 APF 2016 The UK’s largest forestry, woodland, arboricultural, trees and timber show 15/16/17th September 2016, Ragley Estate,Alcester,Warwickshire

42 EARLY FOREST MANAGEMENT – FUTURE PROOFING YOUR FOREST’S POTENTIAL A recent series of Teagasc forest walks focused on the role of early management of forests and owner involvement as key factors in future proofing forest potential and maximising returns.Noel Kennedy,Forestry Development Officer reports.

46 MISCANTHUS – TEN YEARS ON! Miscanthus needs an immediate change in Government policy to become a viable alternative fuel source as well as save millions in EU Fines, by Paddy O'Toole and David Tyrrell, Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.

48 GOOD WOOD MANAGEMENT ADDS VALUE Eugene McCartan is a well–known “Tree Farmer” in Mayo. He understands that good management of his forestry will produce more quality output and adding value inside the gate will pay off over time.

52 OAKLEAF FORESTRY Wood is the foundation of renewable energy production and its use as a source of energy is in rapid growth. KESLA is a significant developer of forestry–related bioenergy solutions.

66 VALUING LAND UNDERLYING FORESTS

Paul Lafferty is the owner and founder of ForestSales.ie

Profiles 18 & 20 Husqvarna (Liffey Distributors) 22 Wood–Mizer 27 Woodpecker Environmental Ltd. 28 FMS Forest Machine Services Ltd. 36 LB Gremo Ltd 38 Paul Vidgen Forest Machines Ltd. 40 Peterson Portable Sawmills 54 Jas P Wilson 56 Robinson Trailers

Contributors: Distribution: Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Noel Kennedy (Teagasc), Marie Doyle (UCD), Easons, Ian Millward (APF International Forest Machinery Newspread,WNS Enquiries: Exhibition Ltd), Joe Litter (Oakleaf Forestry), Published by: Select Media Ltd, Paul Lafferty (James Cleary & Sons), Paddy O’Toole 26 Clare Street, Dublin 2, Ireland Editorial: Denis Lane and David Tyrrell (Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.), Advertising: James Small Tel. + 353 1 6622266 John Murphy. Design: John Barrett Fax. + 353 1 6624981 Production: Emma Meade Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2016 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.

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS

FARM WOODLAND FORUM 2016 This year’s annual meeting of the Farm Woodland Forum was jointly hosted in June by Teagasc and AFBI (Agri–Food and Biosciences Institute, Northern Ireland).The three day meeting was based in Teagasc’s Ballyhaise College, Co Cavan and AFBI’s Research Station, Loughgall, Co Armagh.The meeting was opened by Mr Andrew Doyle TD Minister of State for Food, Forestry and Horticulture in Ballyhaise College. John Casey, Kevin O’Connell, Marianne Lyons Teagasc, Minister Andrew Doyle, Dr Jim McAdam AFBI & John Kelly College Principal Teagasc, Ballyhaise at the opening of the Farm Woodland Forum 2016 in Ballyhaise College are pictured. The Farm Woodland Forum is an informal group of about 220 people from Ireland and the UK.Their aim is to exchange information that supports best practice in farming with trees or agroforestry. The Forum holds annual meetings at which the latest research developments and practices related to agroforestry are presented for discussion. The overall theme of this year’s meeting was “Farm Woodlands – Education, Research and Policy” and included field visits to agroforestry research sites in Ballyhaise and Loughgall. TOPICS COVERED INCLUDED: Training & Education Forestry training at Ballyhaise College, Marianne Lyons,Teagasc; Fostering a Forestry Culture:An outline of Teagasc’s forestry advisory, training and development programme. John Casey,Teagasc; Royal Forestry Society programme of training and short courses to support forestry,Ted Wilson RFS. Management What effect has buffer zone spacing on the growth of a Cherry tree and willow Bioenergy crop grown in close association in an Alley

Coppice (AC) system, Rory Lunny, QUB; Provisional silviculture protocols for poorly performing pole-stage broadleaf stands, Ian Short,Teagasc. Agroforestry and climate change Emissions accounting in the EU: an increasing role for forestry and agroforestry. Gerry Lawson & Nathan de Baets; Contribution of hedgerows and agroforestry within the GHG accounting system in Northern Ireland Jonathan Blair J, Olave R, Sherry E, Higgins A; Including carbon storage, emissions and non-market benefits of agroforestry in the Farm-SAFE bio-economic model. Silvestre Garcia de Jalon. Policy and knowledge transfer Policies to encourage trees on farms in the UK and Ireland:a comparison of measures activated in Pillar I and Pillar II of the CAP 2014-2020 Gerry Lawson;The AGFORWARD project and stakeholder groups across north –west Europe. Paul Burgess. Presentations from the meeting can be found at www.agroforestry.ac.uk/meetings/2016

Opening of the Farm Woodland Forum 2016 in Ballyhaise College

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS NATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FOREST MANAGEMENT CERTIFICATION IN IRELAND Forest certification has been identified as a potential barrier to mobilisation and sale of timber from the private growers in Ireland. Organised by Sustainable Forest Management Ireland and Teagasc, the National Conference on Forest Management Certification in Ireland was held in the Botanic Gardens on 30th June. Opened by Andrew Doyle,TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for forestry the conference brought together the major players in forest management certification, including representatives of certification schemes, certifying bodies,Teagasc, the Forest Service as well as private growers. For a detailed report on the conference please see Marie Doyle’s article in this issue.

BROADLEAF THINNING EVENT FOCUSING ON FIRST AND SECOND THINNING STAGES OF ASH Teagasc, in association with the Forest Service, DAFM organised a well-attended 1st and 2nd broadleaf thinning event on Wednesday 25th May, in Dunmanway, Co. Cork. It was a great opportunity for broadleaf owners to see at first hand best methods and practices for the thinning an ash crop and to meet exhibitors at meeting point, the Parkway Hotel. On the day, Forestry researchers from Teagasc demonstrated on–site the Why and How of thinning an ash plantation. Jerry Campion, forestry technician with Teagasc, explained how thinning is a time-critical forestry operation to improve the quality of the timber crop and to maintain good forest health. Selecting the right

Tom Houlihan, Teagasc Forestry Adviser discusses tree selection

300- 400 Potential Crop Trees (PCTs) is paramount, as the other trees will be managed and removed over time for the benefit of this final crop. Dr. Ian Short, Broadleaf Silviculture Research Officer with Teagasc, outlined the latest results from the research work carried out on the Dunmanway ash site. In particular, he emphasised how 5 years after the first thinning, the annual stem diameter (cm) increase of the PCTs was twice that of the ash trees in the unthinned plots. Another interesting result was the substantial increase (30%) in timber volume that can be harvested if the landowner cuts down timber lengths to 5cm diameter, rather than the standard 7cm. There was much discussion by forest owners about the potential of Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) – an alternative management approach to clearfelling where some trees in a woodland may be periodically

www.JohnDeere.ie/forestry

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS removed but the canopy is continually maintained. In time, the crop is underplanted with shade tolerant tree species.The potential benefits of CCF include high quality timber, regular income (at a lower level), no large scale replanting, wildlife and landscape enhancement, and increased climate change resilience. Switching to this management approach is an option at the first or second thinning stage. John Casey, the Teagasc forester who organised the event, was particularly pleased with the participation of the forestry sector, including forestry companies, an owner–-led forestry co–op and local timber processors. GMIT Letterfrack, Co. Galway brought along finished samples of wood as well as some small pieces of furniture. Farm forest owners were very interested in seeing tangible objects made from the trees species they were growing and to discuss potential emerging added–value markets for broadleaf products.Teagasc would like to thank all participant and attendees and the co-operation of the landowner is gratefully acknowledged.

face additional challenges when thinning and selling timber. These challenges will be subject for discussion at the events. The schedule for Talking Timber 2016 is as follows: G Wednesday 7th September, Radisson Blu Hotel, Letterkenny, Co.Donegal. Contact Steven Meyen Tel: 087 6775158 or steven.meyen@teagasc.ie G Thursday 15th September,Auburn Lodge Hotel, Ennis, Co.Clare. Contact Michael Somers Tel: 087 1216163, michael.somers@teagasc.ie G Friday 16th September,The Rose Hotel,Tralee, Co.Kerry. Contact Tom Houlihan Tel: 087 6184353. tom.houlihan@teagasc.ie Talking Timber provides an opportunity for forest owners to find out more about the timber selling process and the harvesting options available to them by meeting timber buyers, harvesting contractors, foresters and Teagasc advisers present on the day.This will give forest owners a better appreciation of how the thinning selling process works and how timber value can be maximised. Feedback from forest owners has also highlighted the need for a suitable forum to engage with key players involved in the harvest

WESTERN LOCATIONS FOR UPCOMING TALKING TIMBER EVENTS Teagasc's popular “Talking Timber” timber marketing days return again in September.This year the number of events has been increased to three and all are located along the western seaboard. Talking Timber is organised by Teagasc Forestry Development Department with the co–operation of the Irish timber industry and the Forest Service, DAFM. Over 450 people attended last year’s Timber Marketing Events in Mayo and Carlow where forest owners were told that the quality of the timber has a major influence on the market price offered. Forest owners with plantations along the western seaboard can

Over 450 people attended last year’s Timber Marketing Events in Mayo and Carlow

DIPETANE – REDUCING EMISSIONS HONESTLY

DIPETANE (NON-ADDITIVE) FUEL TREATMENT ipetane treated fuel uniquely equalises and stabilises the carbon chains in all standard fuel. This enables all of the incoming 21 Units of Oxygen in the air, to attach and burn the carbon chains, thereby enabling more complete combustion. Dipetane is a unique product. It is the only pre–combustion fuel treatment world-wide that significantly reduces the Green House Gas problems associated with all standard fuels. Dipetane is 100% Hydro–Carbon. There is nothing in Dipetane that is not already in your fuel. It cannot change the spec of your fuel which remains within the EN590 Fuel Specification. Therefore all warranties for your vehicle remain intact. Dipetane is not a ‘Fuel Additive’. Fuel Additives poorly address the problem of un-burnt carbon after combustion. Additives do very little to help the initial burning of the expensive Carbon. You will notice the lists of toxic and hazardous ingredients in these fuel additives. Dipetane contains no additives at all. In all fuels Dipetane is used at a ratio of 1:200. 1 Litre of Dipetane treats 200 litres of Fuel. Dipetane is available directly from our Company and is sold in 1 Litre – 5 Litre – 25 Litre. We also supply in 200 Litre barrels and 1,000 Litre IBC’S. Dipetane is Researched &Developed in Ireland. Solely manufactured in Ireland and distributed world–wide from Kilcoole in County Wicklow. Dipetane is available in all good Motor Factors

Dipetane International Ltd, Unit 5 Kilcoole Industrial Estate, Kilcoole, County Wicklow, A63 HP71. View our animated video at www.dipetane.com/how-dipetane-works/

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS and purchase of timber.Talking Timber is specifically designed to facilitate forest owners who have timber for sale to make contact with timber buyers in their area. Registration is at 9.30 am and both events will run from 10 am to 2 pm. Free admission. The day will start with an outdoor demonstration organised by the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association where participants will have the opportunity to view the quality of timber required by Irish sawmills.This outdoor demonstration will be followed by short, snappy indoor presentations from Teagasc, the Forest Service and speakers from the forest industry. Throughout the day forest owners can talk to the many representatives from forestry companies, sawmills, harvesting contractors and other organisations that will have trade stands in the venue and see what services and opportunities are available to assist their timber sales situation. Further information is available from your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser or from www.teagasc.ie/forestry. This is a great opportunity for you to meet with those buying timber in your area – don’t miss it!

SMALL SCALE HARVESTING DEMONSTRATION Up to 100 farmer foresters attended a demonstration in June of Small Scale Harvesting machinery which was organised jointly by LTWO Ltd. (Limerick & Tipperary Woodland Owners) and Teagasc. The event was held on the farm of Liam Bresnan, Caherconlish, Co. Limerick on Saturday June 18th, and the attendance included forestry owners from Kerry, Clare, Limerick, Westmeath and Tipperary. Pictured is surely the youngest visitor to a forestry event, Eabha O’Neill, with her mother Niamh from Boher, Co. Limerick at the

Growing for the next generation! – Surely the youngest visitor to a forestry event

recent LTWO/Teagasc field day in Caherconlish, Co. Limerick. The day, led by Jonathan Spazzi,Teagasc, John Madden, Forest Service and Liam Clery, LTWO forester focussed on practical solutions and forestry equipment available to assist small scale private owners with the profitable management of their forests. Silviculture and long term management including Continuous Cover Management options were also discussed. A very important part of the day was on safety in the forest with comprehensive advice on the safe use of chainsaws including the legal requirements for personal protective equipment. Some of the small scale machines on demonstration included a Tractor mounted Hypro harvester and an Alstor 8x8 mini forwarder.

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS Liam Clery, Forester with LTWO Ltd presented details of local thinning clusters that the group are organizing for this year. Farmers in Limerick and Tipperary who plan to thin their crops this year and who wish to join with other growers can contact can contact LTWO Secretary, Colum Walsh Tel: 087–7908460 or check out the LTWO website: www.limerickandtipperarywoodlandowners.ie

CONSIDERING A CAREER IN FORESTRY? EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES IN BALLYHAISE COLLEGE Teagasc Ballyhaise College continues to meet the needs of a dynamic forest industry; it is the only college in the country providing full time vocational education in forestry. Many graduates have either developed successful contracting services or have used it as a stepping stone to progress their career in the forest industry. Ballyhaise has always had a close working relationship with state agencies and private companies who recognise the value of a professionally trained workforce. Teagasc Ballyhaise College has been providing forestry training since 1988.The training provides access to the essential skills and knowledge required to work in a vibrant expanding industry: The main objective is to provide a sound understanding of the fundamental knowledge and the essential skills required for those involved in forestry operations. At QQI level 5 students study silviculture, forest safety, sustainable forestry, forest development, Forest calculations and Leadership along with Forestry skills including chainsaw maintenance, chainsaw felling, ATV operation, pesticide application and forest fencing.

At QQI level 6 students build on the forestry foundations they received in the first year and complete forest management, forest establishment, business management and skills training in advanced chainsaw operations. Work practice is an integral part of the course at all levels to consolidate knowledge and skills obtained. Training allows individuals access to a structured, quality assured training process, which are supported and recognised at all levels of the industry.There is opportunity for progression through the national framework of qualifications from level 5 to level 10. Forecasts from the Timber Harvesting (Thinning) Operators Training Needs Analysis FTEI (2009) imply that increased specialised training resources are required to meet estimates of future harvesting activity. It suggests that between both Coillte and the private Sector up to a hundred new entrants could be required within a ten year period (not including training for existing operators). Recruitment and training are necessary to maintain competitive standards and to maximise the resource potential. To meet the demands of the expected increase in timber production Teagasc and the Forest Industry with support from the Forest Service are in the process of developing an exciting new training programme for forest machine operators in Ballyhaise. This includes the recent purchase of a forestry harvester/forwarder simulator to be located in the college and the provision of course material for training Forest Machine Operators. These valuable training resources will be accessible to new entrants and existing operators with options to advance and build on training and education if required. For more information go to www.teagasc.ie/education/courses/ or contact Ballyhaise College at Ballyhaise.college@teagasc.ie

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS for Teagasc forestry advisors, which uses Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) to model indicative financial returns for the forestry land–use option. Potential timber revenues are generated by the model through the selection of crop characteristics & management regimes. FIVE allows forest owners to view the potential financial outcomes from a range of crop and management scenarios.

EUFRAS conference delegates visit John O’Connell’s forest fungi business in his woodland at Blossomhill, Co. Limerick

POPULAR FOREST & ENERGY SECTION AT TULLAMORE SHOW!

The Forest and Energy Section was a popular attraction at the recent The Forestry & Energy Section Tullamore Show 2016. Now firmly Proved a Popular attraction at The first IALB / EUFRAS (European Forum for Agricultural and Tullamore Show 2016 established as Ireland’s largest Rural Advisory Services) Conference to be held in Ireland was agricultural one day show over 50,000 visitors flocked to the event. hosted by Teagasc from June 19th to 23rd 2016 in the University Again this year the Forest & Energy Section, planned and coordinated by local Teagasc forestry adviser Liam Kelly presented a of Limerick. range of forestry and renewable energy themes contributing to a This event brought together key agricultural professionals in advisory and education from across a spectrum of European countries. sustainable living environment. The theme for the conference was ‘Innovation Support for a Diverse The section comprised an Indoor Exhibition area, a Demonstration area and an outdoor Trade Stand section with twenty two businesses Agriculture’ consisting of plenary sessions, workshops, excursions, represented.All facets of Ireland’s rapidly developing farm forestry and networking lunches / dinners and breaks, offering advisers an renewable energy sectors were showcased including demonstrations opportunity to gain new knowledge and skills, increase personal of hi-tech harvesting and timber processing machines and an array of effectiveness and serve farmer clients even better, while indoor and outdoor exhibits not to mention free advice and information participating within an important networking forum for rural from Teagasc where there was a strong emphasis on afforestation advisory services. promotion.“Like the Tullamore Show the forestry and energy section As part of the conference networking forum, a poster on forestry was exhibited by John Casey, Teagasc forestry development officer goes from strength to strength” said Liam Kelly.“There was a great response from visitors and exhibitors and the section is now established based in Cork.The poster topic was the Teagasc Forest Investment Valuation Estimator (FIVE), an MS Excel Model decision–support tool as an important part of this major agricultural event.”

TEAGASC FORESTRY FIVE TOOL HIGHLIGHTED AT EUFRAS CONFERENCE

TEAGASC TREE SHEARS DYMAX www.treeshears.co.uk ntroduced to the UK by Practicality Brown onstruction sites are cold and bleak in in 2005, Dymax Tree Shears have proven to winter but the new heated jacket from be the most robust, best–engineered forest Makita will provide a new level of comfort and harvesting tree shears made. protection. Powered by Makita’s popular They have become common-place for the Lithium–ionfelling batteries, which many mechanical of trees with lowsite timber value, or those that are tradesmen will already own with their tools, new close to structures or highways. They arepower also ideal forthe maintaining DCJ200 heated jacket uses the popular 18v Lithium–ion battery which ditches around county roads, as well as other utility clearing will give comfortable low heating for 17.5 continuous hours. operations. The new @MakitaUK. Quick andMakita easy tohe fit Twitter and change between excavator attachments; most people who have bought Dymax Tree Shear wonder how they survived before without them.

Dymax Tree Shears are the most cost effective and safest way to fell trees. For further information visit the Dymax European Distributor at www.treeshears.co.uk or Tel: + 44 (0)1295 690011

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

HUSQVARNA RANGE OF 2-STROKE OILS

FOR CLEANER, HIGHER PERFORMING, MORE EFFICIENT ENGINES Husqvarna – one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products – launches three oils for Husqvarna 2–stroke machines.These 2–stroke oils have been formulated with outstanding lubrication and detergency, so engines get optimum power output and a longer lifetime.

Above (left to right):The HP, LS+ and XP Synthetic 2-stroke oils

he range of 2–stroke oils from Husqvarna mean less friction between all moving parts within the engine, and contributes to better product performance and machine lifetime. A reduction in friction means engine components do not get heated up as easily, which results in a lower temperature in the engine. With cooler engine temperatures, fuel and air are able to mix more efficiently, giving products increased performance by enabling optimum engine power output. Better lubrication also protects against metal-to-metal wear, which minimizes the need for machines to undergo servicing, and gives longer product lifetime overall since there are reduced machine seizure problems as well.

combustion chamber, making machines that use Husqvarna 2– stroke oils more efficient because of an increase in uptime.

HP 2-STROKE OIL The HP 2–stroke oil features excellent lubrication and detergency, which maximizes engine performance and machine durability.

LS+ 2-STROKE OIL The LS+ 2–stroke oil features excellent lubrication and detergency for better engine performance and durability. It is also semi– synthetic, which means the LS+ is more stable at higher temperatures, and is formulated to produce less smell and reduced visible exhaust fumes, giving users a better work environment.

XP SYNTHETIC 2–STROKE OIL

CLEANER ENGINE FOR BETTER PERFORMANCE

The XP Synthetic 2–stroke oil is a fully synthetic oil, which means it is the most stable out of the three lubricants at high Husqvarna 2–stroke oils have also been engineered with a focus temperatures.The XP Synthetic is also biodegradable, so that on detergency, which helps keeps engine parts clean by reducing once it passes through the machine’s engine, the oil in the exhaust fumes will decompose, giving users a better working the build-up of deposits in the machine’s combustion chamber, environment. piston head, muffler and exhaust ports – resulting in less ring As with the other 2-stroke oils in this range, the XP Synthetic sticking problems and machine stoppages. gives long lasting durability and professional–level performance, Cleaner engine parts also means that Husqvarna products are as well as reduced exhaust fumes. easier to start up, because of the improved compression in the

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

DISCOVER 2.4KG OF PERFORMANCE IN THE NEW HUSQVARNA BATTERY CHAINSAW, MADE FOR DEMANDING PROFESSIONALS Husqvarna — one of the world’s leading producers of forest, park and garden products — showcases the T536Li XP®, a lightweight yet robust battery powered top handle chainsaw specially designed and engineered for pruning and trimming.

he machine alone weighs in at just 2.4kg (5.3lbs), making this battery chainsaw extremely light and well–balanced, and because the T536Li XP® has a top handle, it is a more compact product. All these features mean much better handling for professionals as opposed to other conventional chainsaws, making pruning and limbing a cinch. The T536Li XP® is packed with power, just like a petrol-powered chainsaw, but without any of the disadvantages. It has a onebutton start, no noise in idle mode, and low noise when it is being used— making it a perfect companion for professionals.

HIGH CHAIN SPEED AND LIFETIME

Li-ion battery pack gives the T536Li XP® all the benefits of corresponding petrol chainsaws, like equally high power with a chain speed of 20m/s (65.62ft/s), reliable operation and a long lifetime. The T536Li XP® gets as much done with one charge as a comparable petrol–driven chainsaw can get done with about two tanks of fuel, but at a much lower cost. With the Husqvarna-developed brushless motor, the T536Li XP® is up to 25% more efficient than standard brush motors that other battery chainsaws on the market come with. This advanced brushless motor means a high and consistent torque for fast and smooth cutting, adding speed and precision to the task at hand.

With the T536Li XP® being battery powered, professionals can get petrol-grade performance without direct emissions.The 36V

www.husqvarna.com/silentcity

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

FROM LOG TO MODULOG In order to manage their woodland profitably, a Welsh father/son timber framing team has developed modular cabins built with timber from their own trees, demonstrating how thoughtful woodland management encourages innovative ways of preserving forests profitably. Jacob Mooney reports.

John and Leigh Price pose at the sawmill where they produce wood components

Sawmilling their own timber is economic and gives them flexibility for projects

hat don’t John and Leigh Price do with their woodland? Their workshop and 10 acres of Welsh woodland near Builth Wells is not only their place of business, it is also a destination for woodland management courses, conferences, school field trips, and soon will be where people can spend their holidays in ‘glamping’ pods nestled throughout the woodland. Seven years ago, they implemented a woodland management plan for their acreage.They wanted the woodland to be able to work for itself – to be beautiful and useable at the same time.While thinking about how to use the natural beauty of the woodland in a profitable way, they decided to place small cabins along the forest trails and rent them out. “We wanted something that would blend into the woodland,” recalls Leigh.“And we wanted to use ‘waste’ material from our sawmill.” Instead of buying cabins, they set out to design their own unique ‘glamping’ pods, for those who want to camp with a little more ‘glamour’ than usual.

“It’s built to last for 20 – 30 years without doing anything to it,” Leigh explains.The cabins are modular – they can be combined in various ways.The exteriors and interiors are easily customizable although the core structure remains the same. Interior furniture converts into beds and have storage space inside.The kitchenette allows for indoor cooking and is mobile for outdoor cooking when the weather is nice. Power can be hooked up, or the pod can come ready with a solar kit that provides enough power for a TV, computer, and basic electric needs. “The timber we use was based on what timber we had in the woodland,” shares Leigh. All exterior wood elements are milled from trees grown on their own property or from local sources – oak doors, window frames and western red cedar and Douglas fir cladding are sawn and processed in the workshop. “We only select a few trees to cut down at a time,” Leigh shares. “We’ll be putting log cabins and glamping pods in the woodland, and so we want to keep it looking like a woodland.” Once the trees

“They wanted the woodland to be able to work for itself – to be beautiful and useable at the same time”

Leigh and John Price pose with one of their completed moduLog glamping pods

are felled, they are then sawn on a Wood-Mizer LT40 sawmill into the exact sized timbers needed to complete the project. “As long as you know what you’re doing, you can cut any different sizes of timber you want,” says Leigh.“You decide what you want, you get the log you want, and you cut the timber you want. Buying in already machined timber is a lot more expensive than using your own. We save about 20% on the exterior timber and 100% on the log halves that we use on the roof by sawmilling it all ourselves.” “Woodland management is very important, especially for us because we use a lot of wood. It does not cost much to plant trees and to look after them,” shares Leigh.“And you have financial rewards in the future.” For more information visit http://modulog.co.uk/ Video interview and moduLog production tour: https://youtu.be/lBpBS36LQwE

UCD FORESTRY

FOREST CERTIFICATION AND PRIVATE FORESTS As production from private forests increases, certification will facilitate market access, writes Marie Doyle of UCD.

Photo courtesy of Eoin O’Driscoll

Speakers and organisers of the SFMI conference with Minister of State Andrew Doyle TD

CERTIFICATION FOR PRIVATE FOREST OWNERS IN IRELAND

WHY BOTHER?

The rationale for timber certification for private owners is clear; A recent conference on the topic of “Forest Certification for the until recent times, Coillte has been the dominant supplier of timber Private Grower in Ireland”highlighted the ongoing demand for certified to the primary processing sector – the Coillte estate is certified to wood products in Ireland’s export markets and the necessity for the both FSC and PEFC forest management standards and all of the major Irish sawmills have FSC chain of custody certification as do maturing private estate to engage in the certification process.The conference was run by ‘Sustainable Forest Management Ireland’ (SFMI), the board mills. Compliance with either certification scheme requires that no more than 30% ‘controlled wood’ or non-certified material formerly ‘FSC Ireland’ which is a voluntary, not-for-profit, chamberbased organisation whose aim is to promote sustainable management can be mixed with the certified material to produce a certifiable of Ireland’s forests through information, advocacy and education on product.As the significant areas of privately owned forests planted in the 1980s now reach maturity, production forecasts indicate that independent forest management certification schemes. The conference, held on June 30th in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, the contribution to gross national roundwood output will reach 27% was launched by Minister of State for Forestry,Andrew Doyle TD and (or 37% of net realisable volume) in 2016 and by 2025 will equal Coillte output (Figure 1). had a capacity audience comprised of private timber growers, forest owner groups, forestry companies, state agencies and timber processors. Pictured above(from l to r) at the SFMI Conference on June 30th in the Botanic Gardens are:Andy Grundy,Soil Association;Kevin Donnellan, Coillte; John McLoughlin, Society of Irish Foresters; Dr Owen Davies, FSC UK; Marie Doyle, UCD (Chair, SFMI);Andrew Doyle TD, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Ronan Haslette, Merenda; Phil Webb, UK Forest Certification Ltd; Ewan McIntosh,Tilhill Forestry; Andrew Doyle TD; Steven Meyen, Teagasc; Mary Mulvey, Ecotourism Ireland; Karl Coggins, Forest Service (DAFM);William Merivale, PEFC Ireland. A separate conference on June 1st, run by the Wood Marketing Federation and the Society of Irish Foresters, focused on the topic of ‘Wood Mobilisation’. It directly addressed the issues of access, grant structures, and safeguarding the supply chain, but forest and chain of custody certification were referred to several times as issues that Figure 1: Forecast of total net realisable volume need to be tackled to ensure market access for privately grown timber. (Source: All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2016-2035, COFORD 2016)

UCD FORESTRY

Photo courtesy of Conor MCSwiney

GP Wood Enniskeane

Figures indicate that 80% of Irish timber is exported and speakers at the SFMI Conference were unequivocal that certification is not an optional extra for them; it is not a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must have’ in terms of accessing the key UK market. Several Irish sawmills have reported that they are approaching 20% intake of non-certified sawlog material and are concerned about the non-certified status of the private estate.The figures are even higher when dealing with pulpwood material and GP Wood for example, has reported difficulties in selling pulpwood sourced from private forests due to its uncertified nature.

GETTING CERTIFIED The process of becoming certified is relatively simple; decide which certification scheme you wish to use, contact a ‘certifying body’, have a pre-audit to identify any obvious ‘corrective actions’, undergo the full audit and await the outcome – if there are corrective actions identified, these must be addressed and audited before a certificate will be issued (any certificate issued is valid for a period of five years but also requires annual surveillance audits). However, while the process is not overly complicated, it has long been acknowledged that the costs associated with the certification

of small forest units is prohibitive. Although both global schemes have made efforts to address this through the development of ‘group certification’ mechanisms, costs still remain a key deterrent to engagement.Tilhill Forestry in the UK manages two types of group certification – ‘resource’ managed (as in those forests that are fully managed by Tilhill) and ‘group’ managed (where only those issues pertaining to certification compliance are managed).The most cost effective method for the certification of private forests in Ireland is undoubtedly through the formation of large groups; the pros of this include having a dedicated manager, knowledge sharing, strength in numbers, economies of scale and a reduced audit burden and the cons associated with it are that the group is audited as a single entity and that it is ‘only as strong as its weakest member’.

sawmills, need to achieve chain of custody certification. Hopefully this is something that will happen in the short term as it offers alternatives in terms of market access and may become particularly attractive if the Brexit outcome makes the UK market less important in coming years (while the UK market has historically displayed a preference for FSC, other European countries favour PEFC – though the gaps between the two appear to be closing in many countries). Thus, we have two separate national standards for forest management in Ireland, both having to be revised at five-year intervals. The UK has had a unique solution to this issue of ‘double-jobbing’ for a number of years through the ‘UK Woodland Assurance Scheme’ – it is a national certification standard that is endorsed by both FSC and PEFC.The fourth and latest version of the UKWAS standard has been submitted to both FSC and PEFC for approval. However, as the FSC now require that standards incorporate a set of ‘International Generic Indicators’ (IGIs), there has been some disquiet from PEFC industry partners about the perceived extra requirements this will bring. If UKWAS4 is endorsed by both bodies, a similar approach in Ireland should be considered given the relatively small scale of our national forest estate.

Photo courtesy of Marie Doyle

Photo courtesy of Steven Meyen

UCD FORESTRY

FOREST SERVICE SUPPORT

THE FUTURE

In an effort to support wood mobilisation, the Forest Service is at an advanced stage in the development of a Pilot Scheme to use Knowledge Transfer Groups to support group certification. It was initially envisaged that this pilot project would achieve group certification for both of the participating producer groups and in the process create a template that can be adopted by other groups;

One pressing issue is the revision of the Irish FSC Standard; if a Standard Development Group is not registered with FSC to kick start this process in Ireland, a Certifying Body will be appointed by FSC International to produce an interim standard that takes into account the IGIs. SFMI, whose membership includes organisations such as the IFA, Coillte,Teagasc, UCD, Ecotourism Ireland, Society of

“Figures indicate that 80% of Irish timber is exported and speakers at the SFMI Conference were unequivocal that certification is not an optional extra for them; it is not a ‘nice to have’ but a ‘must have’ in terms of accessing the key UK market” given information gleaned from the conference, it now seems as though a more efficient approach would be to allow expansion of a certified group through the admission of new members as opposed the establishment of several other groups.This project will focus on achieving FSC certification as it is currently the most well established scheme in Ireland, however, it is expected that the template created will be easily adapted to PEFC when it develops further in Ireland.

TWO SEPARATE STANDARDS It is important to note that the two global schemes do not recognise each other – you cannot mix PEFC-certified paper handles and FSCcertified paper to create a certified paper bag.Thus, to deliver a certified product to the marketplace, every link in the chain from forest to sawmill to every stage of processing needs to be aligned with the same certification scheme. In Ireland, all the links in the chain are well established for FSC. For PEFC, the forest management standard exists, the Coillte forest estate has achieved PEFC certification and recently, SmartPly has achieved chain of custody; however, in order for PEFC to become a viable option for private growers, the primary processing sector, i.e.

Irish Foresters as well as several individual members, is willing to spearhead the process, if sufficient support and input can be amalgamated (further information is available from SFMIreland@gmail.com). While certification is lauded as being transparent, voluntary and market-based, it is fast becoming a costly necessity for owners to access markets; but it is also very much an independent ‘stamp of approval’ for high quality forest management and the process may help identify further efficiencies and improvements in how Irish forests are managed.

DEFINITION: Forest Management certification confirms that a forest is being managed in accordance with the requirements of a pre-defined standard (for example, either FSC or PEFC). Chain of custody certification confirms that any changes that the timber products undergo are in accordance with requirements of a pre-defined standard (for example, either FSC or PEFC); chain of custody certification is required for each link in the chain in order to deliver a fully certified product to consumers.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

WOODPECKER ENVIRONMENTAL IS A FAMILY RUN BUSINESS PROVIDING NATIONWIDE SERVICE, 13 YEARS IN BUSINESS THIS YEAR Jo Beau wood chippers – people’s favourite in the Jo Beau range tending to be the easily manouevered M300. We are now looking forward to our next trade show which should be an interesting and busy one with an attendance of 280,000 over 3 days!! The National Ploughing Championships 2016 in Screggan,Tullamore, Co Offaly from Sept 20th to 22nd. Woodpecker provides competitive and extremely reliable machinery hire. With a range from wood chippers to log splitters and new editions to come, you can be assured you are working a machine Jimmy Mulvey (Woodpecker Managing Director) with Keijo Säily with unmatched quality in the hire industry. Long term and daily (Norcar Technical support) @ Norcar Factory Finland. he company is the sole distributor for Schliesing wood chippers, rates are available. Our sales, service and excellent product support are certainly one of our top priorities as we like our customers to Rabaud, Jo Beau and Greenteeth products throughout Ireland understand we are always contactable and here to support them. and Northern Ireland, and has also recently been appointed For our ever expanding tree stump removal service for both the distributor for Norcar Loaders. Norcar are designed & manufactured in industry and the private sector, contact Jimmy for a quotation or Finland for durability in the toughest of environments. Norcar a friendly chat about your requirements.Tel: 00353 87 133 high specification multifunctional miniloaders are recognised as world leaders in their class.The renowned wheeled range and versatile 4000/00353 1 2950646 or by email james@woodpeckerenv.ie. Woodpecker are also now stocking a wide range of parts for compact track loaders, plus a huge selection of interchangeable attachments, cover a multitude of applications for virtually all kinds many makes and models, and with next day delivery, you can be confident in your machinery. Contact Annmarie on:Tel: 00353 1 of jobs and types of environment in the construction, forestry, farming, equestrian, industrial, building, landscaping and renewable– 2950646 or by email annmarie@woodpeckerenv.ie. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our customers energies market sectors. Norcar miniloaders are design–compatible with the majority of for their continued support. For further information contact: Woodpecker Environmental Ltd. other makes of attachments available worldwide.They also have the driver’s seat located at the rear, similar to larger front loaders, Glenview, Boranaraltry Lane, Glencullen, Dublin 18. which makes them flexible and able to move in confined spaces. Tel: +353 1 2950646. Website: www.woodpeckerenv.ie. Having recently exhibited at the 2016 Glas Landscapes show in James, Tel: +353 87 133 4000. Email: james@woodpeckerenv.ie, the Citywest convention centre, there has proven to be quite an Tel: Annmarie: +353 86 818 1636. interest in the range of Norcars not to mention the Schliesing & Email: annmarie@woodpeckerenv.ie

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

FMS HARVESTING HEAD It is ten years since Kenny Dobson and Stephen Wills moved Forest Machine Services to its present location near Wark in Northumberland.

associated with a very wide range of harvester head designs. Dinoma’s, Tuomo Lahikainen,still maintains an interest in the particular requirements of mechanised softwood harvesting in the British Isles. The business has long been involved in the supply of equipment for use in our forests. The recent sale of a roller driven head (with Dinoma’s own computerised management technology) to a private Northumberland estate further enhanced the Finnish company’s reputation for innovative but practical timber harvesting system design. The heavy duty basic construction of the FMS harvesting head would be reflected in an increased weight, but it would still be easily handled by a standard 8T excavator. Such a configuration would remain easily transportable but also allow multi–functional use of the carrier.The power available from such a base machine would permit more performance improvements to be made;a larger saw motor can be accommodated than is normally found on harvesting heads with similar dimensional capabilities. The team Kenny and Stephen have built up around them in n Kenny’s view the time has now come to allow UK and Irish Northumberland had the engineering experience and commitment to contractors the option of a harvesting head designed specifically for build the prototype, but totally reliable computerised measurement and work in the fast growing British timber crops that are showing such management would also be needed. Fortunately, the Dinoma system in great potential. operation locally with the roller–driven harvesting head supplied by The impressive growth in improved timber crops – especially Sitka FMS a couple of years ago had been well tested. It had proven to be spruce – can bring with it a toughness that tests the build-quality of very dependable and there was no hesitation in choosing the same machinery intended to perform competently on different carriers in a system to control the operation of the new attachment. wide range of crop forms. It was recognised that the chassis of the FMS When it came to trialling the new harvester head out in the forest, stroke harvester would demand a design that could withstand regular there was already a committed customer ready and waiting. The return exposure to the peak forces demanded when harvesting rough and of cut–to–length harvesting head production to the British Isles,however, closely branched stems. was not to be rushed. Tuomo Juhani Lahikainen spent considerable time in Such durability was provided by the innovative use of a combination the UK to ensure total compatibility of the design plans and the of Hardox and Raex wear-bearing steels. Compared to the similar sized construction process. FMS 575ST harvesting head working in the Scottish Borders

“It was recognised that the chassis of the FMS stroke harvester would demand a design that could withstand regular exposure to the peak forces demanded when harvesting rough and closely branched stems” heads already available, the integral strength imparted to the equipment would mean that the FMS 575 ST head would be ideally suited for operation by an excavator base machine. The difficulty of take-down in densely–packed Sitka spruce has recently been acknowledged as a major drawback in fast-growing stands. The durable construction of the FMS 575 ST head can match the slewing power of the excavator and bring the trees quickly down to the ground. Development of the new harvesting head has been carried out in conjunction with the Finnish business Dinoma Oy; a company already Prototype FMS 575ST harvesting head under construction in Northumberland. Attachment will be on show at the APF Machinery demonstration.

Ensuring that all fabrication procedures were completed to a standard that would comply with the ‘build quality’ envisaged for the attachment would require many extra hours to be put in by FMS staff.The designer and the engineers also needed to discuss and agree the large number of specifications and tolerances that would optimise the operational and wear characteristics of all components. Out in the forest a couple of weeks later than planned, the attention to detail has paid dividends. Trials were soon under way in wooded country just north of the Scottish border in neighbouring Berwickshire. The carrier chosen was an 8T excavator – a machine that had been previously seen duty installing the transmission network for the local community heating system. The location would allow the combination to be tested thoroughly on a range of ground conditions and in a variety of crops. The FMS harvester head has now been put through its paces not only in the production of energy wood for the heating unit, but it has also proven its ability to supply precisely cut clean produce for the estate sawmill. Visit www.forestmachineservices.com for further information. Ability to handle rough Sitka spruce

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

APF 2016

The UK’s largest forestry, woodland, arboricultural, trees and timber show 15/16/17th September 2016, Ragley Estate,Alcester,Warwickshire.

he 21st staging of the APF Exhibition, UK’s largest forestry, woodland, arboricultural, trees and timber show will be the biggest ever. The number of exhibitors has exceeded 300 for the first time, over 10% more than in 2014. 18000 visitors, 90% of whom are trade professionals, are expected to attend over the three days to see and buy the very latest equipment and machinery. It is the only place where you will see practically every major manufacturer, distributor and retailer of forestry and arboricultural equipment in the UK together in one place. Exhibitors have booked in from all over the world with more than 15 countries represented from as far afield as America and Japan. Many are new to the show and there will be many machines on show that have never been seen in the UK before. Look out for new machines from Albach, Ohashi, Doppstadt, Jensen, Bruks and many others. On a smaller scale Husqvarna will be launching their new range of chainsaw chain. A lot of companies exhibiting will be launching new machines and products at the show as the APF Demo is renowned for the place that trade buyers come to purchase new machines as one of the key

features of the show is that many of the machines can be seen working in a realistic environment and rival companies machines can be compared side by side to see if the claims in the glossy leaflets match up to real life. The show will have a huge range of machines on show for both large and small scale work. Over 300 tonnes of timber will be harvested during the event.The demonstration circuit is 2040m long, in both open ground and woodland, and with machinery working on both sides of the circuit, this is over two and a half miles and over £30 million of working machinery on show. The exhibition is more than just a place to buy or sell machines. It is the place to meet up with old colleagues and catch up with all the latest developments and news in the industry. Every forestry association in the UK is represented, indeed some hold their AGM’s at the show, as so many of their members will be in the same place at the same time. There is a comprehensive seminar programme given by leading speakers in the industry on a wide range of subjects especially the current hot topics of plant health and disease.The full seminar programme can be seen on the events and competitions page of the website. The forest worker is not ignored and a new feature of the show is the forest worker zone where there will be a full, daily programme of drop in forums on topics as diverse as chainsaw repairs, managing back problems, ergonomic felling and many more. This will be short, practical sessions that encourage interaction with those attending. The full programme is also on the website. Elsewhere you can talk to expert trainers and instructors and get updates on the latest training and best practice for everything from tree climbing, chainsaws and pesticides to stump grinders and chippers. The Health and Safety Executive will be able to bring you up to date on the latest legislation that affects you or your business. In our Processor area nearly every major timber processor will be there and you will be able to discuss timber markets, prices, specifications and much more.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

When you need a break from looking at all the equipment there will be a host of high class, exciting competitions to watch or take part in. The Husqvarna World 25m poleclimbing championships will see 50 of the world’s top climbers in action with expert, tree surgeon ladies and veteran classes with a record prize fund of £6000. The A W Jenkinson and Tilhill Forestry European chainsaw carving championships will see 25 of Europe’s best carvers in action in a three day competition to turn a 2m x 1m piece of redwood into a fantastic creation. There will be world logging displays from the UK Team and the UK Forwarder Driving competition sponsored by Komatsu and Barony College. A fantastic new attraction this year will be the Först Trials Bike Display Team giving daily displays in

The event has grown to such a size it is hard to do it all in one day. There is plenty of local accommodation to suit all budgets in nearby Alcester or Stratford upon Avon and we also have onsite camping at just £14 per person per night. Tickets for the event can be bought online, in advance, from our website at £18 for a one day ticket or just £34 for two days. If you are travelling in a group then we have a fantastic deal at only £16 per ticket if you buy ten or more. Tickets will be available on the gate priced £20. The nearest airport is Birmingham International, which is only 40 miles away. The exhibition only comes around every two years so don’t miss out on the biggest event in the trees and timber industry. It is the place to be and be seen.

“It is the only place where you will see practically every major manufacturer, distributor and retailer of forestry and arboricultural equipment in the UK together in one place” their own arena. There is the UK’s largest display of woodland For full details about the show please see our website www.apfexhibition.co.uk, send us an email to crafts, everything from coracle making to charcoal production, Sussex trugs to oak swill baskets, hazel hurdles to willow weaving, info@apfexhibition.co.uk or phone us on +44 1737 245081. pole lathe turning to steam bending scythe handles.The World We look forward to welcoming you to APF 2016. Log To Leg pole lathe turning championships will again take place on the Saturday and there will be displays of pure horse power from To download the full list of exhibitors the British Horse Loggers Association. at this year’s APF, visit http://www.apfexhibition.co.uk/ There will be a great range of artisan food on offer including uploads/Exhibitor_List_July_20-7-16.pdf squirrel pie and to enable you to keep in touch with the office whilst you are at the show there will be two free Wi-Fi hotspots. If you have never been to an APF Exhibition before then we have a great new video on our website which really gives you a flavour of the size, scale and range of activities that take place. You can also find a list of currently booked exhibitors. This really is the place to be if you are looking to buy new machinery or equipment or simply keep in touch with what’s new and cutting edge in your industry.

APF 2016 MAP

Static Map and full list of exhibitors available online at www.apfexhibition.co.uk 34

APF 2016 MAP

Static Map and full list of exhibitors available online at www.apfexhibition.co.uk 35

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

PAUL VIDGEN FOREST MACHINES

aul Vidgen has been involved in the forestry, mulching and land-clearing business for 30 years both as a contractor and as a supplier of specialist equipment. Moving away from rake and burn clearance work in the late 90’s, Paul imported and ran the first tracked self-propelled mulcher in the UK. “Quite by chance we visited the AHWI factory in Southern Germany and immediately became great friends with the owner Arthur Willibald. I was always impressed with his enthusiasm and the performance of the machines” says Paul. Soon afterwards he became the sole dealer for AHWI equipment in the UK and sales took off. In recent years Paul has added other equipment to the company’s range including most recently the UOT Forestry Scarifiers. As a company PVFM ltd has always strived to provide the best equipment available from a variety of manufacturers worldwide.

One thing Paul also strives to provide is a level of knowledge unrivalled in the industry. He still carries out some contracting work and he always likes to keep his hand in operating the latest offerings for his manufacturers. Paul Vidgen Forest Machines will be exhibiting a range of forestry, land clearing and site preparation equipment at this year’s APF. Highlight of the show will be the NEW Tier IV Raptor 300 tracked self–propelled mulcher. Also on display will be a range of mulchers, stump grinders and rotorvator’s for tractor and excavator mounting. For customers looking for lighter duty mulchers and mowers we will have a swinging hammer unit from ZANON. ZANON produce a huge array of units ideal for estate work and contractors. From NATURATEC he will have a 300mm tree shear with continuous rotation and the latest SC800 extreme duty stone crusher. For the first time in the UK he will have a UOT-2000 forestry scarifier. This is a tractor mounted unit for preparation of either mulched or un–mulched restock sites, an innovative design produces excellent ground penetration while the unit can be operated on relatively small tractors. UOT produce a range of sizes for carriers from small agricultural tractors up to forwarders and skidders. Paul will also have a 10 tonne capacity FTG Baltic FT100 trailer with the FB69T crane.These trailer crane combinations are of superb quality and very competitively priced. Paul Vidgen and the team look forward to meeting all of his customers, old and new at this his 8th APF show. Visit www.pvfm.com for more information.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

PETERSON PORTABLE SAWMILLS For over 25 years, Peterson Portable Sawmills have manufactured and exported a range of swingblade sawmills designed for all applications.

he Peterson mill uses one blade that cuts horizontally when range require only a minor alteration; removing two bolts to detach pushing forward through a log,then pivots into the vertical position the sawmill deflector. However, due to the design of the Junior when pulling back.This enables the sawmill to produce perfectly Peterson, simply raising the guard will make that happen with no hassle dimensional lumber straight from the log.A Peterson Sawmill saves time at all. 2 Another feature of the Peterson range which is testament to their quality products is the blade design. Peterson have the perfect and is highly efficient as you do not need to turn the log or resaw. combination of a thinner kerf along with a solid plate that won’t heat The blade is durable and can be sharpened in five minutes while up, wobble or lose tension prematurely. Peterson blades have been attached to the mill.Two blades and a sharpener are provided with every purchase of a Peterson.The Peterson range is world renowned known to last over a decade and can be sharpened on the mill in around five minutes. Peterson’s blade design alone has been a for its high quality materials with many of their sawmill models manufactured using stainless steel and aluminium.The range has been purchasing clincher for those who have operated band saws refined over decades and the company pride themselves on excellent previously, due to the low running costs and simple sharpening.All Peterson mills including the JP come with two blades and an electric customer service.A Peterson Sawmill is a smart investment for a sawmiller diamond wheel sharpener with a jig that is pre-set to your blade size. who is looking for low maintenance costs and high production. Being that the entire Peterson range are operated with electric start The latest offering is the Junior Peterson – Rich with features every engines, the sharpener can be connected to the engine when needed. sawmiller can appreciate The Junior Peterson may have a smaller Recently, a competitor mill has come under fire for having ‘sag’ in their cutting capacity than the rest of the Peterson Portable Sawmill range, beam when cutting thus affecting the accuracy of the finished board. but it still retains many of the features that have made the Peterson This simply does not happen with the Peterson frame.Although the JP brand stand out from their competitors for decades.The Junior sits at a lower price point than the rest of the Peterson range, it still Peterson was designed based on Peterson’s semi-commercial flagship features industrial gauge frame extrusions with deeper, thicker wall model, the Winch Production Frame. Both sawmills have one winch at sections and copyright track die designs.The result is no sag, bounce the operator’s end which is used to raise and lower the parallel tracks or wavy timber and all of your horse power is going into the cut that house the centre unit. Other swingblade mills have dual winches rather than being lost in wasted movement. at each end of their mills which require the operator to walk to the Peterson Sawmills are now available in Ireland & UK from far end to make vertical adjustments. Oakleaf Forestry and will be demonstrated at APF in Sept To Peterson’s designers this was time better spent milling, and is just (Demo Circuit 800–840). one feature that makes the range more efficient than other swingblade For more information visit mills on the market. In the early days at the research and development www.oakleafforestry.com stage of design, the Peterson team discovered that mounting their sawmill engines higher than other manufacturers meant that sawdust wouldn’t need to be cleared as often, also saving time. Accurate horizontal sizing is simplified on Peterson mills to aid in efficiency with simple, proven sizing devices right at the operator’s fingertips. The JP has a maximum cut of six inches in one pass allowing six inch by six inch beams. But by ‘double-cutting’, the mill has the ability to produce up to twelve inch by four inch beams. Peterson mills are world renowned for their simplistic method of double cutting.Where competitor mills require awkward rearranging of mill components to cut a large beam, most models in the Peterson

EARLY FOREST MANAGEMENT

EARLY FOREST MANAGEMENT – FUTURE PROOFING YOUR FOREST’S POTENTIAL A recent series of Teagasc forest walks focused on the role of early management of forests and owner involvement as key factors in future proofing forest potential and maximising returns. Noel Kennedy, Forestry Development Officer reports.

Attending Teagasc forest management walks can provide important management information for forest owners

ach year thousands of hectares of varying land types are of a new forest attempts to counter specific site characteristics which can develop into potential threats to early tree growth. planted with new forests.This involves huge numbers of The choice of ground preparation, drainage requirements, tree small trees that quickly face a range of threats to their survival. Ensuring their survival, promoting growth and ultimately species selection, environmental features, biodiversity measures, fencing needs and assessment of browsing pressures are unique the establishment of a healthy quality crop is the objective of to each forest site and must be reflected in planning and design early forest management. Identifying and managing the challenges facing young forest trees by the registered forester. was the focus of a recent series of forest walks organised by Teagasc, New forests that are properly designed and well planted have in co–operation with Forest Service, DAFM, and attended by almost achieved the first step to successful crop establishment. three hundred and fifty forest owners and aspiring owners. For With the completion of plantings comes the challenge of early those who had earlier in the year availed of forestry advice at management. Teagasc advisory clinics this was an opportunity to experience the practical reality of forestry “on the ground”. MANAGEMENT MESSAGES The aim of the walks was to provide guidance to forest owners. As the groups progressed through the forest sites different There was also important and strong encouragement for more management challenges were identified and essential take home active owner engagement and interaction with their forest and messages communicated.The importance of owners being in forester during this critical early stage of growth to ensure the regular contact with their forester and being familiar with planned best possible outcome for the young trees. management activities – of “taking ownership” of their forest’s The nationwide walks encompassed different tree species – welfare was stressed. both conifers and broadleaves – planted across a range of land types and site characteristics posing different management challenges. The one common feature across all forests was their very young VEGETATION CONTROL Competition from vegetation is the biggest threat to the survival stage of development with ages typically one to two years old. The choice of this age of forest was deliberate as the trees would, of young trees and effective control is crucial on most forest sites. in general, still be struggling against nature and requiring critical Poor weed control is the most common cause of poor tree performance and plantation devaluation. early management intervention. Take home message – Effective early vegetation control during the first four years is critical for young trees and remain healthy, BACK TO BASICS The presentation and content of the walks aimed to demystify grow vigorously and establish successfully.Talk to your forester. early forest management for forest owners and bring things back The Sustainable Use Directive has implications for the use of to basics.This began by describing how the planning and design herbicides and other pesticides in forest management.

EARLY FOREST MANAGEMENT

SUSTAINABLE USE DIRECTIVE (SUD)

growth.The most common symptoms of nutrient problems are

The Sustainable Use of Pesticides Directive (SUD) establishes a changes in the colour of leaves and needles and reduction in framework for European Community action to achieve the sustainable needle length/leaf size. It was stressed that forest owners need to be aware of the potential use of pesticides and promotes the use of integrated pest management. serious implications of poor tree health on longer term forest Since the 26th November 2015, only a registered professional user can apply pesticides authorised for professional use. A professional user is any person who applies/sprays professional use products, regardless of quantity or method of application, including operators, technicians, employees and self–employed people, both in the farming and other sectors. Take home message – If you plan to apply herbicide in your forest using a knapsack sprayer you must register as a professional user through www.agfood.ie. In order to register you must be appropriately trained in pesticide application.To register and for information on training please see the following website: www.pcs.agriculture.gov.ie/sud/professionaluserssprayeroperators/ or contact Pesticides Registration and Control Division, DAFM on Tel: 01 6157552

TREE NUMBERS There will always be a small number of tree deaths due to natural causes in very young forests. Failures need to be replaced as early as possible, ideally within the first two years.Tree numbers should be maintained as close to 100% stocking as possible to optimise forest development, maximise timber production and to avoid unnecessary additional management costs. Take home message – Replace failures as soon as possible to maintain uniform forest development and avoid potential delays on grant and premium payments.Talk to your forester.

TREE HEALTH Trees grow more slowly on less fertile soils where there may be lower levels of N, P and K – the most import nutrients for tree

EARLY FOREST MANAGEMENT

FARMER TESTIMONIAL – GERRY JORDAN, ROSCOMMON

Gerry Jordan examines a fast growing Sitka spruce - only in its 3rd growing season

“No different to farming” Roscommon beef farmer Gerry Jordan planted ten hectares of forestry in 2013 and 2014 on his farm hear Ballaghaderreen. He had been thinking about forestry for a number of years but after attending a local Teagasc forestry clinic in 2013 he took his decision and made his move. The land was planted by Western Forestry Co–Op and is maintained under a four year forest maintenance contract. Gerry is a contented forest owner.“I’m delighted with the trees’ progress. I planted marginal land and I’m amazed how the trees have done in such a short time.” But Gerry is modest about his own contribution.“Looking after trees is no different to farming and looking after stock.Treat them right and they will treat you right.” Ever since planting Gerry has been regularly walking his plantation and pulling grass from around trees he feels are under pressure.“I get tremendous satisfaction from freeing up trees – it’s just the right thing to do and I feel I am making a real difference”. However he is the first to admit that he is new to forestry and that “he may see a problem where there is none.”To learn more about forest maintenance he has attended a number of Teagasc events – most recently a forest management walk in Elphin.“I’m getting a better understanding of different maintenance issues but I am definitely on the right track.” Gerry acknowledges that as an active forest owner he is in the minority.“I would advise all forestry owners to get more involved – it’s in their interest and it is very rewarding”.

growth and prompt identification and remediation of the situation is essential. Owners should have a basic understanding of what an unhealthy tree looks like – however it is important to remember that other factors apart from nutrients can produce similar symptoms such as poor drainage, frost etc. Take home message – Poor tree health needs to be identified early and remedial works carried out promptly to get young trees back on track.Talk to your forester.

SHAPING BROADLEAF TREES Many young forests include plots of pure broadleaf trees. It is common for trees to be forked or have large side branches. Early removal of forks and large branches by formative shaping is important to improve longer term timber quality.Failure to shape is likely to result in poor quality low value trees. For grant aided

FIRE RISK The weather for the first week of the walks was dry and warnings about increased risk of forest fires were being issued. Assessing the risk and management planning for forest fires was discussed including the importance of having your forest insured against fire. Take home message – To protect you and your forest in the event of a forest fire – Insure your forest and have a fire plan.

AFFORESTATION GRANT AND PREMIUM Good management is essential to promote strong development in young forests. It is also central to the payment of the remaining afforestation grant and future premiums by achieving establishment standards by four years old. The groups agreed that with the majority of forest owners contracting out management responsibility for this four year period the point, from

“The choice of ground preparation, drainage requirements, tree species selection, environmental features , biodiversity measures, fencing needs and assessment of browsing pressures are unique to each forest site and must be reflected in planning and design by the registered forester” broadleaves an initial shaping is required by the time the trees are four years old. Take home message – Shaping is necessary to grow good quality broadleaf trees and it is required by year four for afforestation grant payment. But you can learn how to do this yourself! Talk to your forester and Teagasc forestry adviser.

FROST DAMAGE

both a forest and financial perspective it makes perfect sense for them to be proactive in management and grant matters. Take home message – Proactive and knowledgeable forest owners are in a much stronger position to protect their forest and financial interests.

SPREADING THE WORD

The decision to plant is a huge and the realisation of a forest The group noticed that some conifer trees had new shoots that owner’s expectations from a mature forest are fraught with risks. had turned brown and died. Late spring frost damage was identified But owners can hugely mitigate these risks and future proof as the culprit. forest potential by being proactive from the outset and growing Frost damage to young trees is common but unpredictable. Most their knowledge and confidence as their forest grows. healthy trees will recover strongly with no significant after effects. This message was communicated to all who attended the forest However repeated damage may compromise future timber potential. walks and is communicated daily by Teagasc forestry advisers. Take home message – Don’t panic! In most cases trees will It is an important message so – spread the word! recover fully from frost damage. However be vigilant and if you For further information and downloads on a range of forest notice new growth that is wilted and brown let your forester management topics please see www.teagasc.ie/forestry know.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

MISCANTHUS – TEN YEARS ON! Miscanthus needs an immediate change in Government policy to become a viable alternative fuel source as well as save millions in EU Fines, by Paddy O'Toole and David Tyrrell, Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd. Left to Right, Patrick Nolan,Thornhill. David Tyrrell, Quinns. Prof.Jimmy Burke,UCD. At the Miscanthus Open Day, October '15.

n 2006, I, Paddy O'Toole along with many other pioneering farmers decided to grow some Miscanthus in preference to continuing to put all our eggs into a then disappointing grain market. We did so in the hope that under Irish conditions, Miscanthus would be high yielding with little need of fertilisers or indeed good fertile soil conditions. How misinformed we were! Now, ten years later, practically all the crops which were planted in the poorer soils have been ploughed up and almost all of the higher yielding crops remain. During the last ten years, we have learned both through our own growers' experiences and with the ongoing help from Teagasc in Carlow, how to maximise yield potential from Miscanthus. Miscanthus follows a similar growth pattern to Maize and invariably a good year for Maize will be mirrored the following Spring with high yielding crops of Miscanthus.The majority of this year's crop was baled at between ten percent and fourteen percent moisture content. These low moisture contents are not just a "once off" but are a result of harvesting at least a month earlier than normal and giving it sufficient time to naturally dry down to circa ten to fourteen percent moisture content before baling. Quinns have been put on notice by Bord na Mona that Edenderry Power Station will no longer use Miscanthus as a replacement for peat as the present burner in situ at Edenderry is apparently no longer suitable for Miscanthus. Patrick Nolan,Thornhill,Tullow successfully tested big baled Miscanthus in his newly installed Grasso burner last harvest and so

impressed was Patrick with both the economics and efficiency of Miscanthus as an alternative to heating oil, he has just installed a new high output Alvanblanch grain dryer which is fired with Miscanthus. Using an indirect heating system in this way is proving very popular as one of Quinns’ customers, Bill Mosse,The Little Mill, Kells, explains “The Little Mill is pleased to be sourcing wheat that has been dried using Miscanthus as a renewable energy source. Using indirect heated airflow as a drying medium is in line with our aim to keep processing as natural as possible.” Grasso Burner installed at Miscanthus Centre of Excellence, Thornhill in ‘16.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE At our Centre of Excellence for Miscanthus at Patrick Nolan's farm, it has been conclusively demonstrated that: 1) Very high yielding crops of Miscanthus are consistently achievable from year 3 onwards. 2) Miscanthus in big baled form is both a highly efficient economical and safe replacement to heating oil. Quinns presently have nine thousand tonnes of Miscanthus (10 to 15% dry matter) in big bales strategically stored in Wexford,Wicklow and Carlow. Nine thousand tonnes of Miscanthus is equivalent to almost 4 million litres gas oil! This amount of Miscanthus if used to replace heating oil would also result in a reduction of CO2 emissions by ten thousand tonnes! This nine thousand tonnes of Miscanthus if used to replace fossil fuels would have the effect of reducing Ireland's financial penalty for failing to meet its climate change target by circa €4 million! If Miscanthus as a Bioenergy crop was taken seriously, 10,000 acres of Miscanthus could realistically result in a reduction of €50 million in EU fines. At our Open Day in Thornhill,Professor Jimmy Burke,UCD,emphasised the importance of achieving Ireland's climate change commitments to Irish Agriculture.“If Ireland is to meet its commitments under climate change issues, we need to incentivise and make no mistake about it,

Miscanthus moisture meter reading 10.7% moisture content for '16 crop of Miscanthus.

Heat Incentive Scheme.The Government we believed would surely not lead us into 2020 facing fines of up to €500,000,000 because of a failure to meet our obligatory renewable energy targets. Quinns representatives and indeed many other stakeholders have over the last ten years “worn a track” to various Ministers and Department personnel in order to have either a pilot scheme or some incentive scheme put in place which would catapult the whole biomass industry into action. Unfortunately there have been too many changes of Government,Department Ministers and Department Personnel

“This nine thousand tonnes of Miscanthus if used to replace fossil fuels would have the effect of reducing Ireland's financial penalty for failing to meet its climate change target by circa €4 million!” climate change represents the biggest threat to Irish Agriculture,” explained Professor Burke. The Department of Agriculture in 2007 introduced an Establishment Grant to encourage interested growers to plant some Miscanthus and this grant was enthusiastically taken up in the early years, but as yields in many crops proved disappointing as well as a lack of viable markets, Miscanthus soon fell out of favour. It was mistakenly assumed at the time that the Government of the day would incentivise the use of biomass crops by way of an appropriate REFIT Scheme or Renewable

to successfully introduce any type of incentive scheme as advised by Professor Burke. It is still not too late to avert this impending financial disaster but it is definitely the final call for immediate Government action and an end to a succession of false dawns. For further information visit www.quinns.ie or call Paddy O Toole Tel. 087 2549234 David Tyrrell Tel. 087 8257190

'16 Miscanthus crop in storage in Wicklow.

CASE STUDY

GOOD WOOD MANAGEMENT ADDS VALUE Eugene McCartan is a well known “Tree Farmer” in Mayo. He understands that good management of his forestry will produce more quality output and adding value inside the gate will pay off over time. John Murphy reports.

n County Mayo Eugene McCartan is well known in forestry circles. Eugene did have 400 or 500 sheep but has decided to concentrate his time fully to his woodland enterprise as he believes the financial rewards will be greater in the longer term. This was a big decision, not taken lightly, and if he is right will give many farmers something to think about for their own futures. Eugene McCartan has a passion for trees, planting, nurturing, harvesting and even talking about them, it’s in the blood. His family have been tree planting, timber harvesting and milling wood in Hollymount, between Claremorris and Ballinrobe, since the 1940s. Eugene’s late father, also Eugene, maintained that their family was born with ‘sawdust in their veins’ and it was inevitable that trees and timber would feature prominently in Eugene’s thinking. Since the year 2000 he has invested substantially in his land through new woodland planting, management of the beautiful older woodlands and the harvesting and processing of forest thinnings.

WOODLAND EXPANSION The farm of 110 hectares includes 20 hectares of mature beech, ash, oak, sycamore and spruce, and Eugene has been involved in woodland management since the 1980’s. In 2001 he planted 13 hectares of poor bog with sitka spruce and lodge pole pine.The following year, he planted three hectares of ash and improved six hectares of existing broadleaf woodland under the Woodland Improvement Scheme. Later he planted 2.5 hectares of new native woodland and improved seven hectares of older native woodland.This time, Eugene organised most of the work himself rather than using a contractor and was assisted by his registered forester,Tom Staunton of Western Forestry Co-op. The payments under the various schemes that Eugene has availed of over the years have been key to his income. In 2009 Eugene took on his biggest forestry challenge by himself, planting 16 hectares along the Robe river near Hollymount village. As a REPS farmer, he qualified to plant under the Forest Environment Protection Scheme (FEPS), which compensated him for the loss

CASE STUDY of REPS on the planted area. FEPS provided an opportunity to design a woodland that will contribute more to the landscape, biodiversity and promotion of native species, as well as protecting the water resource of the Robe. By organising most of the development works himself, while availing of professional advice, Eugene feels he was in more control of the cost and timing of the project. He also said he felt he could be sure of the quality of work. He thinks that more farmers should do some of the work themselves but only if they are prepared to commit the time and effort and to learn about trees as a crop. In 2010, Eugene planted a further 16 hectares, mostly conifers. Once again, he did the work himself.

PLANTING Eugene believes that farmers when thinking of planting must get to know the provenance of the trees they are considering planting. The trees must not just be of good breeding but be matched closely to the soil type, fertility and positioning of the field into which they are being planted. He also says you must have a plan for each tree you plant….. the day you plant is the day you sell.

production with landscape, environmental and quality benefits; i.e. it eliminates the need to clearfell. Highly enthusiastic about Continuous Cover forestry, Eugene has joined Pro–Silva Ireland, which advocates this sustainable management approach which is steadily gaining interest in the country. Eugene feels strongly that farmers need to ‘up their game’ when MANAGING FOR A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE it comes to managing their woodlands if they want to maximise Farm woodlands must be actively managed to achieve their full their returns and make the most of their woodlands. In particular, potential and develop into a sustainable resource.Eugene has worked hard they need to develop an income from thinnings before the premia to ensure that this happens. run out, and manage their crop to provide a more sustainable Thanks to active management and timely thinning, the older longer term income. He strongly supports the training and upskilling of woodlands are healthy and vigorous, and provide a steady supply farm foresters with an emphasis on CCF management. of timber to his farm based sawmilling business. To reflect this, Eugene has developed a close working relationship With older woodlands ranging from majestic oak, ash and beech with Teagasc and hosted part of a Teagasc/Forest Service National to small blocks of sitka spruce and alder/birch native woodlands, Forestry establishment demonstration on his farm. Eugene is happy to acknowledge that the financial assistance provided by the Woodland Improvement and Native Woodland Schemes have been a crucial support to their management. Eleven hectares of woodland are currently being managed under the Woodland Improvement Scheme in accordance with the principles of Continuous Cover Forest Management. CCF is the management and transformation of regular plantation forestry into permanent, productive forest designed to balance commercial

FROM SEED TO SAWDUST The woodland cycle continues on Eugene’s farm at his sawmill. Using hardwood and softwood timber felled on the farm, and some supplied from local farmers, the heart of this enterprise is a Woodmizer sawbench which produces planking and square sawn posts for a variety of uses.

CASE STUDY

As time goes by Eugene is very conscious of getting the maximum *WOOD FUEL added value from each piece of timber sold. He gives the example of Eugene’s home is 100% heated by firewood,saving over €2,500 annually. supplying beams for the restoration of a boathouse. He also has * SHOOTS his own blade–sharpener for the woodmizer which reduces downtime Part of the woodland is rented each year to a shooting thereby making his work more efficient. syndicate for woodcock shoots. There is also a lot of work for his post–peeler which produces * CARBON SEQUESTRATION fencing posts and strainers, mainly spruce thinnings, to meet Trees trap CO2 and store carbon as timber while releasing oxygen. local demand. Firewood is a rapidly expanding and profitable market for Eugene. Eugene is hopeful that this woodland function will be rewarded by some sort of ‘green’ payment in the future. With increasing oil, gas and coal costs, the demand for quality

“By organising most of the development works himself, while availing of professional advice, Eugene feels he was in more control of the cost and timing of the project. He also said he felt he could be sure of the quality of work” seasoned firewood is growing. By processing his own timber and LOOKING AHEAD selling from the yard to a loyal customer base, Eugene is adding With more planting in the pipeline, an eventual woodland cover of 70% is envisaged. Having already facilitated the holding value to a ‘home-grown’ product. of chainsaw courses on the farm for casual employees and neighbours, he is looking forward to hosting more training events. SEEING THE WOOD FROM THE TREES A woodland walk around the farm is being constructed and, in As well as premia and timber sales, Eugene lists other the longer term, could form part of an eco–tourism enterprise. benefits from his woodland activities: As if that isn’t enough, Eugene was recently nominated to join the Stakeholder Partnership Team of the Teagasc Forestry * BIODIVERSITY Development Unit, where his ideas and suggestions can help The woodlands are home to a wide range of birds, mammals and insects where they find food, shelter, nesting sites and safety. shape the unit’s effectiveness and business development. Among the rarer bird and mammal species present are barn owls, Eugene McCartan has set himself ambitious goals: manage top quality woodland, enhance the farm environment and, above all, Irish jays, woodcock, lesser horseshoe bats and a peregrine to secure the future of his family. falcon. Bluebells and other woodland plants are colonising the forest floor in response to increased light following thinning. WOODLAND ENTERPRISE Mature woodland 20 hectares *RUSTIC FURNITURE New planting Over 50 hectares, 10 broadleaves, the rest conifers In the recent past Eugene has begun making and selling some Christmas trees Planting 500 trees every two years rustic furniture. In one of the photos in this feature you can see Timber processing 200 tonnes/annum posts, planking, “spalted beech”, laying down of beech in clay soil for 2–3 years firewood which allows wood coloration by fungi.These logs can then be Woodcock shoots 1 to 2 per year used for bread boards and coffee tables.

TOP MACHINES FOR WOOD PROCESSING AND BIOMASS

OAKLEAF FORESTRY Wood is the foundation of renewable energy production and its use as a source of energy is in rapid growth. KESLA is a significant developer of forestry–related bioenergy solutions.

fficient professional chipping requires flexibility – you can select your KESLA chipper from a wide model range, either as a trailer model or a truck-mounted model. The quality provided by Kesla will guarantee that your chipper will be durable and reliable even in the most demanding conditions. The Kesla C4560 drum chipper is the perfect solution for professional chipping. Due to its modular set–up structure, it can be equipped with appropriate features to satisfy the user’s requirements: chipper, chassis, axle, drive, a 16m3 high tip container and various crane and control options.The output is up to 20 tonnes per hour and both round timber and sawing waste can be used. Every chipper is built to order to incorporate all the features and equipment you need, and nothing you don’t! User-friendly KESLA C860 KESLA C860 drum chipper is suitable for chipping efficient energy wood – knots, branch wood and trunk timber. Large (600 x 800 mm) feed opening, a fair high-sided feed table and hydraulic upper and lower feed rollers. Chipper’s frame is of durable 25 mm thick steel. The chipper with a smooth design has several maintenance flaps that make cleaning of the chipper easier. KESLA C860A operates on the truck engine and KESLA 860D model is equipped with an efficient and fuel-economizing Volvo Penta 550hp engine. Chipping efficiency, weight and external dimensions of both models enable roadside and terminal chipping. If you need more power and bigger output then go for the KESLA C1060 drum chipper. It is suitable for chipping efficient energy wood – knots, branch wood and trunk timber. Large (600 x 1000 mm) feed opening, a fair high–sided feed table and hydraulic upper and lower feed rollers. Chipper’s frame is of durable 30 mm thick steel.The

chipper with a smooth design has several maintenance flaps that make cleaning of the chipper easier. KESLA also manufacture a good range of Forestry Timber Trailers and Cranes with 7 to 15 tonne carrying capacity with cranes to suit every application and budget. Oakleaf Forestry can convert your tractor to make it safer and more productive in the forest, from crane mounting to safety guarding. Kesla’s extensive experience in forest technology has given it superior expertise as a developer of harvesters. Kesla’s harvester family offers the market’s most comprehensive line of both roller and stroke harvester heads. When developing the harvester head range, special attention has been paid on requirements of biomass harvesting and excavator based harvester conversions.With optional accessories the Kesla harvester heads can be equipped for effective biomass logging in addition to conventional timber harvesting, without compromises. Kesla is a pioneer in the outfitting of excavators for harvester use. Kesla & Oakleaf Forestry have an in-depth knowledge of almost all the excavator brands and their special requirements.When it comes to stroke harvesters, Kesla is also the world’s market and technology leader.An extensive selection of cranes designed specifically for harvesting use supplements the range of harvester products.As a testimony to Kesla’s quality, several harvester manufacturers around the world fit KESLA heads and cranes as their original equipment. The design and manufacturing of Kesla’s forest machines complies with all applicable international quality criteria.All products pass through a rigorous quality assurance program as well as practical performance and safety tests; the principles of sustainable development

TOP MACHINES FOR WOOD PROCESSING AND BIOMASS guide every aspect of Kesla’s operations. Oakleaf Forestry can supply and fit replacement heads for your purpose built machine as well as carry out complete conversions on diggers.There are options for replacing the measuring system or you can retain your existing compatible MOTOMIT system. The demand for firewood is growing year on year. In keeping with this, the machinery to produce firewood has progressed over the years, with firewood producers benefitting from increased productivity and reduced labour. Oakleaf Forestry has a range of machines to cater for the domestic and professional user. Palax Firewood Processors are manufactured in Finland and are available through Oakleaf Forestry. Features which are common to all Palax machines include self-cleaning conveyors,precise length adjustment and radial discharge conveyors which can speed up the bagging of firewood dramatically. There are eight basic models to choose from, starting with the Palax Combi M II.This simple model is very efficient at cutting and splitting logs up to 25cm, and can even cut bunches of stems at the same time, using a TCT circular saw blade.Two/four way splitting knife is standard, along with the 4.3 metre discharge conveyor. The KS35 and KS35S use a 15”chainsaw to crosscut.The maximum diameter they can cut is 35cm, producing logs from 25 to 60cm long. To ease its operation the chainsaw and the in feed conveyor are

The Palax Power 90S and Power 100S are the bigger Circular Saw machines in the range, capable of processing larger trees. Its tungstentipped cross-cutting blade is capable of cutting logs up to 40cm in diameter, with a splitter force of either 10 or 16 tonnes.This model has been designed with long service intervals in mind.There are a host of extras available, from various splitting blade patterns to hydraulic oil coolers and heaters. The newest machine in the Palax line up is the KS45S, a fully hydraulic machine capable of high production.With a cutting diameter of 45cm

“Kesla & Oakleaf Forestry have an in–depth knowledge of almost all the excavator brands and their special requirements.When it comes to stroke harvesters, Kesla is also the world’s market and technology leader” using a 20”. 404 harvester chainsaw bar and a splitting force of 16 controlled completely hydraulically using a joystick.The height position of the splitting wedge is also controlled hydraulically.The tonnes, this machine is for fast, efficient production on a wide variety speed of the splitting ram is determined by the automatic high speed of diameters and tree type. Palax also offer a complete range of ancillary equipment from log valve which is supplied as a standard feature. The 70 and 70S firewood processors are equipped with TCT circular decks, to cleaners and bagging systems. More details on the equipment outlined above and other steel blades, capable of handling logs up to 25cm in diameter.Although both models have similar features in their basic frame construction, machinery available from Oakleaf Forestry, including video the 70S model is hydraulically controlled and well suited for continuous demonstrations and brochures can be downloaded from www.oakleafforestry.com firewood production.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

IRELAND’S ONE STOP FORESTRY SHOP!

Jas P Wilson is a third generation family business formed in 1964 covering the UK & Ireland.

Regon firewood processors have recently been added to the n recent years their Irish customer base has grown dramatically, thanks in part due to their growing product portfolio of quality product portfolio distributed by Wilson’s, and have proved very successful.They deliver a good balance between productivity and machines, and also the appointment of Jeffrey Borland as Irish sales manager. Jeffrey has now been with the company for over two years. affordability. As such they are ideal entry level machines for producing Jeffrey has worked in the forestry industry for your own firewood. Regon processors benefit from a user friendly hydraulic log lifting device which takes the strain out of volume many years in the sales & service side and is a very familiar face to most within the industry. He firewood production. has experience in many aspects of forestry,firewood & If you are processing large oversized timber for wood fuel,Wilson’s wood chip production and his knowledge allows also stock a range of Lasco excavator mounted cone splitters which can greatly simplify the task.These cone splitters easily reduce him to time and time again meet the needs and large diameter wood, readying it for further processing into either expectations of customers by supplying the most suitable machine chip or firewood. Jeffrey has already supplied a number of these for the task. The product range on offer includes TP landscape and biomass units across Ireland, and has a demonstrator unit available for wood chippers, Lasco cone splitters, Igland forestry winches, new interested individuals to try. What makes Jas P Wilson unique within the industry is the ability & used firewood processors, JAK excavator mounted tree shears, Keto/SP harvesting heads and Botex heavy duty trailer & cranes. to accept a very wide range of machinery as a part–exchange to

“Another important part of Wilson’s business activities is the supply of used harvester/ forwarder spare parts, refurbished components and replacement measuring wheels covering most commonly used machines” Another important part of Wilson’s business activities is the supply of used make the cost to upgrade as low as possible.This system now harvester/forwarder spare parts,refurbished components and replacement means Wilson’s have amassed the UK & Ireland’s largest stock of quality workshop checked and serviced used firewood and forestry measuring wheels covering most commonly used machines. machines, which are sold with warranty as standard.This trade in The TP wood chipper range covers the mobile, tracked, hand and crane fed PTO market.The mobile section includes trailed chippers system also helps these used machinery buyers when the time which accept timber diameter between 130mm and 275mm depending comes to upgrade once again, as this machine can act as a deposit on the model. In the sub–750KG segment, there are a number of to get a newer unit. If you are new to the industry or currently looking at a cost effective models up to 175mm diameter! In this mobile section, there is also a tracked 160 chipper, ideal for narrow access sites, with the means of upgrading your equipment, then Jas P Wilson have a full range of professional machinery for you! ability to pass through narrow walk ways and gates. Find out more at www.jaspwilson.co.uk The range also includes a good selection of tractor PTO chippers. These have been proving very popular as the range starts at a COME VISIT JAS P WILSON AT THE FOLLOWING small 100mm machine, up to a large 400mm machine. Another product range stocked by Wilson’s, which also lends itself TRADE SHOWS: APF Show Ragley Estate, Alcester, Warwickshire, B49 5PS, well to their wood chipper is the Botex forestry cranes and trailers. These heavy duty units are designed and manufactured in the UK, by September 15th–17th, 2016 National Ploughing Match, Screggan,Tullamore, Co Offaly, Ireland, their sister company European Forest Machinery. New to this range is the Botex Hooklift trailer, which is incredibly versatile and strong. September 20th–22nd, 2016

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

ROBINSON DISTRIBUTION LTD Established in Portarlington,Ireland in 2002,Robinson Distribution Ltd.has continuously expanded and developed into a market leading trailer and crane manufacturer, supplying an ever growing customer base in the transport and forestry sector across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe. As a business we continuously innovate by applying cutting edge design aligned to the specific and changing requirements of each trailer’s function with the aim of saving fuel, maximising payloads, increasing manoeuvrability and flexibility, improving safety whilst ensuring we comply with all legal regulations Our focus is on building the highest quality trailers to the highest manufacturing standards. We achieve this through a combination of: Engineering & Design Excellence, Advanced Technology, A Wealth of Experience

OUR CUSTOMER MISSION

BACKGROUND

The company now boasts an ever increasing customer base across Ireland, the UK and Europe. Our goal is to support our customers in their goal of purchasing trailers and equipment that will provide a strong return on investment and augment the success of their business.

Robinson is an ambitious family owned and managed business with a TRAILERS & CRANES long and proud history of transport, agri–products and forest machinery. Robinson manufactures a wide range of trailers and cranes, all Throughout its history, Robinson’s has been an innovative company designed to meet the specific needs of our customers, with with continuous research and development being at the core of the specifications across three main categories including; business. Our track record of trailer and crane design and manufacture On Road Trailers:Bulk Tipper Trailers,Platform Trailers,Container Trailers provides us with a strong competitive advantage in terms of new product Timber Trailers: Centre Axle Drawbar Trailers, Semi–Trailers, Super development. All our trailers and cranes are designed and customised Structures,Turntable Trailers by our team of experienced engineers. Each product is manufactured to Cranes:The company also supplies, custom manufactures and fits meet the specific needs of the operator which is backed up by our strict cranes, including brands such as Robinson, Loglift, Kesla, Liv. quality procedures.Our attention to detail enables us to build a product Our new timber cranes are now operating out in the Irish forestry that will simply outlast others with superior strength and durability. industry with very positive feedback from our customers. We Our success has been built on an ethos of serving our customers manufacture two models of crane to choose from, a 9 tonne and with quality transport solutions, efficiency, and reliability and also a 12 tonne.These both come in a single and double extension by ensuring there is a complete focus on customer satisfaction at model. Our cranes have the highest quality finish with investments the core of everything we do. in our own forms for castings in Scandinavia, Swedish Steel, Parker Hydraulics, Indexator Rotators and Links,Tamtron and Maxi Cap FACILITIES & COMPETENCIES With ongoing investment, research and development; the company Weighting Systems and high power LED working lights.The high standard of finish extends to the main components as they are blasted, has continuously developed a modern manufacturing facility designed to manage the expectations of today’s transport sector. primed and painted which presents a huge advantage over competing Our state of the art production plant is one of the most modern products. Robinson also supply their own grapple with its crane.This trailer manufacturing facilities in Ireland. is a Robinson 42 Grapple which has a gripping area of 0.42m2.

“ Our state of the art production plant is one of the most modern trailer manufacturing facilities in Ireland” Robinson’s also manufacture their own Robinson One Piece Timber Bunk.These are made of specialised Swedish Steel. Due to the weight and price of the Robinson Bunks, they can now compete aggressively in the market place, making them very popular with customers.

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

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

PRODUCT NEWS

CHOICE HEATING SOLUTIONS LTD HS provides a unique platform of customised packages of

HEATHWOOD NURSERIES LTD Calternative energy solutions, ranging from initial consultancy and Growers of Quality Trees, Shrubs & Hedging Plants

design right through to installation for those interested in lowering their costs and carbon footprint. With spiralling fuel costs we have to look at alternatives to heat our CELLGROWNTREES.CO.UK premises in a cost effective way.As a leader in the industry, Choice Heathwood Nurseries Heating Solutions Ltd (CHS) has a customer focused approach to help We have been based in Shropshire for over thirty years growing their clients to choose the product that best fits their life style and budget trees, shrubs and hedging in cells, containers and field grown while attaining a rapid payback period. CHS are the main agents for award winning boiler manufactures namely Atmos, Central,Topling, including root balled trees and hedging. Kombi and Senko.With this wide range they can offer every client, from Heathwood is a family run business with the third generation small domestic to large industrial, a boiler that meets their requirements now taking an interest in growing. We offer local grown plants sourced from local seed origins. All ranging from 15 kW up to 2 MW using log wood,pellet,chip and sawdust. Their wood gasification boiler uses a three stage combustion process our plants are inspected by DEFRA during the growing season to which shatters virtually every preconceived notion about emissions and ensure they are pest and disease free. efficiencies of wood heating.The boilers have efficiencies of 85% upwards We will come and plan, plant and maintain your project from to 97% with extremely low emission per kilowatt of heat delivered. Their start to finish ensuring you get the best results possible. Our cell range include attractive room heater pellets stoves,solid fuel range cookers grown plants make planting easier and extends the season by for cooking and heating right up to self contained units which can be several months compared to bare rooted, our bare rooted are located outside grown on good quality soil to ensure a good roots system. Our The newest addition to their product range is a sanitary heat pump tank container grown plants range in size from 20cm tall to 20cm that can operate day and night with no panels or unsightly units mounted girth offering you a full range all year round. on the external of the buildings.These neat pieces of equipment have an We also have a wide range of garden trees and shrubs including efficiency of 360% and can be integrated into your existing system giving fruit trees in our sales area open to the public. you true independence and hot water 24/7/365. If you manage to use a For advice or a quotation call us on Tel: 01948 840120 or 100 litres every day,the running cost is only €70 per year,use less it cost less. email sales@heathwood.co.uk Ease the strain on your pocket and look up Choice Heating Visit the website at www.heathwood.co.uk Solutions, Coolymurraghue, Kerry Pike, Co Cork. The Meadows, Higher Heath, Whitchurch, Shropshire, Tel. 087 275 4012 www.choiceheatingsolutions.com. SY13 2JA, UK. Email: choiceheating@eircom.net

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

PRODUCT NEWS

HYDROKIT UK LTD

“YOUR 1ST CHOICE FOR WORKSHOP AND HYDRAULIC TEST EQUIPMENT” At Hydrokit, we pride ourselves on our innovating range of quality Hydraulic and Electo–hydraulic kits and components for mobile machinery. Furthermore, our range of quality products also extends to workshop and hydraulic test equipment. When carrying out maintenance and repairs, we have the correct range of tools for the job to help ensure the tasks are carried out in a professional, efficient manner. This enables the machines to be back to work, earning money as quickly as possible. Hydrokit have a great range of products to help make this happen. We have Flowmeters from 200 to 800 litres per minute and Pressure test kits with either digital or analogue display. Our range of Oil filtration units ensures the cleanliness of oil entering your machine. These help avoid costly downtime due to contamination. For "onsite" service and maintenance we can offer: electric grease guns, fuel transfer pumps, hydraulic pressure washers, tachometers, laser thermometers plus many more practical, useful and invaluable items. Of great interest at the moment are our kits to help minimise contamination at site. Vacuum units, Service plugs and spill kits. We have some great deals at the moment so call us today for more information or a FREE copy of our catalogue. Please quote offer code APF16 – valid until 30th September 2016. Hydrokit UK LTD. Tel: 01728 684800. Fax: 01728 684808. Email: uksales@hydrokit.com

MF TREE SERVICES LTD.

ichael Fahey of M F TREE SERVICES LIMITED started in the timber industry over forty years ago, beginning with felling trees, and splitting and bagging timber to sell. He then went on to build up the business by going into all aspects of tree surgery and arbosnic decay decting. He went on into buying a timber harvester and forwarder and started into harvesting and forwarding timber, softwood and hardwood, both private and commercial. He has worked for county councils, CIE, Telecom and ESB. He uses modern, up to date machinery, and is fully compliant with all EU legislation. We are currently looking for softwood for private growers. For further information contact Michael at Tel: 0504 44541 and Mobile: 087 2712967. Email: michaeljoefahey@eircom.net or visit the website: www.michaelfaheytreeservices.ie

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

PRODUCT NEWS

EBERL – YOUR PARTNER IN DRYING

s pioneer and inventor of energy-efficient vaccum–wood– inside walls are made of stainless steel or aluminium and they drying EBERL develops to the leading supplier of vacuum own as well as the robust base good insulation. In the factory wood drying kilns. they will be equipped with high-quality components like fans, Today we offer a complete ranch of wood drying kilns and heaters, spraying unit, exhaust fan and inlet flaps as well as climate other dryers for different materials.Also we offer special machines and wood moisture content measurement. and vacuum post curing ovens in cooperation with international Thanks to the control unit, the drying schedules and our experience groups for use in the medical technology, biotechnology and in as kiln producer make the easy containers to excellent but lowthe chemical industry. budget drying kilns which we perfectly adapt to customer Solid quality through outstanding engineering services and requirements. innovativeness is the basis for economic success and market leadership. G Uniformly drying With completely new and energy-efficient technologies has EBERL G Cost–saving and economical gone resource saving ways of wood drying very successfully. We G Easy installation are able to design and manufacture machines individually tailored G Very good insulation to the customer. G Easy control The standards we set convince the customers and become the G Solutions adapted on customer requirements benchmark for the whole industry. Of course we also offer G Front and track loading competent and qualified customer support.

FRONT LOADING

AIR CLASSIC DRYING CONTAINER KILNS

THE EXCELLENT BUT LOW–BUDGET DRYING CONTAINER KILNS

No track necessary Space saving

The compact and new overhauled or completely new insulated For more information visit containers are outstandingly suitable for heat treatment kilns.The www.eberl-trocknungsanlagen.de/en/home.html

FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

PRODUCT NEWS

SMALL DEHUMIDIFICATION DRY KILN SYSTEMS NYLE L 200

There are three control systems available with the L200 L200 standard control system.The traditional L200 has a precise controller which requires just a few minutes of daily monitoring. Controls include a thermostat with remote sensor and compressor timer.This system has been proven in thousands of installations since 1984. The temperature control turns the supplemental heat on and off as needed. It displays both the set point and the actual kiln temperature. The humidity is managed by controlling what percentage of each hour the compressor runs. If the humidity needs to be lowered the compressor operating percentage is increased.This is a simple reliable, time tested system. L200 M temperature and wet bulb with wood moisture probes. he L200 is a compact, high performance dry kiln system. The temperature is controlled just as above but humidity is controlled It will dry up to 4000 board feet of 4/4 green oak in by a wet bulb thermometer instead of a humidity sensor. approximately 4–5 weeks. It will dry up to 2500 board feet of green Wet bulb is the most accurate way to measure humidity. softwood in about 1–2 weeks. 1 In addition this controller provides 4 digital readouts of wood / L200 units include auxiliary heating, two 4 hp circulating fans, moisture content. prewired electric panel, over-temperature vents and operating The system can be set to shut down when all four probes read manual.That’s everything you need to get started except for the the target moisture content.This system provides a level of control chamber itself and we will provide the plans for the chamber. for thousand less than the cost just a few years ago. The operating temperature range for the L53 and L200 is between When it comes to quality, service and value, count on Nyle 70ºF and 120ºF (21ºC – 49ºC) during the drying process.You can Systems! set pitch or sterilize with the included auxiliary heater. Additional For further information visit lumber.nyle.com fans and a power vent system are also available.

COMMERCIAL FEATURE

VALUING LAND UNDERLYING FORESTS Paul Lafferty is the owner and founder of ForestSales.ie

BACKGROUND Paul Lafferty is a fully qualified Forester and Auctioneer to Degree level and has over 25 years experience in Forestry and is an auctioneer since 2000 with James Cleary & Sons, Castlerea Co. Roscommon. ForestSales.ie was established in 2011 and since then has become the focal hub and shopwindow for sales of forests and land in forestry in Ireland. Currently ForestSales.ie has forests and land for sale in almost every county in Ireland and has over 3000 registered users on the website. Paul also carries out forest valuations all over Ireland and is one of the few fully qualified valuers in forestry in Ireland. He carries out numerous apportionment valuations each year. Apportionment valuations are required to assign values to the land on one hand and the growing trees on the other to establish the appropriate taxes to be paid.

apportionment may be referred to the Department of Agriculture for certification. With regard to capital acquisition tax, woodland property qualifies for agriculture relief, as agriculture property is defined as agricultural land, pasture and woodland in the state, crops, trees and under wood growing thereon.

GRANTS AND PREMIUM PAYMENTS

Currently there are generous establishment grants available to all for the establishment of forests on land suitable for afforestation subject to Forest Service approval.These grants generally cover the entire cost of establishment and maintenance of the first four years, by which time the forest is well established. Furthermore since 2015 all landowners who plant receive an income exempt annual payment of c. €510 per hectare for conifers. (206 per acre) for the next 15 years. These grants and premium are a once INTRODUCTION When valuing forests in Ireland, the taxation, and incentive schemes, only and once ever payments on the land irrespective of owner. The owner must maintain the forest as a forest for 15 years otherwise legislation must be fully considered. a claw back of the grants and premia will occur.There are no TAXATION establishment grants or premium available for the second crop The Taxes Consolidation Act 1997, Section 564 deals with Woodlands, after the forest has been cut down. and how Capital Gains Tax is applied to Woodlands. Section 564 LEGISLATION states that profits from the sale of standing timber are exempt Forestry In Ireland is governed by The 1946 Forestry Act (A new from capital gains tax.Therefore, on disposing of woodlands, part act is due shortly without major changes) Essentially this means of the consideration which relates to the value of trees is to be

“Currently there are generous establishment grants available to all for the establishment of forests on land suitable for afforestation subject to Forest Service approval” excluded from the capital gains tax computation. Therefore when valuing a forest for the purpose of capital gains tax, the total consideration must be apportioned between the value attributed to the growing trees and the value attributed to the underlying land. Similarly with regard to stamp duty, Section 95 Stamp Duties Consolidation Act 1999 Commercial Woodlands Relief applies. This section provides for partial relief from stamp duty. Relating to the sale of commercial woodlands, the relief applies to the portion of consideration, attributed to the value of the trees growing on the lands. An apportionment of the consideration between the land and the trees growing on the land is required.Two separate figures must be given for the value of the land and the value of the growing trees. However, certain conditions apply to the relief. Relief applies only to the sale or lease of land and not available, in the case of a gift. Woodlands or trees must be growing on a substantial part of the land. This part must be at least 75% of the land. Woodlands must also be managed on a commercial basis, with a view to a realization of profit.When carrying out a valuation it must also be noted that the

that to cut down trees or forests a felling licence is required and part of the condition of the licence is that the area to be felled must be replanted.

SUMMARY Once land is planted it attracts generous grants for establishment and premium payments for 15 years (income tax exempt) however when the forest is clearfelled it must by law be replanted with no grant or premium assistance.The landowner must bear the cost of re-establishment.When forests are sold or transferred (with the land they grow on) tax is only paid on the underlying value of the land. The sale price must be apportioned into the land value and the growing trees value. The growing trees are exempt from tax.The only taxes that apply are on the land values in this case are capital gains tax (a tax on the net gain) for the seller, and stamp duty (on the purchase price for the buyer).The current rate of capital gains is 33% and stamp duty is 2%. For further information visit ForestSales.ie James Cleary & Sons, Castlerea Co. Roscommon. Tel: 094 9620540 Email: clearyauctioneers@eircom.net