Forestry & Energy Review - Vol 7 Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2017

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WILDFIRE CONCERNS

BROADLEAF WOODLAND

CONFOR WOODLAND SHOW 2017

Forestry&Energy A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF FIRE AND ITS INFLUENCE

AN ASSESSMENT OF GROWERS’ SATISFACTION IN IRELAND

>> SEE PAGE 44

LONGLEAT ESTATE, WILTSHIRE SEPTEMBER 7th–8th

>> SEE PAGE 32

>> SEE PAGE 38

Volume 7 Issue 2 Autumn/Winter 2017 Price €3.95. £2.95 (Stg)

R E V I E W

THE VOICE OF FORESTRY & RENEWABLE ENERGY

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Forestry&Energy R E V I E W

Volume 7 Issue 2

Autumn/Winter 2017

Foreword elcome to the Autumn/Winter Edition of Forestry & Energy Review Magazine.

In this Issue, Noel Kennedy of Teagasc Forestry explains that the promotion of forestry is going mainstream by attending events such as “Dairy Open Day” in Moorepark and “Cultivation 2017” in Oakpark.The Government, Europe and the general public are finally realizing the mitigating and balancing effects of forestry in relation to carbon when combined with other types of farming enterprise. The Talking Timber series will be covering the country from 31st August onwards and are well worth attending.

Chainsaw Safety: No matter who uses a chainsaw safety is the single most important element.We have all heard of chainsaw accidents close to home in the recent past. Everybody considers them– selves an expert until an accident happens and it is too late to find out how it could have been avoided.This feature is worth reading even if it seems like re–reading the rules of the road.

Residue Bundling: Waterford Institute of Technology have done a lot of work researching the feasibility and economics of residue bundling during the last few years.They carried out a study over seven sites and measured each element carefully.

They concluded that forest residue can become an additional source of biomass and economic return from many sites depending on suitability.Tom Kent and his team did great work on this.

What do the Growers think? This question was asked by Marie Doyle and her team in UCD of a number of growers to compare their experiences with Broadleaf vis a vis softwood.All participants were growers of both. The results are very interesting.

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Features 20 WORKING SAFELY WITH CHAINSAWS

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EXHIBITIONS CONFOR 2017 Longleat Estate (UK) 7/8 Sept. National Ploughing Championships Screggan Tullamore 19/20/21 Sept.

Hope to see you there.This edition also includes a selection of features and profiles including: 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.

Foreword/Contents/Credits

No matter who uses a chainsaw, safety is the single most important thing an operator needs to learn before ever starting a saw, writes Kevin O’Connell,Teagasc Ballyhaise College.

26 RESIDUE BUNDLING IN IRELAND This article outlines a detailed study into bundling, measuring the effectiveness of this additional source of indigenous and sustainable energy. Enda Coates and Tom Kent of Waterford Institute of Technology report.

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32 AN ASSESSMENT OF BROADLEAF GROWERS’ SATISFACTION IN IRELAND The 2012 NFI revealed that over 25% of afforested land in Ireland is broadleaf forest, writes Marie Doyle, Andrew Kirwan and Aine Ni Dhubhain.

44 WILDFIRE CONCERNS A thorough knowledge of fire and its influence on vegetation under different conditions is essential to carry out necessary prescribed burning. John Casey, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, Mallow, reports.

50 PROTECTING IRELAND’S PREMIER NATIONAL PARK

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Naturally regenerating the oak woodland in Killarney National Park & the challenges presented, by Conor Scully, Waterford Institute of Technology.

56 VALUING THE FAMILY FOREST Forest owners need to take an active approach to forest management. Frances McHugh,Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, discusses.

74 RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE IN IRELAND The promotion of renewable energy can be a driver of inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and enterprise opportunities in the rural economy.

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Profiles 30 38 40 42 48 54

Until the next time………

The Publishers Forestry & Energy Review Contributors: Publishers: Denis Lane and Robert Heuston Noel Kennedy (Teagasc), Kevin O’ Connell (Teagasc Ballyhaise College), Enda Coates and Enquiries: Editorial: Denis Lane Tom Kent (Waterford Institute of Technology Tel. + 353 91 777222 WIT), Marie Doyle, Andrew Kirwan and Aine Ni Email: dlane@selectmedialtd.com Dhubhain (UCD), John Casey (Teagasc), Conor Advertising: James Small Scully (WIT), Frances McHugh (Teagasc) Design: John Barrett Production: Emma Meade

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Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd Confor Woodland Show – Map SDL Solutions Jas P Wilson Dermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. Kearney Training & Consultancy (KTC Safety) Ltd Oakleaf Forestry

Distribution: Easons, Newspread,WNS Published by: Select Media Ltd, 4–5 Burton Hall Road Sandyford, Dublin 18 Tel. + 353 1 6622266 Email. info@selectmedialtd.com

All material contained in this edition is copyright of Forestry and Energy Review 2017 and may not be reproduced or electronically stored without the permission of the publisher. However items may be freely reproduced provided the source is acknowledged. Content and views expressed in the publication do not necessarily represent those of the publishers.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS T

STRONG INTEREST IN SPRING FOREST WALKS here was strong interest in the Teagasc Spring forest management walks held during May with attendance by over 350 forest owners and other landowners. The walks provided a number of take home messages for forest owners to promote the growth of young trees and the establishment of a healthy forest crop.

Take home messages • Vegetation control Effective early vegetation control during the first four years is critical for young trees and remain healthy, grow vigorously and establish successfully. Talk to your forester or Forest Teagasc Advisor.

• Tree numbers Replace failures as soon as possible to maintain uniform forest development and avoid potential delays on grant and premium payments. Talk to your forester or Forest Teagasc Advisor.

• Tree health 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 or Forest Teagasc Advisor.

• Formative shaping 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 Late spring frost damage in May and June can damage the new growth in young trees.

Don’t panic! In most cases trees will recover fully from frost damage.

However be vigilant and if you notice new growth that is wilted and brown let your forester know.

Forest management walk Laois

• Fire risk Forest fires can be devastating. To protect your forest have it insured, have a fire plan and in dry weather check the fire risk at the following website: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/forest-fire-risk/ • Afforestation grant and premiums Proactive and knowledgeable forest owners are in a much stronger position to protect their forest payments to ensure timely payment of planting grants and premiums.

For further information and downloads on a range of forest management topics please see www.teagasc.ie/forestry

MAJOR TEAGASC PRESENCE AT TIMBER 2017

Tom Houlihan, Teagasc, Minister Andrew Doyle TD and Frank O'Mara, Teagasc at the opening of Timber 2017 in the Teagasc marquee

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he Teagasc Forestry Development Department had a major presence at Timber 2017 – the biennial Irish Forestry and Bio Energy Show – in Stradbally, Co. Laois in May. Located prominently within the show grounds and based in a large marquee, the Teagasc stand was designed to highlight the extensive range of advisory, research, education and training services it is involved in and its contribution to the development of the private forestry sector.

Timber 2017 was officially launched in the Teagasc stand by Minister of State, Mr Andrew Doyle TD accompanied by David Wilkinson Show Organiser, Dr Frank O Mara, Teagasc Head of Research,Tom Houlihan,Acting Head of Teagasc Forest Development Department.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS The main theme over the two days was the promotion of afforestation. Hundreds of afforestation information packs in Teagasc branded paper bags were taken by visitors as well as a wide range of other forest management, research and education information. A steady stream of visitors kept staff busy dealing with a range of enquiries.

An innovative approach to promoting afforestation and providing information on research and education topics was a programme of 5 minute informal presentations titled From Seedling to Sawdust.

A number of Forest Owner Groups and Teagasc’s Environment section were also represented on dedicated stands in the marquee.

A number of new videos, including the Seedling to Sawdust presentations, filmed at Timber 2017 are now available to view at www.teagasc.ie/forestry and on the new Teagasc Forestry You Tube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/TeagascMedia.

NEW TEAGASC FORESTRY YOUTUBE CHANNEL

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ue to the increasing number of Teagasc Forestry videos, a new dedicated YouTube channel has been created.You can navigate to the Teagasc channel at www.youtube.com/user/TeagascMedia, and choose the Teagasc Forestry channel on the right. You will also be able to find the channel by doing a YouTube or Google search. In addition, if you have a Google account, you can subscribe to this forestry channel if you wish.

New! New! The new TIMBER 2017 videos are now available on the new Teagasc Forestry YouTube channel.

GETTING YOUR FOREST CERTIFIED

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he Cork–based Forest Owners Cooperative Society (FOCS) is leading the way in progressing group forest certification and recently organised a public Information evening in Macroom on

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the topic “Getting your forest certified”. The growing importance of this topic was reflected in the large attendance of over sixty local forest owners.

Speakers from Teagasc, Forest Service and a local sawmill discussed why certification is becoming so important to forest owners for a range of economic, environmental and practical reasons.

The meeting also addressed the pilot project on Forest Certification in which FOCS and the Meath- based North Eastern Forestry Group (NEFG) are currently engaged in, which, with the support of the Forest Service, DAFM, that will result in members’ forests being certified to the highest industry standard within the next two years.

FOCS member Michael Greaney expressed his wholehearted support of the project and the fantastic achievement for FOCS and NEFG to be selected for the project. He welcomed any process benefiting private owners accessing the market, getting the best price possible as well as adding value to the plantation.

For information please see www.focs.ie

POTENTIAL FOR MINOR CONIFERS

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itka spruce is our most important conifer in terms of area and timber production. However there is a growing realisation of the importance of diversifying the species in our forest estate and that other “minor” conifer species offer the potential to make our forests more resilient to increasing pest and disease risks, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to commercial timber production.

Speaking at the national forestry conference titled “Minor Conifers”, organised by the Wood Marketing Federation and Society of Irish Foresters, Dr. Niall Farrelly from Teagasc reviewed the range of alternative conifers that may prove successful under Irish conditions.

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NEWS practices and also increase the number of trees that are being The presentation reviewed the range of species that may prove successful under Irish Conditions. Suitable alternative conifers planted to help minimise agricultural greenhouse gas emissions.

For more information about the new Teagasc RDS Farm Forestry could be used to replace diseased threatened Japanese larch Award please see www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/news/. stands, extend species options for afforestation and provide compatible species for mixed species stands and for use in uneven aged silviculture. Ongoing Teagasc research led by Dr. Farrelly and KILDARE FORESTRY OWNERS VISIT LAOIS SAWMILLS assisted by PhD Walsh Fellow Richard Walsh is investigating over 200 conifer species are being considered with wide representation from the Pinus (Pines), Picea (Spruce), Abies (Firs), Tsuga (Hemlocks) and Larix (Larch) Genus.

Predictably, species from temperate/oceanic climates (i.e. the Pacific Northwest) such as Douglas fir, grand fir, noble fir western hemlock, western red cedar are showing good potential. However he stressed that a range of other conifers warrant further investigation.

Dr. Farrelly concluded by stressing that we need to have the best genetic material available to avoid discounting a species due to poor choice of seed origin and to provide suitable planting stock for afforestation.

NEW TEAGASC RDS FORESTRY AWARD

Kildare forestry group visit to Laois Sawmills

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eagasc is delighted to announce the strengthening of the Teagasc association with the RDS awards through our sponsorship of a new Teagasc Farm Forest Award Category in the 2017 RDSForest Service Irish Forestry Awards. This new sponsorship is part of our on–going commitment to promote opportunities to integrate forestry in appropriate circumstances at farm level through effective whole farm planning.

With the winner of this category to receive €2,000 and an RDS Silver Medal and runner–up to receive €1,000 and an RDS Certificate of Merit the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award aims to promote the positive contribution that forestry can bring to traditional farming

embers of the Kildare Farm Forestry Group accompanied by tour organiser Liam Kelly, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, recently enjoyed a very interesting tour of Laois Sawmills, Portlaoise.

Guided by Sean Kelly who is the timber buyer for Laois Sawmills, the group saw logs arriving at the intake yard, being sorted and the subsequent sawmilling and finishing process.The group also visited the modern Green wood pellet manufacturing plant and saw the wide range of structural and decorative timber products for sale to both business and public.The Group wishes to express its gratitude to Laois Sawmills for their visit.

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HOW DIPETANE WORKS

ipetane uniquely addresses and solves the fundamental problem existing in standard combustion, which is that the valuable carbon remains unburnt. Irish scientists are the first and only scientists worldwide who have discovered how to enable the existing fixed oxygen to gain proper access to burn the valuable carbon much more completely compared to standard combustion.

Injector Protection Dipetane protects costly injectors and valve stems from the EC 90% cut in sulphur, the sulphur had been acting as a lubricant for Injectors and valve stems.

Dipetane’s full burning of the carbon leaves no hard unburnt carbon grating in the system and combined with its built in lubricant greatly increases lubrication thereby protecting injectors and valve stems.

DPF’s-Diesel Particle Filters Minimising regeneration, minimising fuel usage and protecting DPF’s is very efficient. As mentioned above protecting DPF’s through the use of Dipetane is critical and very cost-effective. Dipetane treated fuel’s unique ability to burn the carbon more completely, compared to all standard fuels means that much less un–burnt carbon enters the DPF and therefore the regeneration occurs less often. In some 6.8 Litre engines Dipetane’s use has extended the regeneration from 70 hours out to over 200 hours.

This is a substantial fuel saving and protects the DPF from the very high revs involved in the regeneration process.

Up to 10% fuel savings Dipetane’s independent Scientific Chassis Dynamometer and Boiler Tests under controlled conditions show up to 10% fuel savings. Mix rate for Dipetane is always 1:200. 1 Litre treats 200 Litre’s Diesel, Petrol, Kerosene, Heavy Oil. It does not change the ‘spec of the fuel. It is not an ‘additive’, being 100% hydro-carbon.

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NEWS AFFORESTATION PROMOTED AT MAJOR TEAGASC FARMING EVENTS

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eagasc forestry staff provided a range of information and advice on afforestation to over 15,000 farmers who attended a number of recent major Teagasc farming events during May and June.

The Teagasc Forestry Development Department had stands at the three large Teagasc public events, namely Moorepark ’17 – Dairy Open Day in Moorepark, Co. Cork, Crops and Cultivation 2017 in Oak Park, Co. Carlow and the National Sheep Open Day in Athenry, Co. Galway The stands were well equipped with extensive information and screens showing the latest Teagasc forestry videos.With such large numbers of farmers the forestry staff were very busy answering afforestation enquiries, providing information packs and assisting with information and advice on a wide range of other forestry topics.

MALLOW’S NEW WOODEN HEART

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ork will begin shortly on the exciting development of a new NeighbourWood community woodland in Mallow, Co Cork.

Following an initial suggestion by local Teagasc forestry adviser John Casey, the idea was pursued by Cork County Council in co-operation with Mallow Development Partnership (MDP) resulting in approval for funding under the NeighbourWood scheme by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM).

The new woodland will be located on 10 hectares of land owned

by Cork County Council adjoining the River Blackwater creating a new “wooden heart” for the town.The area is in a Special Area of Conservation and the development will include the rejuvenation of the existing area of broadleaf woodland, the planting of a new

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Aoife, Orla and Derbhla helping out at the launch of the Mallow NeighbourWood Project at Mallow Castle.

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NEWS broadleaf woodland and the installation of new information and recreational facilities such as signage and seating.The Neighbour Wood will be benefit the whole community by promoting public health, well–being and a better quality of life, and create a resource for people young and old to learn about nature and the environment.

VISIT TEAGASC FORESTRY AT THE TULLAMORE SHOW

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nce again the Forestry and Sustainable Living section, organised

by Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department will showcase all facets of Ireland’s rapidly developing forestry and renewable energy sectors at 2017 Tullamore Show on Sunday 13th August.

Many organisations and companies will be present this year; ranging from tree nurseries, forestry consultants and companies, state agencies, to firewood processors and other hi-tech machines.

A visit to the Forestry and Energy Section in Tullamore provides an excellent opportunity to meet key players from the forestry sector. With all aspects of the forest industry covered, this is a great opportunity to avail of free, comprehensive and latest information on forestry and renewable energy.

For further information, please contact Liam Kelly, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer Tel: 087 9090495 or liam.kelly@teagasc.ie

UPCOMING TEAGASC NATIONAL FORESTRY EVENTS Sunday 13th August – Tullamore Show Forestry Village Thursday 31st August – Talking Timber,Teagasc Ballyhaise College, Co. Cavan Tuesday 5th September – Talking Timber, Horse & Jockey Hotel, Co.Tipperary September 19th – 21st – Teagasc stand, National Ploughing Championships Tuesday 24th October –Talking Hardwoods,Firgrove Hotel,Mitchelstown,Co.Cork

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October 9th–13th, November 13th–17th, December 11th–15th – One to One forestry clinics For more information please see teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/events/

TALKING TIMBER TIME AGAIN

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orest owners with timber to sell don’t have long to wait for the return of the popular “Talking Timber” conifer timber marketing days return. Talking Timber is organised by the Teagasc Forestry Development Department with the co–operation of the Irish timber industry and the Forest Service, DAFM. The Talking Timber events are on: • Thursday 31st August, Ballyhaise College, Ballyhaise, Co. Cavan Contact Kevin O’Connell, kevin.oconnell@teagasc.ie • Tuesday 5th September, Horse & Jockey Hotel,Thurles, Co.Tipperary Contact Michael Somers Tel: 087 1216163, michael.somers@teagasc.ie Talking Timber is dedicated to giving forest owners the opportunity to do just that – talk – to representatives of the forest industry involved in management, harvesting and purchasing of conifer timber. Networking between forest owners and potential timber buyers is the number one objective of Talking Timber.Teagasc will have an extensive range of information available and forestry advisers and Forest Service staff will also be present.

In addition there will be an outdoor discussion on log quality organised by the Irish Forestry and Forest Products Association and the latest developments in forestry, including the new Forestry Act and Brexit will be discussed during a mini-conference session.

Registration at 9.30am & the event will finish at 2 pm. Free admission.

Further information is available from your local Teagasc Forestry Adviser or from www.teagasc.ie/forestry.

We look forward to seeing you.

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NEWS CONFOR WOODLAND SHOW, LONGLEAT, WILTSHIRE Thursday 7th & Friday 8th September 2017. manufacturers and dealers to consultants, contractors, woodfuel equipment, saws and tools. Still accepting stand bookings for Confor Woodland Show!

LOTS OF INTERESTING SEMINARS Over the course of both days, Confor will be hosting a series of seminars and events discussing everything from forestry beyond Brexit, grants to support forestry investments, woodland on farms and grey squirrel management to timber security and technology, hardwood prices, the importance of quality woodfuel and competitors working together in the forestry industry.

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FOREST WORKERS ZONE

017’s Confor Woodland Show is the biggest, most exciting show The Forest Workers Zone returns in 2017 with lots of drop in clinics yet with an extended field demonstration area offering visitors for practical advice. even more to see.Alternating with Confor’s APF Exhibition, the Confor Woodland Show provides an excellent two-day opportunity VIRTUAL REALITY for those working in the industry to shop around, meet with their Experience the journey of a tree from forest to sawmill in 360suppliers and fellow land owners and discuss the future of forestry degree Virtual Reality at the Confor tent. and woodland management in the UK. Advance tickets are available DEMOS AND ENTERTAINMENT: online: www.conforwoodlandshow.org.uk. Confor members enter for The Confor Woodland Show is packed full of entertainment free by presenting their membership card. including demonstrations and participation opportunities with: EXHIBITORS • Archers • Horse loggers To date, 119 exhibitors have confirmed with Tilhill Forestry, Euroforest • Chainsaw Carvers • UK loggers and Aspen Fuel sponsoring the two-day event. Visitors will see lots For more information on stand bookings and exhibitor of fresh faces in September with 36 of the 2017 exhibitors new to the details, please contact Chloe Hine: Tel: 01502 725835 and show this year. They will see some impressive demonstrations and Email: chloe.hine@micropress.co.uk For more information quality information from a variety of suppliers across the forest, on becoming a member of Confor, please contact Head Office woodland and arboriculture sectors from insurers, publishers, machinery on Tel: 0131 240 1410 or visit www.confor.org.uk/join-us/

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NEWS

COMMENCEMENT OF FORESTRY ACT 2014 – SUMMARY OF MAIN PROVISIONS o

• The Forestry Act 2014 was commenced on 24th May 2017.

• Consent to operations for afforestation, forest road works, aerial fertilisation and felling will now be granted by way of licence.

• The Act provides for the erection of site notices, as follows; o For applications for afforestation and forest road works, a site notice must be in place before the application is forwarded to the Forest Service. o For felling operations, a site notice must be in place after the licence is granted and before work commences, at the entrance or proposed entrance to the site. The site notice must remain in place for the duration of the operations.

• The Forestry Appeals Committee will be established, on a statutory basis, as part of the independent Agriculture Appeals Office in Portlaoise. Appeals will be accepted;

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By the applicant against any decision not to grant a licence; o By the applicant against any condition(s) attached to a granted licence; o By third parties on any granted licence or condition(s) therein.

• Appeals must be made within 28 days of the date of the decision.

• No forestry operation may then proceed for a month after a positive decision to allow for appeals.

• The Act provides for a single licence process for felling.

• It increases the list of exempted trees, allowing for felling without a licence for trees outside of the forest in certain circumstances.

• Felling licences of up to 10 years duration - may be extended by up to 5 years.

• Applications for licences received and decisions on licence applications will be published on the Department’s website twice weekly .

• Tougher penalties for illegal felling are included in the Act, with the aim of maintaining the area of existing forest and help to prevent future deforestation.

• Provides for a simplified process for issuing replanting orders where deforestation is found to have taken place.

For further information on Forestry Act 2014 please contact Forest Service, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Johnstown Castle Estate, Wexford. Tel: 076 106 4415; Email forestryappenq@agriculture.gov.ie; website: www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/

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NEWS

BEST PORTABLE SAWMILL ON THE MARKET • It is much easier to quarter saw with a Peterson because the saw moves around the log.

• The Peterson mill does not require any extra equipment i.e. an edger or resaw.

• Use the double cut feature on any of Peterson’s swingblade range for obtaining wide boards and slabs.

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PORTABILITY, IT’S IN THE NAME

• Peterson mills do not require flat ground, they can be set up on a moderate slope with undulating terrain. here are many reasons why Peterson Portable Sawmills design and manufacture the best portable sawmill on the market today. • The All Terrain Sawmill (ATS) can be set up in very remote locations on uneven surfaces.

The company stand behind their product 100% and are proud of • Easily push your mill head and frame to your desired location their top quality, versatile and efficient mills. when jockey wheels are attached.

Since the invention of the swingblade mill by Peterson Portable • Set up from 5–30 minutes when changing milling sites.

Sawmills, many people have tried to replicate the technology. The • Disassemble and load in under 10 minutes. ease of use, the amazing versatility and the machine’s portability all make Peterson’s swingblade the best portable sawmill. Replicas ACHIEVING A SIMPLISTIC DESIGN FOR ALL on the market offer some of these things also, but they do not have • Peterson mills are supplied with an instruction manual and video (where possible), and this is quite sufficient to get most the quality of the original swingblade mill, nor do they show as operators started. much innovation in their designs • A half–day of training is provided in certain circumstances ADVANTAGES OVER BANDSAW MILLS which equips you to be a great miller.

OUR VERSATILITY SETS US APART • Peterson mills are so simple that even our most advanced • Cut different dimensioned lumber out of one log with ease model, the Automated Swingblade Mill (ASM) has fewer than for higher yield.

10 buttons needed for operation.

• Where some logs may be deemed ‘worthless’ by bandsaw For further information visit loglogic.co.uk operators, the Peterson is the best portable sawmill for the job. Tel: +44 (0) 1884 839999

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CHAINSAW SAFETY

WORKING SAFELY WITH CHAINSAWS No matter who uses a chainsaw, safety is the single most important thing an operator needs to learn before ever starting a saw, writes Kevin O’Connell, Teagasc Ballyhaise College.

CHAINSAW SAFETY FEATURES

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he chainsaw has become an everyday tool for a wide variety of people, hobby users, farmers, forest owners and professional operators. Chainsaws are useful and versatile but can be potentially lethal in the wrong hands. No matter who uses a chainsaw, safety is the single most important thing an operator needs to learn about before ever starting a saw.

Effective training is essential for a chainsaw operator to become competent and safe in the use of saws. Occasional chainsaw users and those without appropriate training, experience and the knowledge required for the tasks involved are at greatest risk. Graphic images of the consequences of chainsaw accidents are not for the faint hearted.

Falling trees and branches can also cause serious or even fatal accidents.The Teagasc National Farm Survey indicates that about 6.5% of all injuries in the Agriculture & Forestry sector are chainsaw or wood related.This equates to more than 120 grave injuries each year.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) is also highly concerned with the increased number of fatalities involving chainsaws. Over a recent five year period, 12 people have died as a result of using chainsaws or tree felling work activities. If an operator cannot meet the competency/training requirements or does not have all the personal protective equipment for chainsaw work activities, the HSA emphasises the need to engage the services of a competent chainsaw provider.

Taking the farm forest owner, as the national forest estate grows in age and area, the amount of work with chainsaws has increased significantly. Many owners are carrying out their own operations such as cutting inspection paths for access, thinning broadleaf or small conifer plots and processing firewood by themselves.

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Modern chainsaws are significantly more advanced than their older counterparts in term of safety features, productivity and ergonomics, but their controlled and safe use is still critical.

The chainsaw power unit is usually a high performance two–stroke engine reaching in excess of 12,000 rpm and driving a chain with great precision. Chrome–plated steel cutters reach speeds of up to 60 mph. In use, a chainsaw generates a noise level of about 105 decibels, about the same as a rock concert, and well in excess of the recommended safety threshold.

When buying a chainsaw it is important to select a model that suits the intended use. The majority of models have two–stroke petrol engines, however very good cordless models are available as well.

Check the weight of the chainsaw.

The weight of the saw nearly always refers to the power head as chains and guide bars can vary in size and consequently in weight.

On average a chain and guide bar can add anything from 0.6kg to 1kg in weight and then add another 0.5kg for oil and petrol. The guide bar on a chainsaw is solely there to “guide” the cutting chain.

The size and type of bar selected should match the type of work most likely envisaged. The fitting of a safety chain is advisable as this can greatly reduce the risk of kick back. Kick back occurs when the upper tip of the guide bar touches an object or when the wood closes in and pinches the saw chain in the cut.

This contact may cause a lightning fast reverse movement of the guide bar back towards the operator, causing severe lacerations to the face, neck and upper body area.

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CHAINSAW SAFETY • Bar /Chain combination o E.g. a safety chain which helps to reduce kickback • Bar cover Chain brake /front hand guard o A scabbard to cover the chain and bar during transport o Stops the chain activated manually by the left hand or by Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for the head, eyes, ears, inertia if kickback occurs. Daily check that the chain brake face, hands and legs are designed to prevent or lessen the is working by applying the engine on full throttle and severity of injuries. The following recommendations and activate the chain brake, the chain should stop instant. information regarding PPE should be applied whenever Chain catcher a chainsaw is in use. o Does exactly what it says, should the chain become derailed • Clothing or break, the chain catcher will stop the chain being o Clothes should fit well and should not be loose enough thrown backwards. It is made of a plastic or alloy material to snag in branches or get caught in the revolving chain. and is a replaceable part.

Ideally a hi-vis top should be worn.

Webbed Handle • Protective trousers o It has two functions; o Protective trousers made from ballistic nylon or Kevlar o Protects the right hand to protect the legs from a running chain o Used when doing a cold start • Combination helmet On/Off switch o Providing protection to the head, ears, eyes and face o Clearly marked and within reach of the thumb should the need arise to stop the engine quickly.

• Footwear Safety Throttle o Wear steel toe capped boots with aggressive treaded soles to o The throttle cannot be operated unless the top part is protect against slipping and from contact with the chainsaw pushed down using full grip from the operator’s hand.

• Gloves Anti–Vibration Mounts o Wear specialised gloves to protect from cuts, abrasions o The engine is mounted on either rubber bushes or springs or splinters to help reduce vibration SAFETY TIPS TO APPLY WHILE OPERATING Decals A CHAINSAW o All decals must be in place and the operator knows their • Every chainsaw is different, read the user’s and safety manual meaning e.g. noise level, read the manual, caution etc. before starting the saw Exhaust Pointing away • Know the chainsaw’s limitations, know your own limitations o The exhaust fumes are directed above the moving chain which draws the fumes away from the operator as the saw • Apply the chain brake when not cutting. If moving more than 3 metres switch off the engine. is working

THE CHAINSAW SHOULD BE EQUIPPED WITH THE FOLLOWING SAFETY FEATURES; •

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

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CHAINSAW SAFETY • Never work alone, always have a buddy and carry a mobile phone • Always announce your presence to an operator in advance.

The noise of the chainsaw and the concentration required may make the operator oblivious to someone else’s presence.

• Understand the bar’s kickback zone and avoid getting into kick back situations • Never cut above shoulder height • Start all cuts with full throttle before touching the wood • Avoid touching the ground with your chain as it will dull your cutting edge • Keep the chain sharp. A dull chain is unsafe, hard on both the bar and chain.

• Protect your back, use a lever to move logs or get help.

• Never use a chainsaw when under the influence of drugs or alcohol, rest if tired • Always carry a first aid kit • Use purpose built approved combination fuel can • Allow the saw to cool before refilling and fuel at least 3metres away from sources of ignition A well maintained chainsaw is a safe chainsaw. Depending on the intensity of use, chainsaws should be maintained monthly, weekly and daily.The daily maintenance schedule should include: • General check Checking controls, chain tension and all bolts and handles to ensure they are functioning properly.

“As the national forest estate grows in age and area, the amount of work with chainsaws has increased significantly” • Chain Sharpening Cutting with a sharp chain is important as it not only allows for effective cutting but also reduces operator’s fatigue. Signs of a dull chain include: o The saw is cutting crooked o Fine saw dust o Burnt smell from the wood as it is being cut o Having to apply extra pressure to make the cut Follow the owner’s manual and the chains’ manufacturer’s instructions on how to sharpen the chain. Always wear gloves as even a stationary chain can cut • Chain Tensioning It is very important to have the chain tensioned properly as it will ensure a good cutting action and long life of the chain. If the chain is too loose it will come off, if it is too tight it will bind and overheat. At the middle of the guide bar lift the chain, the points of 3 drive links should just be visible and the chain when pulled around the guide bar will give a good “feel” of the tension.

• Guide bar service Remove the guide bar from the saw, clean the groove and oil holes.

Check for straightness and that the rails are level. Remove any burrs using a flat file.Turn the guide bar over when putting it back on the saw to ensure even wear. Grease the nose sprocket if applicable. Check to see if the bar – oiling mechanism is working properly otherwise serious damage can occur to the bar and chain in a short time.

• Air Filter check Clean the air filter using an airline or brush, if there is any visible damage to the filter it should be replaced. Also blow off any excess dust that has accumulated around the engine cooling fins • Fuel Mixture The correct fuel ratio is 50:1. Use good quality 2 stroke oil or specialised fuels specifically for chainsaw use.

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Chainsaw users should obtain accredited training and assessment suitable for the chainsaw work envisaged. Courses should meet the standards laid down by City & Guilds NPTC, LANTRA, or equivalent courses which meet the requirements of QQI, (Quality and Qualifications Ireland) - formerly FETAC. Chainsaw courses with various levels of training are available and it is possible to build up skill levels with additional advanced courses if desired.A basic course should cover chainsaw maintenance and cross cutting. Additional skills include felling of trees (of various sizes) all the way up to dealing with complex windblow situations.

It is advisable to discuss training needs with an accredited chainsaw training provider. They can tailor training courses for groups of farmers who want to learn how to safely use chainsaws on their farms and/or manage their own woodlands. Further information on chainsaw training options and providers is available on the Teagasc website at www.teagasc.ie/forestry Article by Kevin O’Connell, Forestry Advisor & Lecturer, Teagasc Ballyhaise College.

PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

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FOREST RESIDUE

RESIDUE BUNDLING IN IRELAND This article outlines a detailed study into bundling, measuring the effectiveness of this additional source of indigenous and sustainable energy. Enda Coates and Tom Kent of Waterford Institute of Technology report.

John Deere Residue Bundler

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ecovering logging residues for use as a fuel has been employed successfully in Nordic countries such as Finland and Sweden, and in recent years it has been adopted in Ireland. Logging residues are the unmerchantable stem and branches that are left on the ground after roundwood harvesting. These residues are chipped or shredded for use in biomass boilers. There are a number of methods used to mobilise this biomass, such as extracting the residues as loose brash, and either transporting them loose or chipping / shredding them at the forest roadside into container trucks. Another method is to use a bundling machine to compress the residues into cylindrical bundles, which are bound with twine, and to transport these bundles to a storage terminal or to the end user where they are shredded before combustion. This method is referred to as residue bundling, and the bundles that are produced are often called residue bundles, brash bales, or compact residue logs. Residue bundles have advantages over loose residues as the residues are compacted into uniform dimensions, increasing the carrying capacity of road haulage trucks. Stacking the bundles also promotes the drying of the residues, and bundles are also easier to handle and store than loose piles of brash. Because of their uniform dimensions, it is also easier to trade and estimate biomass flow as they are discrete units which can be counted.

Over the past number of years, the forestry research team in Waterford Institute of Technology have been involved in the applied research of the development of residue bundling in Ireland. This article describes the knowledge gained from their work. Currently there are two residue bundling machines operating in Ireland.

be considered so. It is the case that a bundler can operate after standard harvesting and extraction of the roundwood products without any prior planning. However, considerable benefits can be made in the bundler productivity and the quality of the fuel from planning for the bundling at the harvesting stage. This is because logging residues are typically placed under the harvester and forwarder as a brash mat during operations. This brash mat reduces soil damage and helps prevent the machine from becoming stuck.

However this also mixes soil and stones with the brash. Planning can incorporate strategies that reduce contamination of the brash by reducing machine passes, and piling residues to one side on suitable sites. After harvesting, the brash is left on the ground for a period of a few months to allow the material to dry, and the green needles to desiccate and fall off.

A residue bundler, see Figure 1, comprises of a forwarder base machine and an attachment that is fitted in place of the bunk (the bunk is removed). The bundling machine drives into the clearfelled area and picks up the loose brash on the ground with its grab. The brash is fed into the bundling unit, where it is compressed and wrapped with twine in a continuous process.The bundles are cut to a specified length by a built in chain saw.The chain saw mechanism is vulnerable to damage because the brash can be contaminated with amounts of soil and stone, which can make it necessary for the chain on the saw to be replaced regularly. Some bundler machines, such as the new Dutch Dragon bundler, see Figure 2, incorporates a shear type of cutter to overcome these problems.

The residue bundles are forwarded to the forest roadside using a standard forwarder. The forwarder does not need to be modified.

The forwarder uses its grab to load and unload the bundles, stacking SUPPLY CHAIN OVERVIEW them at the roadside in the same manner as roundwood logs.

The residue bundle supply chain is an additional operation that Transport is done using standard timber trucks that are commonly seen occurs after standard cut to length clearfell harvesting. The cut to length system of harvesting is used for the vast majority of roundwood transporting roundwood throughout Ireland's road network. The harvesting in Ireland. It employs a harvester to fell the trees, de–limb cranes on the timber trucks are used to load and unload the bundles in the same way as roundwood logs. This is an attractive property of and crosscut the stem into log lengths, and a forwarder to extracts the logs to the roadside. Roundwood harvesting could be considered the supply chain; many of the machines used and the links in the chain completely separate to the bundling supply chain, but it should not are already commonly in place in Irish forestry.

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FOREST RESIDUE Dutch Dragon Residue Bundler with shear cutter on display at Elmia Wood 2017

When the bundles are delivered to the end user they can be stored until needed. A shredder is used to convert the bundles into hogfuel. Hog-fuel is different from chip, in that it is more irregular and produced with blunt tools such as hammers or flails. The bundles are shredded because they comprise of both large round pieces and small branches, which are difficult to chip. It has also been seen that the twine holding the bundles together can cause serious problems for some chippers.

AMOUNT OF BIOMASS MOBILISED It is estimated that the amount of biomass available from residue bundling is in the region of 42 oven dry tonnes (odt) per net productive hectare.This figure is based on a study undertaken by WIT and Coillte in which 7 sites were bundled, and all the bundles were brought over a weighbridge and moisture content samples taken. In total, 153 trucks were weighed. The net productive area was estimated as being 63% of the gross area, with the remainder not being bundled.

The unbundled areas were due to various reasons such as ground conditions and low forest productivity. All the sites were conifer high forest made up of a single species, Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis).

Final felling was cut to length roundwood harvesting to 7cm top diameter. The biomass mobilised ranged from of 34 to 46 odt (oven dry tonnes) per net productive hectare. The average weight of a truck ranged from 11.0 odt to 12.8 odt, and the average number of bundles per truck was 63.

STORAGE AND SEASONING Reduction in moisture content levels of forest biomass can improve both transportation costs and the energy value of the material. Drying of the residue bundles can effectively take place both in the forest or at a storage yard. Bundles stored in a storage yard seem to dry

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FOREST RESIDUE Forwarder extracting bundles

significantly better than those stored in the forest. In a study, it was possible for bundles in a yard to reach < 30% moisture content during the period of March to August, which is the period typically with the best climatic conditions for drying, so results will likely vary for bundles stored at other times. Bundles stored in a forest can reach < 40% moisture content, however improved drying to < 30% is possible by covering the top of the stacks to reduce water absorption from rain. Bundles stored at the terminal also have less variation in moisture content at the end of the storage period than

woodfuel to evaluate, as high chlorine content corrodes boilers during combustion at temperatures above 480 °C. Chlorine values have been observed as being between <0.01 to 0.04%, which is the typical European norm. It should be noted that the fuel produced from the bundles is a hog-fuel, which is more irregular than wood chip, and is not suitable for wood chip boilers. Hog-fuel is used in industrial sized boilers that can handle large particle sizes.

The overall key indicative characterisation of the supply chain is described in the estimates in table 1.

“It is estimated that the amount of biomass available from residue bundling is in the region of 42 oven dry tonnes per net productive hectare” the stacks in the forest. It is thought that because the stacks in the Table 1: Characterisation of key values in the residue forest are in direct contact with the ground, they may absorb ground bundling supply chain moisture and rain runoff, whereas terminal stacks can be raised from the ground, or positioned on a hard surface. Using logs under the stacks in the forest may promote better, more even drying. In addition, the forest micro-climate may differ to that of an industrial terminal.

CHARACTERISATION OF THE FUEL The energy content of a bundle in Ireland is in the region of 0.9 MWh at a moisture content of 50%. In Finland, bundles are produced to a length of 3 m, whereas in Ireland, the bundles are made to approximately 2.5 m in length, in order to maintain the structural integrity of the bundles (longer bundles can fall apart). The reason the 3 m-length bundles are practical in Finland may be related to a larger top diameter specification for pulp logs (8 cm), which allows longer lengths of roundwood to be included in the bundles providing greater stiffness and rigidity.

Even so, it is generally quoted that a bundle in Finland has an energy content of approximately 1 MWh, which is comparable to the Irish experience. The diameter of a bundle is typically in the region of 75 – 80 cm. The dry mass content of a bundle has been observed to be on average 192 kg.

The fuel quality characteristics from the hog-fuel produced from residue bundles in Ireland are comparable to the European normal standard for conifer logging residues, which are values published in EN ISO 17225-1: 2014. Ash contents can be on average 1.9 %.

Sulphur values are low, so much so that there are difficulties in detecting them. Chlorine content is an important component of

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For more information on the estimates, see Coates et al. 2014, Coates et al. 2013, Neri 2012.

Residue bundling is a supply chain which is mobilising biomass which is usually left in the forest and which needs to be cleared into windrows before replanting.As more private plantations reach clearfell age in the coming years, biomass supply chains such as this may provide a valuable source of indigenous and sustainable energy.

Other applications of bundling may be for clearance under wind farm developments, and plantations damaged by pests and diseases.

For a more extensive explanation on the figures quoted here, see: Coates, E., Kent, T., Horgan, B. and Mockler, N. 2014. Residue bundling – a case study in Ireland. Irish Forestry 71: 76–91.

Coates, E. and Kent, T. 2013. Biomass estimates for mobilising wood for energy using compact residue logs on harvested conifer plantations in Ireland. Proceedings of BIOENERGY 2013 – A Boost for Entire Industry. Jyvaskyla, Finland.

Neri, Francesco (2012). Energy Value of Forest Residue Bundles.

Forest Energy Observer.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

SPECIALISTS IN TIMBER HARVESTING AND EXTRACTION Brophy Timber Services Ltd uses the latest technology, most modern equipment along with skilled and experienced staff to carry out all kinds of Forest operations. We complete all kinds of sites from first thinning right through to Clearfell operations.We like to specialise in more awkward and sensitive sites.

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ecently we have moved to using 8 wheel harvesters. Even though the machines are more expensive both our customers and ourselves have noticed the huge benefits. Better climbing ability and much gentler on soft ground leaving all sites in better condition. At the moment we use Ponsse, John Deere and Silvatec machines in the forest. We also use a specially adapted tracked excavator for digging tracks roads etc. On the same excavator we have a Boughton vh10 winch for winching timber from normally inaccessible areas.

We buy all kinds of Standing Timber. We work for various Sawmills, Investment Companies, Development Companies and Coillte on a contract basis.

The business has expanded rapidly and now carries out all services, small private to large commercial forests.

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Brophy Timber Services Ltd is a family run business with experience in the forestry industry stretching back over thirty years.We incorporate the use of the latest technology to provide an unprecedented service to private forest owners and farmers and value the pride of ownership in the land on which we operate.

For further information visit www.brophytimberservices.ie

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

THORNHILL AND QUINNS SHOW THE WAY FORWARD!

A Miscanthus bale burns in the Grasso Boiler

Patrick Nolan operates the control panel on the Miscanthus powered drier

Having completed the second full season drying grain using 95% big baled Miscanthus (circa 400kg) and 5% heating oil we can now speak with some authority about Miscanthus as a replacement for fossil fuels, writes Paddy O’Toole and David Tyrrell of Quinns of Baltinglass Ltd.

hornhill, is located near Tullow in County Carlow, and it is compliant purposes. It is not even included as eligible for the “three here that Patrick Nolan both dries and stores annually circa crop rule”! Miscanthus is a non controversial and environmentally 40,000 tonnes of grain for Quinns of Baltinglass. During the acceptable form of renewable energy capable of contributing significantly Spring of '17, Crowley Engineering installed a new 50 tonne per to Ireland's renewable energy obligations – which if we do not do hour, Alvan Blanch Drier, in Thornhill and connected it up to the 2.5 something soon, Ireland will be facing hundreds of millions of euros MW Grasso big bale biomass burner installed in 2015. in monetary fines.

This new combination has proved an outstanding success with even With the continuing expansion of Ireland's Dairy Herd and the more heat efficiency being achieved than heretofore. Patrick Nolan also consequential increase in Carbon emissions, an increase in the experimented with some barley straw and concludes that Miscanthus acreage of Miscanthus grown will help to redress this situation. is not just significantly more efficient in heat production but more Every acre of a well established Miscanthus crop sequesters circa importantly is able to maintain consistent high temperatures for 9 tonnes of Carbon underground and 7 tonnes of Carbon from much longer periods of time than barley straw. This is confirmed by overground growth annually and these amounts are significant.

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“Miscanthus is a non controversial and environmentally acceptable form of renewable energy capable of contributing significantly to Ireland's renewable energy obligations” Teagasc results and indeed the manufacturers of the Grasso Burner were also equally impressed with the performance of Miscanthus versus barley or wheaten straw.

Conor Bruton, CPB Electrical, who has installed all three Grasso Burners in Ireland to date, estimates that Miscanthus performs around 25% better than straw with a calorific value ranging from 4-4.5 KW/Kg as compared to 3-3.5KW/Kg for straw. It is also worth noting that Miscanthus in practice produces much less ash and contains half the chlorine content of straw.

Patrick Nolan is growing 45 acres of Miscanthus at Thornhill and yield is averaging 6.5 tonnes at 20% moisture content per acre per year. One acre is producing the equivalent of 2,600 litres of heating oil and at 55cents per litre, one acre of Miscanthus is replacing €1,430 worth of heating oil in monetary terms. The economics of growing Miscanthus in close proximity to a biomass burner are both irrefutable and obvious.

MISCANTHUS HOWEVER HAS GOT A RAW DEAL! Miscanthus is recognised as one of the best crops contributing to wildlife habitats and biodiversity – yet due to some inexplicable "oversight" is not even considered as a “greening” crop for “Glas”

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For Miscanthus to both survive and make a positive contribution to meeting Ireland's obligatory renewable energy targets the following Government initiatives must be taken as a matter of extreme urgency: 1 A clear and meaningful Renewable Heat Incentive Scheme which recognises the potential of Miscanthus, be legislated for without further delay. Procrastination leads to uncertainty and uncertainty leads to stagnation and total inaction.

2 The reintroduction of the Establishment Grant which is vital to encourage the growing of new crops which must be established only in areas where it is going to be used.

3 Strategically located centres of excellence - similar to Thornhill – must be established so as to ensure both sustainability of supply and a guaranteed market for all biomass being produced in that general area.

Quinns of Baltinglass, together with all the pioneering growers, who have shown continuing faith and support in the future of Miscanthus for the last eleven years, are fast running out of patience and it would be a national tragedy if all concerned stakeholders were left out in the doldrums for yet another year!

For further information visit www.quinns.ie

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BROADLEAF STUDY

AN ASSESSMENT OF BROADLEAF GROWERS’ SATISFACTION IN IRELAND

Photo:Andrew Kirwan

The 2012 NFI revealed that over 25% of afforested land in Ireland is broadleaf forest, writes Marie Doyle, Andrew Kirwan and Aine Ni Dhubhain.

by providing relatively higher premiums for broadleaves than for The area of private forest in Ireland has expanded over the past conifers. This resulted in a significant increase in broadleaf planting. three decades. In 1980, the EU made grants available to farmers in Between 1998 and 2016, over 40,000 ha of broadleaf forest were established. Broadleaf planting accounted for 16% of afforestation the west of Ireland to encourage them to afforest land to help diversify farming income. Only land deemed to be marginal for in 1998 and the proportion continued to rise until 2010 when the agriculture was eligible; the most common species planted was figure peaked at 38%. In more recent years, broadleaf planting has accounted for 20% of afforestation.The latest NFI (2012) figures reveal Sitka spruce. In 1989, EU–funded afforestation subsidies were made available throughout Europe to encourage alternative land that 25.8% of afforested land in Ireland is pure broadleaf forest. uses in an effort to reduce overproduction in agriculture. All land There are many issues that impact on the management of private types were eligible and the afforestation of broadleaves was encouraged forests including the small fragmented nature of the holdings and in very many cases, the relative lack of forestry experience of the forest owners. While these particular aspects apply equally to coniferous and broadleaf forests, there are additional issues to be addressed with broadleaf holdings as the silvicultural knowledge required to manage them varies quite significantly from what has become the ‘norm’ i.e. conifer plantations very often dominated

by Sitka spruce. The owners of broadleaf forests now represent a significant proportion of private forest ownership in Ireland.

Many of the broadleaf stands are approaching first thinning stage and now is an opportune time to investigate the owners’ current opinions of their decision to plant broadleaves and whether the experience of thinning their stands has influenced these opinions.

To address these questions 14 broadleaf woodland owners who had completed at least one thinning intervention in their stand(s) were interviewed. All owners also owned coniferous stands. The

Photo: Dr. Ian Short

INTRODUCTION:

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Photo: Dr. Ian Short

BROADLEAF STUDY

interviews were conducted via phone calls and all owners were For all owners the availability of the Woodland Improvement asked the same set of open–ended questions and were allowed to Scheme grant was given as a key motivator in deciding to thin give as detailed a response as they wished. their stands. Aside from that, eight of the owners made the decision to thin their stands following the advice of their forester. The The questions posed were as follows: remaining six owners decided themselves that their forest 1. Why did you choose to plant broadleaves? needed thinning. One owner had a solid fuel business and 2. Did environmental or biodiversity factors influence your thinned his forest to provide himself with saleable firewood. choice of species?

Another had installed a solid fuel burner to heat his newly built 3. Are you satisfied with your species choice? house and this was his impetus for thinning.

4. Why did you choose to thin your forest?

Overall 11 out of the 14 owners described their broadleaf venture 5. Would you describe your broadleaf venture as a success or as a success. One owner singled out the species choice as the failure? Why? reason for this success, citing that ash is probably the most in– 6. If you had the choice again, would you still plant broadleaves? demand hardwood. Four owners specifically referred to the grant

7. Would you advise a friend to plant broadleaves? scheme as a major reason for the success of their broadleaf 8. How would your replies to the above questions differ for your venture. One owner in this group made the comparison between conifer stand? his previous land use, turf cutting, and his current forest venture.

He made the point that there is really no comparison in terms Half of those interviewed indicated that personal reasons, i.e. of financial returns. their values or preferences, were behind their decision to plant broadleaves. As one owner outlined “the finished result had to be decent looking”; another also indicated that the “look” of the forest was the reason why he had planted broadleaves.

A number of owners also indicated that the forest was close to their residences or their extended families’ residences and it would not be desirable for a conifer wood to be adjacent to them. Five of the owners cited environmental or biodiversity concerns as a reason for their species choice and only two explicitly gave financial gain as their primary motivator in choosing to plant broadleaves.

While the majority of owners indicated that they were satisfied with their species choice, those that were dissatisfied gave the poor performance and the high mortality rates among the trees as the reasons for their dissatisfaction.

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Photo:Andrew Kirwan

“An owner indicated ‘there is too much minding in broadleaves’ and how in comparison ‘spruce is foolproof’”

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Three owners described their broadleaf forest venture as a failure. stands. While some level of dissatisfaction is to be expected it does One owner in particular referred to the fact that one third of his appear to contrast with the responses given in relation to conifer oak stand had perished. Another stated “that the oak was a waste stands; all owners were happy with their conifer stands. Broadleaf of time’’. stands are more demanding/exacting than conifers in commercial With regard to planting broadleaves again in the future, the settings; and greater management inputs are required. This may majority (11 out of 14) said they would plant broadleaves again. explain the higher mortality rates experienced. Poor matching of One owner had his heart set on oak; he set out in the beginning species to site could be another factor. to plant a broadleaf species. Another owner was ‘’going to have Whether owners of broadleaf forests continue to be satisfied to live beside this wood’’; it was never an option to plant conifers with their broadleaf woodlands remains to be seen. Several studies on this site as they would not be aesthetically acceptable. Three have revealed that many first rotation broadleaf plantations have owners would not plant broadleaves again and instead would plant what is considered a high proportion of poor quality stems. In conifers. One owner reflected that ‘’conifers would probably have recent research, this has been attributed to a range of factors including been a better choice’’. Another owner indicated that there is ‘’too poor species and provenance choice, poor establishment practice much minding on broadleaves’’ and how in comparison, ‘’spruce as well as climatic and management factors. As broadleaf forests is foolproof’’. The final owner in this subset explained how a 15 mature the influence of these factors may become even greater year premium for oak, whose lifespan ranges far greater than this, and may negatively impact on the satisfaction levels of the owners. “isn’t fair” in terms of financial support.

However, given the relative 'newness' of establishing and managing As to whether the owners would recommend broadleaf planting broadleaf forestry plantations, a learning curve was always going to a friend, nine owners answered yes. However, almost every to be required for policy makers, forest owners, foresters and ‘yes’ was accompanied with a proviso. One owner highlighted contractors. Undoubtedly the experience gained in these early the long–term nature of the investment while another advised years will greatly benefit future practises and will lead to the that the owners’ age should be taken into account when considering establishment of an expanded forest resource that more fully broadleaves. addresses the tenets of sustainable forest management for Ireland.

All those interviewed owned conifer stands. In all cases owners were satisfied with their conifer stand; in all cases the sole purpose of the conifer stands was to provide revenue. The terms ‘’retirement fund’’ or ‘’nest egg’’ were used by four owners in respect of their conifer stand.

Based on this small exploratory study, most owners of broadleaf woodlands seemed satisfied with their decision. The decision to plant broadleaves seemed to reflect a personal species choice which was facilitated by the higher grants and premiums that were available. A small number were not happy and this was associated with the mortality rates they had encountered in their

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Photo:Andrew Kirwan

Photo:Andrew Kirwan

BROADLEAF STUDY

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

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Commercial Feature

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AHWI S700 Stump-grinder

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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. With many tree surgery companies now running tractors and Unimogs the demand for PTO driven stump–grinders is on the increase. The AHWI SF900 unit will work with tractors from 80 to 180 HP making it versatile and an efficient grinder that is tough, reliable and affordable. For tractors up to 300HP the SF1000 is the 900’s bigger brother capable of removing a 2 foot stump in less than a minute.

AHWI SF900 stump-grinder

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

THE COMPLETE RANGE OF PROFESSIONAL WOOD CHIPPERS FOR ARBORISTS AND BIOMASS PRODUCERS Jas P Wilson Forest Machines Ltd have decades of experience selling forestry and firewood machinery from a wide range of quality European manufacturers.

Botex 570 Roof mounted crane feeding TP 270 (PTO).

price and one point of contact to service and maintain the machinery.

Jeffrey Borland, Jas P Wilson’s Irish Sales & Demonstrations Manager is often visiting customers to demonstrate the potential of these machines. Jeffrey has a wide range of PTO machines to offer from compact 4” to large 15” crane fed units and mobile machines between 5”-11”. Jeffrey says, “Customers are always happy to see the combination of good build quality along with the ease of maintenance”. When you add these to the great performance it really is a winning combination.

In recent weeks Jeffrey has had a number of chipper sales across Ireland which serves to highlight the diversity of the TP range.

Marcus of Clonmel is using his 7” TP 175 on a quarry reclamation project. He has planted a selection of native trees. The soil is poor and thin, so he is chipping thinnings and brush wood and Marcus Casey, TP 175 (PTO).

using it to mulch under the trees to help moisture retention and to improve the fertility of the soil. The 175 can run on compact tractors from as little as 40HP, so it’s ideal for narrow access sites, such as this.

Brian Watters, TP 215 (MOBILE).

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longside this they are celebrating 20 years of designing and manufacturing their range of Botex forestry trailers and cranes from their factory in South West Scotland.

Wilson’s have often received customer enquiries to mount their range of Botex cranes directly on a variety of high performance wood chippers or to provide a roof mounted Botex crane fitted to a Valtra tractor, this is an ideal solution for feeding a chipper from the safety and comfort of the cab.

The experience gained when working with customers for their wood chipper requirements proved invaluable when they were approached just over a year ago to become the sole supplier of Danish manufactured TP chippers. Wilson’s had been part of a network of suppliers in the UK & Ireland and knew straight away that the quality product was something that could be taken to a new level by a more focussed sales structure, machine stock & parts holding. All TP chippers are capable of producing biomass quality chip, so these machines fitted perfectly around Wilson’s other products. Sales in the past year have seen a great boost and they look forward to seeing a continued upward growth over the next few years.

When considering a crane fed PTO chipper Wilson’s are the obvious choice. The ability to purchase a complete wood chipper and crane solution from one supplier creates a very competitive

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Brian of Castleblaney and Monaghan Hire taking delivery of a new TP 8.5”215 Mobile chipper.

This is their second machine as they also have taken delivery of a 7” TP 175 Mobile. The TP 175 is a popular hire machine as it is sub-750KG, allowing for road towing with standard car licence.

Pat McCann, TP 275 (MOBILE).

Pat will be using his new TP 275 with turntable in his tree surgery business which covers the city and county of Cork. The TP 275 is a highly capable 11” chipper perfect for tree care companies and arborists who need a reliable and efficient wood chipper in their daily work.

If you would like to discuss your chipper requirements, please enquire today for full details! Visit us at www.jaspwilson.co.uk

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WILDFIRE

WILDFIRE CONCERNS A thorough knowledge of fire and its influence on vegetation under different conditions is essential to carry out necessary prescribed burning. John Casey,Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, Mallow, reports.

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Prescribed burning demo in conjunction with the Forest Service, Cork Fire Service & IFA, November 2014

eagasc shares the widespread concern regarding the spate of “Wildfires” across the state in the last number of months and their impact in terms of the danger posed and the negative effect on tourism, the wider economy and the environment. It is recognised that Wildfires consume more than “just” forests and bogland. They damage our lands, our farm infrastructure and our grazing potential. They threaten the safety of our most delicate ecosystems and habitats, and the flora and fauna that live in them.

Fires destroy investments in forestry that are earmarked as future raw materials, pension and college funds, future timber exports, economic potential and jobs. Uncontrolled fires directly threaten the homes and safety of communities who live in fire prone areas, and can potentially rob our communities of vital emergency service response capabilities.

“Wildfire” is any uncontrolled fire in combustible vegetation that occurs in the countryside, whether or not it is within the permitted burning period from the 1st September to the 28th February, under the Wildlife Act 1976 & the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000. In contrast, the term prescribed or controlled burning is used to describe the planned and deliberate use of fire which Teagasc recognises as a potentially positive land management tool.

Changes in agricultural practice and demographics in upland areas have resulted in less intensive grazing regimes, greater fuel accumulation and increased

frequency and severity of wildfire incidence.There is a strong need to bring upland areas back into active & productive management, which balances agricultural objectives with conservation and habitat management objectives in a sustainable manner.

Fire has been used for centuries to effect desired changes in vegetation conditions; enabling rapid removal of unwanted, dead or older, less productive vegetation from land, and creating favourable conditions for new growth for pasture or game cover.

Fire is a powerful tool and, with the right application, prescribed fire can enable rapid and cost effective treatment of unwanted vegetation; but it is recognised that fire needs to be used with skill and understanding if it is not to do more harm than good. Ultimately, the benefits of burning to the land must justify the effort and level of risk involved.

Teagasc promotes the use of prescribed fire as best burning practice at our relevant events. Prescribed burning can be defined as the controlled application of fire to a predetermined area, at a specified time of day and season, and under specified weather and fuel conditions, so as to ensure that the intensity, rate of spread and

CROWN FUELS:

FOLIAGE BRANCHES

SURFACE FUELS:

LITTER GRASS SHRUBS SEEDLINGS DEAD BRANCHES

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LADDER FUELS:

LOW BRANCHES BIG SHRUBS LICHEN

GROUND FUELS: DUFF ROOTS PEAT

Controlled burn in January

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WILDFIRE extent of spread of the fire meet planned land management and treatment objectives, and comply with the prevailing legal, environmental and social constraints. In implementing prescribed burning operations, the aim is to ensure that careful planning and preparation results in specific treatment objectives being achieved, without causing wildfire outbreaks that may put lives and property at risk.

To this end, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has produced a Code of Practice for Prescribed Burning, to assist land managers in the safe use of fire http://www.teagasc.ie/forestry/docs/advice/CofPPrescribe dBurningFinal90212.pdf Further fire–related information, including an outline of Forest Service Forest Fire Risk Warning System can be accessed at http://www.teagasc.ie/forestry/advice/wildfires.asp We encourage all of our farmer clients wishing to use fire as part of their land management activity to consult this guide. Teagasc strongly advises landowners to seek National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) advice on habitat and conservation issues during the planning phase and to notify the Fire Service of the intention to burn on the day of burning. Landowners seeking to burn land Test burn with fire torch at fire training with Cork Fire Service, are frequently reminded that they are obliged by law to notify in October 2016 writing the owners of forestry within one mile of the planned suitable for grazing or cultivation and therefore is not eligible for burn, and similarly notify the Gardaí of their intention to burn, with Direct Payments. The exception to this is where controlled burning notices prominently displayed in our offices. Under the Wildlife is carried out in full compliance with all relevant environmental Acts, it is illegal to burn growing vegetation on land not cultivated legislative requirements and any other lawful requirements, having consulted with and notified the Gardaí and the local fire service. between 1st March and 31st August and persons engaged in such In the case of Natura lands (lands designated as SAC and/or SPA), illegal activity are liable to prosecution. prior approval must be obtained through the Activities Requiring According to the Guide to Land Eligibility Direct Payment Schemes (DAFM, April 2015), where land has been burned, it is not in a state Consent (ARC) system as implemented by NPWS.

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WILDFIRE

Fire damage–open mountain & fenceline

On the 17th of May 2017, the Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, T.D., provided an update on the issue of the recent illegal burning on agricultural and forestry land that has led to the outbreak of serious fires in various counties throughout the country. Commenting on the damage he said that, “Officials in my Department are currently analysing a wide range of satellite imagery to identify land which was burnt illegally during the specified closed season for burning. Historic satellite imagery is also being examined as part of this process.

Agricultural and eligible forestry land identified as burnt illegally as part of this investigation will be deemed ineligible for payment under the 2017 Basic Payment and other area–based schemes.”

The nature, extent and frequency of land burning, and the habitats in which this activity occurs are contentious issues and impact on overall land productivity. Reconciling the differing objectives of

pastures, often dominated by Molinia caerulea (purple moor grass, fionán grass) and Calluna and ericacious heathers is primarily undertaken to improve grazing conditions through the removal of accumulated coarse, dead and woody material from the target vegetation. On heather dominated sites, we advise that the aim of fire should be to reverse the growth phase of heather to encourage the development of new succulent shoots, as well as reducing overall vegetation height and the accumulated fuel load.

Gorse species are problematic for prescribed burning due to their highly flammable and unpredictable nature as fuel, particularly European Gorse. As a fire adapted species, burning stimulates gorse seed to germinate and can result in greater spread of gorse at the expense of more preferred species for grazing or game management.

We recommend that the prescribed burning of extensive areas of gorse should be avoided in the absence of suitable preparation and

“Where land has been burned, it is not in a state suitable for grazing or cultivation and therefore is not eligible for Direct Payments” farming, conservation, public recreation and forestry requires a clear understanding of each of these objectives and respective perceptions. A number of pilot wildfire interagency groups in counties Cork & Kerry have been established since 2012 in order to discuss how the burning of mountain vegetation can be done in a safe way while working within the legislative framework that currently exists. Participants to date include the IFA,Teagasc, the Forest Service, An Garda Síochána, Local Authorities, Fire and Rescue Services, the NPWS and Coillte.There is a very strong emphasis on cooperation between the landowners and state agencies as well as developing a shared understanding of the issues and opportunities to work together.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has led sustained national media fire awareness campaigns and Teagasc continues to promote best practice with regard to fire risk, forestry and the management of land resources in an environmentally sustainable manner, including through the provision of hill management courses.

Since 2012, the Cork Wildfire Co–operative Group (CWCG) have organised prescribed burning training & demonstrations and have conducted bi–annual media campaigns using local papers, posters, radio and meetings as a way of reaching landowners and informing them of the inherent dangers, the increased number of Garda investigations and the legislative frame works that all parties have to work within. Multi–agency fire training/ awareness events have also been held in Kerry, Wicklow, Laois and Louth.

Most land burning practice now relates to extensive pasture management for sheep, and limited upland beef enterprises. Burning of upland

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installation of effective control lines. Ideally, alternative mechanical methods should be used to grub or mulch stands for long term effective control, subject to agreement with NPWS/ DAFM as applicable in designated or REPS areas.

All landowners have a responsibility to conduct land burning activity in a manner which maximises the benefits to their farming enterprise while minimising risks to the land and the communities around them.

Therefore, a thorough knowledge of fire and its influence on vegetation under different conditions is essential to carry out necessary prescribed burning operations effectively and safely.A high degree of cooperation between landowners, and between landowners and other concerned stakeholders is also required to generate greater awareness of the risks to property, risk of fatalities, damage to wildlife, legal constraints and call out charges. Local level fire inter–agency groups can provide a suitable forum for discussion and a platform for improved cooperation, training and knowledge transfer as part of Teagasc’s mission to support sciencebased innovation in the agri–food sector and wider bioeconomy so as to underpin profitability, competitiveness and sustainability.

Kilcrohane fire group

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

SCOTTISH TREE SURGEON SCALES BACK TO FOCUS ON WORK HE ENJOYS Choosing to downsize his successful tree surgeon business, Sandy Crook is freed up to pursue work he is passionate about – building unique furniture and wood products. By Bethany Faubion. too much and it wasn’t enjoyable anymore. So I sold a lot of my equipment and bought sawmills and sharpeners and setters.”

Sandy’s purchase of the brand new Wood-Mizer WM1000 widecutting sawmill was the first of its kind in Scotland. With the WM1000, logs can be sawed in half, into quarters, or into wide slabs directly for special projects. Wood-Mizer’s Scotland agent, Keith Threadgall shares, “Since nobody was doing it in Scotland at the time, he thought it would provide a good service, being able to mill up big large bits of timber.”

Providing efficient and fast big log breakdown offers something new to tree surgeons, builders and woodworkers in his area, but Sandy isn’t just doing it for the financial possibilities. “I’m doing it because I like doing it, and I can take time to learn to do it correctly. So my business is basically going to be an in-house, contract saw miller.And Sandy Crook cutting a log on his WM1000 sawmill for large diameter logs I can be part tree surgeon when I feel like it, and a furniture maker too,” ut me in a harness and a rope and a chainsaw, and I’m at Sandy said with a smile.“A lot of oversized timber just gets turned into home.” Nestled in the rolling green hills west of Edinburgh, firewood and wasted, or just gets burned,” he explains.

Sandy and Fiona take pride in their handmade furniture and beautifully landscaped yard. For 17 years, Sandy ran a successful tree surgeon business called Treeshape.

“I came back from New Zealand in 1999,” Sandy shares, “with nothing at that time, after already having 20 years’ experience. I saw there was an open market for tree surgeons and just went for it, basically because it was new, real competition. I’ve built up my yard, the field, equipment, forestry mulchers, chippers, grinders, stump grinders…but after reaching a certain age, it started to Close up of the bandsaw blade cutting through a wide oak log hurt, and bureaucracy kicked in as well.” He laughs. “It was just

“P

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

DERMOT CASEY TREE CARE LTD. Established in 1972 by Dermot Casey, Dermot Casey Tree Care Ltd. has evolved from modest beginnings to becoming one of Ireland’s largest and most reputable Tree Surgery companies.

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ver the past 40 years, Dermot Casey Tree Care has developed Constantly upgrading their equipment and fleet, Dermot Casey Tree an experienced and highly trained workforce, who delivers Care were the first company in Ireland to introduce insulated platform first class Tree Surgery and Consultancy services throughout equipment for working safely around live power lines and the self– Ireland. They have developed a large client base from long term contracts propelled AHWI RT400 mulching machine which has been used on with ESB and CIE to Local Authorities and domestic customers. major infrastructure operations in the Country over the last decade as Dermot Casey Tree Care take great pride in having the most competent, well as site clearance & land reclamation contracts for the forestry and qualified staff in the industry.As the work is so specialised, it is necessary agricultural sectors. Always keen to work with the most modern for Dermot Casey Tree Care staff to update and refresh their skills on equipment, Dermot Casey Tree Care have invested in purpose built an ongoing basis. forestry tractors, coupled with felling grapples and 20” self propelled Staff are trained to the highest arboricultural and safety standards chippers. The use of such equipment can lead to increased production, and use the most current methods and equipment. As the crews work reduce dependency on manual labour, and reduce time on external Nationwide, all certification is checked and monitored by Supervisors services such as Traffic Management. The larger diameter chippers and an In–house training programme for all employees ensures that all also produce a viable source of Biofuel.

“Staff are trained to the highest arboricultural and safety standards and use the most current methods and equipment” skills are up to date at all times. An In–house Safety Officer is also employed by the Company to carry out ongoing audits of crews, equipment checks and safety briefings.

Dermot Casey Tree Care can offer a “start to finish” tree surgery solution, from formative pruning to Section Felling. They provide a complete Tree Surveys Service to a wide range of customers from private domestic homeowners to Local Authorities, State Boards and Commercial Organizations. Landowners have a duty of care to ensure that regular inspections are carried out to assess the condition of their trees. They carry out Tree Surveys on development sites to the required standards as outlined in BS 5837: 2012 Trees in relation to Design, Demolition and Construction.

Forestry and Tree Surgery by their nature are inherently dangerous industries, and due to this Dermot Casey Tree Care are 100% committed to reducing any risk by the implementation of an active Health & Safety programme. This can take the form of Site Specific Method Statements,Traffic Management Plans or Staff Training.

As part of their continuous improvement, Dermot Casey Tree Care has become one of the first Forestry/Tree Surgery companies in Ireland to achieve the ISO 9001, 14001 & 18001 standard.

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Dermot Casey Tree Care also carries out works as part of ESB Networks Line Vegetation management programme. Experience and accreditations developed with in this sector has enabled them to carry out work in close proximity to overhead networks with a greater degree of safety and confidence. These skills are now transferable into both the commercial and domestic sector.

As part of their continued expansion and development, Dermot Casey Tree Care have expanded into Timber Harvesting, comprising of Corridor Expansion in Esb Networks to thinning and clearfell sites for both private and semi state companies. This investment in training, staff and equipment now leaves Dermot Casey Tree Care well equipped to cater to the expanding private forestry sector. Dermot Casey Tree Care deems environmental protection as a fundamental part of its business and is fully committed to the prevention of pollution and reduction of its carbon footprint. Dermot Casey Tree Care, conducts all its working activities in an energy efficient and environmentally responsible manner and are fully compliant with all applicable legal requirements.

For More Information visit www.dermotcaseytreecare.ie or contact us by telephone 022–55000 or by email at treecare@dermotcasey.com

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HERITAGE WOODLAND MANAGEMENT

PROTECTING IRELAND’S PREMIER NATIONAL PARK Naturally regenerating the oak woodland in Killarney National Park & the challenges presented, by Conor Scully, Waterford Institute of Technology.

A winter view of the oak woodlands by the Upper Lake and infestation of rhododendron (credit: Conor Scully)

BACKGROUND TO KILLARNEY NATIONAL PARK Killarney National Park is Ireland’s premier national park. It was the first of Ireland’s six National Parks and it remains the most popular, attracting an estimated 1.5 million visitors a year. It now has a total area of 10,289 hectares of which over 2,000 hectares are made up of woodlands.The park also boasts the world famous lakes of Killarney: Lough Leane, Muckross Lake and The Upper Lake.

The park has a wide range of habitats of high conservation importance which include lakes, rivers, streams, blanket bog and native woodlands.

It was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1982. It also has a number of Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Special Protection Areas (SPAs).The Park is managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) of the Department of the Environment, Heritage and Local Government (DEHLG).The National Park has many plants and animals which are rare in Ireland and Europe. Some of these species, because they are scarce or threatened, are protected under Irish and European law. However, whilst wild animals and plants are of great importance to the local biodiversity, they can also pose a large threat when numbers reach a critical and invasive level.

THE OAK WOODLANDS IN KILLARNEY The park contains several rare and important woodlands such as the yew woods, and the wet woodland, or alder carr, but is best known for the oak woods which are the largest remaining examples of ancient woodlands in the south west of Ireland. Oak trees have long been held in high esteem due to their large size and longevity,

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and the strength and durability of the timber, making it the most economically valuable among European trees. Oaks also produce large quantities of acorns that have been used as feed for livestock and are rich in tannins, which were used in the preparation of leather.The woods of the park have remained intact but have not escaped human impact. Large scale felling and harvesting has taken place over the years to a large portion of that area, but it was never totally cleared away. Some contributors to deforestation included the high demand for raw material in the construction and ship building industries.The making of charcoal for the local iron works had by far the largest impact on the woodland stock. It is estimated that up to 600 large oak trees were used per year in the Killarney area to fuel the smelting process.The woods remaining in the park are a reminder of how Ireland would have looked if still covered in ancient forests.

Today the oak woods are in relatively good health. Derrycunihy Wood is perhaps the most natural sessile oak (Quercus petraea) wood in Ireland. Most of the woods are on low lying slopes of the valley, typically dominated by sessile oak, which favours the acidic soils of the sandstone mountains. The productivity of the woods is low due to natural factors such as over grazing and the fact that oak is a very demanding tree in terms of light, exposure and soil characteristics. The health of the woods is good however, the younger established trees are free from disease and should grow and thrive for many more years to come. It is the rate of which regrowth occurs which is a concern, the death of the old growth is not being met with the same rate of natural regeneration.

Oak trees produce a large canopy of foliage which dominates the woodlands and they have a profound influence on other woodland

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HERITAGE WOODLAND MANAGEMENT

An example of the low levels of natural regeneration visible outside the dead brash exclusion zones at Reen, Ross Island. (credit: Conor Scully)

Evidence of successful natural regeneration of birch within the dead brash exclosures.

Reen, Ross island (credit: Conor Scully)

organisms.They provide food, shelter and their roots influence water and nutrients to surrounding plants. The understorey consists of smaller trees and large shrubs such as holly, rowan and silver birch which are protected from the high winds and extreme temperatures.

The woodland is also home to a thriving animal life with singing birds in the spring time and mammals such as the badger taking advantage of the new growth for food and shelter. Today, the park rangers are attempting to encourage the natural regeneration of the old oak woodlands.

An example of deer fencing currently used to exclude browsing animals from the oak woodlands (credit: Conor Scully)

regulations must be adhered to, for example a population count must take place prior to shooting and it generally must take place during the winter rutting season.Any deer shot in the cull must be gralloched in-situ and the carcass must be removed, which can be extremely difficult on high exposed ground. Given these requirements, and the negative publicity around the culling of deer, it is hard to carry out an extensive cull to the level that is needed.

INVASIVE SPECIES MANAGEMENT Not only do animals have an effect on the natural regeneration of

CONDITIONS FOR NATURAL REGENERATION the woodlands, but so too can the plants. In particular rhododendron Natural regeneration is the process by which woodlands are restocked by trees that develop from seeds that fall and germinate on the forest floor. If undisturbed by external factors, they often grow at a fast rate due to the ideal site conditions. Natural regeneration ensures that the oak woodland remains healthy and continues to function as an important habitat and much visited amenity into the future.

Some of the challenges being faced in the park are that the population of wild goats and deer has reached such a level that most of the park is now overpopulated and the oak woods are heavily browsed. Also, rhododendron (Rhododendron ponticum) is an invasive species in the park, forming a dense understorey under the oak, preventing acorn germination and seedling development. Both grazing animals

and the control of it, has become a priority management objective of the park staff. Rhododendron was introduced in the park gardens in the late 18th century for its ornamental value, as well as cover for game birds. It spreads by wind dispersed seed and thrives in Killarney’s mild climate and acidic soils. Since its introduction it has spread rapidly within the park due to the perfect soil and climate conditions present. For example,Torc Mountain in the summer time is nearly covered in purple flowering rhododendron. While pleasing to the eye it poses a significant threat to native plant and animal life.

This is where management priorities come into action. Most of the woodlands around Muckross House are plantation forestry, meaning that they require less management focus than the outcrops of old

“Natural regeneration ensures that the oak woodland remains healthy and continues to function as an important habitat and much visited amenity into the future” Oak woodlands and bog land higher up on the hills. In total, 2270 and invasive plants prevent oak regeneration and along with the inevitable eventual death of the existing aging oak trees, forebodes hectares are currently under active management, while 819 hectares are managed less intensely, due to funding and time constraints. In a bleak future for the remaining natural oak woodland. actively managed areas extensive clearing takes place, so that these DEER POPULATION MANAGEMENT areas are almost completely free of any rhododendron regrowth, thanks The population of red deer within the park is estimated to be between to the efforts of both volunteers and contractors.The chemical treatment 800 and 1000 animals.There are also approximately 900 to 1100 Sika method has been very effective, with successful results seen over the deer in the park. Staff aim to reduce browsing damage to the oak seedlings last few years.This involves the penetration of the bark and cambium using methods such as culling and exclosure zones. Exclosure zones of the base of the rhododendron plant. For larger stemmed plants a chainsaw or electric drill is used and for the smaller ones a simple are fenced off areas that exclude browsing animals, allowing the hatchet is used to break the bark. Once the bark is broken, a 2% to young saplings to grow uninterrupted, until they reach a height which is out of the animals’ reach. Exclosure zones have been erected 14% solution of glyphosate herbicide is sprayed on the cut.The in the park over the last 20 years, by the work of conservation rangers. solution concentration increases with plant size.

This has had good results with evident regrowth of oak, birch and mountain ash. However, given the current age of the fences many MANAGING FOR DEER AND are now slowly deteriorating, or have even collapsed in some cases. RHODODENDRON Exclosures are not a perfect solution, as browsing animals are further The woodlands of Glena, on the south western shores of Lough Leane concentrated outside the exclosures so have a bigger impact on adjacent are an example of woodlands that were untouched for hundreds of years, resulting in them being a perfect example of how old native areas. oak woods will develop over time. Now however, there is a heavy The practise of deer culling has long taken place in the park by staff, in order to reduce herd numbers to a healthy level.The red deer infestation of rhododendron within the woodlands, some of which is population living in the National Park and adjoining lands is the only up to 80 years of age. It has never been managed or treated on a large indigenous wild herd in the country.They live alongside the Japanese scale due to several factors such as accessibility, cost and the need for continuous management over 30 years in order to prevent seed dispersal Sika deer. In order for culls to take place however various laws and

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HERITAGE WOODLAND MANAGEMENT

Young Sika Deer using the early summer growth for shelter (Credit: Lena Schneider)

from young regrowth. Instead there have been valiant efforts from conservation rangers, and volunteer groups to try and clear plots for some form of natural regeneration to occur.

The development of exclosures in the wood is well underway.The rangers and volunteers have so far treated an area of roughly 300 square metres, lying along the shoreline of the lake.The plan is to let the process of chemical stem treatment take place, killing the infestation as it stands leading to its natural breakdown. Once fully killed the area can be easily cleared of the dead brash, thus opening up the forest floor to natural light which it has lacked for 80 years.

While this process takes place, an exclosure zone can be erected around the plot area to exclude deer from browsing any germinating oak seedlings.The fencing will consist of the galvanised metal type commonly found on construction sites. It is easily transported in separate panels and can be put in place temporarily. Once regeneration is established the fencing can then be moved on to another plot area to repeat the process. This new idea for exclosure zones was badly needed as the previous style of wire fencing and wooden posts was initially successful, but over the years they rot and collapse allowing deer and goats back in to graze freely. Once erected the site will need to be continually monitored and cleared of any regrowth of rhododendron in order for work to be effective.All going well, this will hopefully lead to a young oak woodland developing within the exclosure.

Although small in area, it is a start and if the results are successful the process can be used in various other locations in the park.

The initial exclosures built in the 1990’s. It is evident how dead the forest floor is outside compared to within where heather, holly and mountain ash are thriving (credit: Conor Scully)

Another method that was carried out previously, and was largely successful was recycling cut rhododendron stems as brash exclosures.

The largest site where these “dead hedges” were installed was on Reen, Ross Island, an area dominated by Scot’s pine.This low lying, flat site was once covered in large rhododendron until cleared by contractors.The cut stems were then piled over two metres tall around the perimeter of several square shaped plots, in order to keep out animals. Now, after 15 years the plots have largely been successful as there is good regeneration of birch and Scot’s pine inside the exclosures while outside the floor remains clear of any regrowth.

Given the nature of National Parks, they are constantly under scrutiny from the public and officials.There is no quick fix when dealing with and managing natural resources.Tasks like promoting natural regeneration of woodlands can take several years to produce results and the control of invasive species takes extensive research in order to develop successful and environmental friendly methods. While exclosure zones have proved successful they are time consuming and can be difficult to erect on rough terrain. Land management research has found several alternative and successful methods of controlling and managing animals, plants and water quality. Alongside fenced exclosures other methods such as deer tubes or tree guards could be successfully implemented while keeping costs low.These methods are largely used in plantation forestry for protection and have proved effective.There is no reason that they could not be used in a natural woodland.Tree guards can help maintain a controlled grazing level of woodland vegetation while not leading to under grazing which can cause other issues. For example, on some remote islands on the lake, a thick layer of heather develops, due to having no grazing animals around.This smothers the forest floor, blocking out light and preventing light demanding oaks from growing.

A healthy level of grazing could be the right route to go. An optimum balance between the deer grazing and natural regeneration needs to be struck. This will allow the deer population to roam more freely while also promoting succession within the oak woods and maintaining the natural beauty of the park for the public, while the conservation rangers, contractors and volunteers will continue with the control of the rhododendron infestation.

Additional information may be found at: www.killarneynationalpark.ie/ Jim Larner, 1992. The Oakwoods of Killarney. Office of Public Works, Stationery Office.

Red Deer stag in the rutting season during November. Knockreer House (Credit: Conor Scully)

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Conor Scully is a 2nd year student on the Bachelor of Science in Forestry at Waterford Institute of Technology. Conor carried out a fifteen week placement between January and May 2017 in Killarney National Park as part of his programme.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

KEARNEY TRAINING & CONSULTANCY (KTC SAFETY) LTD

€200m funding for Forestry investment from EIB. The European Investment Bank has announced funding of over €200m for forestry related investment in Ireland - the first such investment in 20 years.

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has provided over €15 billion for investment to improve public services and key infrastructure projects.

For more information on these courses or any course we offer contact us on 057-8646619 or info@ktcsafety.ie

t KTC we offer the widest range of Forestry related courses JAPANESE KNOTWEED in Ireland! Certified by City & Guilds NPTC the only Japanese Knotweed is a problematic & invasive species which its certification accepted in the Forestry sector. roots can penetrate walls, foundations, footpaths, roads and has the Courses include: potential to cost millions worth of damage.

• Chainsaw Maintenance & Crosscutting • Polesaw Transport Infrastructure Ireland has unveiled a €5.5m war-chest • Emergency Treework • Static Loader aimed at stopping the spread of Japanese Knotweed on the country’s • Felling up to 150mm • Timber Forwarder national road network alone. If you do find Japanese knotweed, the • Felling up to 380mm • Timber Harvester most important thing that you can do is prevent any further spread • Felling over 380mm • Tree Climbing of the species. Do not strim, cut, flail or chip the plants as tiny fragments • Felling Utility Poles & Aerial Rescue can regenerate new plants and make the problem even more difficult • Operate a Chainsaw from MEWP • Windblown Trees to manage. It is also advised not to dig, move or dump soil which may • Operate a Chainsaw from Rope & Harness • Woodchipper Currently about 11% of Ireland's land mass is covered with forestry, contain plant material as this may contribute to its spread.The knotweed can be controlled successfully through the application of well below the European average.The target outlined in the rural appropriate herbicides by a trained & certified competent person. development plan is to bring that up to 17% in the decade ahead.

The new long-term loan from the EIB will be used to invest in two separate projects.

Firstly, a €90m loan will be used to finance the cost of planting, forest management and forest road construction and maintenance over the next four years. Under the new investment, more than 35,000 hectares will be replanted and more than 1,600 km of forest roads will be constructed and upgraded.The scheme will also improve maintenance of 1,000 km of publically accessible walking routes and mountain bike trails.

The second project will support €112m of new investment in privately owned forests across Ireland by Dasos, a pan-European specialist forestry investment firm. Dasos will consolidate Irish forests into a professionally managed portfolio of around 18,000 hectares and finance crucial upgrades to Ireland's forestry infrastructure and consolidation of its management. It will also strengthen the supply of wood for commercial use.

Andrew Doyle, the Minister of State for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, said the most recent forecast of timber production on the island of Ireland highlights the maturing nature of this industry where much of the State's investment in past decades is now ready to be harvested.

The European Investment Bank is one of the world’s largest financiers for forests and has invested €4.5 billion in forest related projects across Europe and worldwide over the last five years. Since 1973 the EIB

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At KTC we can offer you training and certification in the application of herbicide for the treatment of Japanese Knotweed.

Our course is an intensive 2 day theory & practical course accredited

by City & Guilds NPTC which is globally recognised certification.

The course is broken down into two components: 1. PA1 - Safe use of Pesticides 2. PA6INJ - Operating Hand Held Pesticide Injection Equipment This certification will cover the operator to treat any invasive species that requires stem injection.

CHAINSAW OCCASIONAL USER We are delighted to announce we are now offering a 3 day chainsaw course with assessment for occasional users.This course would be ideal for farmers, landscapers, maintenance works, home users, groundskeepers and so on.

The unit Chainsaw Maintenance & Operations – Occasional User covers the following: Chainsaw Maintenance, Crosscutting, Felling Trees up to 150mm.

This is a great course for people who do not require the next level of felling up to 380mm but want more than just maintenance & crosscutting.

The course is designed for people with minimal chainsaw experience.

On successful completion candidates will receive a City & Guilds NPTC certificate and card.

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MANAGING FARM FORESTS

VALUING THE FAMILY FOREST Forest owners need to take an active approach to forest management. Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, discusses.

Having sole access to a secure Docket box ensures that Martin can track each load leaving his wood.

and yet it is the point at which forestry investors become most interested in privately owned crops. In many productive conifer crops, final harvest can occur within 10-15 yrs. of final premium payment (at 20yrs).

There are several tools and supports available to private forest owners to quantify the potential value of their forest all of which are useful before any decision to harvest or sell forest crop is considered: 1. Employ a qualified forester to assess you forest 2. Join a forest owner group and learn with fellow forest owners about marketing/measuring/valuing timber crops.

3. Talk you your local Teagasc Forestry Development Officer/attend a Teagasc timber measurement course 4. Use existing tools to calculate indicative forest values and timing of harvesting.

• Teagasc FIVE program** (available in consultation with Teagasc Forestry Development officers) **FIVE is a decision-support tool for forestry advisors, using Discounted Cash Flow to model indicative financial returns for a potential forestry land-use option (see figure 1) • Forest Service New Felling Decision tool Figure 1. Estimated Cash flows for 8 ha Sitka spruce (using FIVE)

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6% of forests or 336,000 hectares in the Republic of Ireland is privately owned. There are almost 19,000 individual forest owners of which 4 out of 5 are farmers. While most private forests are less than 30 years old, many are already producing timber.

The National Forest inventory (NFI 2012) found that over 70% of YC 24 grant aided forest was over 11 years of age with over 16% over 20 €203,000 Balance: years of age. Many forest owners are therefore moving on from a Rotation: 33 Years €543 AEV/ ha: stage where having a forest means an annual premium payment to (Annualised Equivalent Value) a point where there is a tangible timber crop with valuable harvests in sight.

Figure 1 presents an example of an indicative FIVE cashflow analysis The majority of conifer plantations are in active growth phase such for 8 hectares of fully stocked productive crop of Sitka spruce under that active sequestration of carbon is a notable feature of Irish forests, normal management.Yield Class is how forest productivity is measured. with forest soils being the most important carbon pool. The forest Thus a Yield Class 24 forest has the potential to increase its volume sector in Ireland, which has an estimated overall value to the economy by 24 cubic metres per hectare each year over its lifetime, which in of €2.3 billion also provides much needed employment in rural this example is assumed to be 33 years. The Annual equivalent value Ireland. The sawmilling industry relies totally on the increasing (AEV) is an indication of the annualised value of timber crop per hectare supply coming from the private forest to feed the timber–-hungry in today’s money in this case is €543 per hectare. Within a single tree mills. National and international investment funds have a renewed species, the AEV figure will vary according to a range of factors including interest in private forests, recognising them as a growing and valuable growth rate, rotation length, management history among others. asset. So the big question is: do private forester owners value their FOREST SERVICE NEW FELLING DECISION TOOL own forests?

This is an online tool hosted by the Forest Service webpage which For those who have only taking a passing interest in their forest; the end of premium payments seems to be a very challenging point estimates yield class and timber revenues for the main conifer species

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MANAGING FARM FORESTS based on assumptions regarding growth models, access, harvestability, timber quality, product recovery, timber price information and stocking.

The tool can be accessed at: www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/ forestservicegeneralinformation/foreststatisticsandmapping/

TAKING CONTROL Carlow man, Martin Flynn took on the management of a 30ha forest from his late father. Planted in 1993 this mainly Sitka Spruce forest has already been thinned twice and is now undergoing a 3rd thinning. Coming from a background of tillage farming, Martin decided to approach the management of his forest as he would any other farm enterprise. He realised that if he was going to take an active role in its management he needed to gain the knowledge to do so. Martin attended countless forest walks, demonstrations and

events. He also attended a timber measurement course run by local Forestry Development Officers in Teagasc Portlaoise. He is an active member of the Laois Forest Owner group, a group initiated by Teagasc which aims to allow Forest owners increase their knowledge by peer to peer learning and also coordinate the marketing of their timber.

While Martin doesn’t pretend to be a qualified forester; forestry events and courses have given him the confidence to ‘take ownership’ of his forest. This basic knowledge has allowed him to take basic measurements to estimate stocking rate, average tree diameter and timber stack measurement; each of which are essential in order to plan for thinning but also to monitor harvesting while it is taking place.

To some, 1993 doesn’t seem long ago and yet Martin’s forest will be due its final harvest within the next 5–10 years. Martin is of the strong opinion that forest owners need to take an active approach

“He realised that if he was going to take an active role in its management he needed to gain the knowledge to do so”

Martin measures average diameter at breast height (DBH) before and after each thinning operation.

to forest management. He urges farmers to look critically at land use on their farm. He sees forestry as a very valuable enterprise going far beyond the initial annual premiums. In fact Martin began harvesting at year 17; 3 years before the premiums finished. His second thinning followed in 4 years later in 2015.Martin is on site during each harvest; monitoring progress; checking that the agreed thinning intensity is reached and that average tree size increases after each thinning; all which can be done with a simple measuring tape. For those who look for information regarding the future of their existing or proposed forest enterprise help is available. A good starting point is to contact your local Teagasc Forestry Development Officer.

To find your local Forestry Development Officer see: https://www.teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/staff/

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

OAKLEAF FORESTRY An upgraded fleet of machines and a market where we’re seeing increasing demand for reliable, lightweight, flexible machines for low impact forestry. Vimek is in the right place at the right time.

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Thinning maximises returns.The aim of thinning is to maximise the akleaf Forestry supply low impact harvesting and extraction machinery to allow smaller scale woodland management to be financial return from a forest property in the long run.Vimek’s thinning concept involves doing just that, in a high-quality way. Thinning using both more environmentally friendly and profitable. When Vimek machines is efficient yet kind to the forest as well. These working on smaller woodlands, Landowners and Contractors had been factors combined increase the value of the timber during final using larger machines which often were too big and too heavy for the felling. ground they were working on. Thinning is a vital management tool required to ensure that the forest realises its full potential future value and Vimek is a strong brand representing outstanding Swedish quality.

The company’s five series-manufactured machines are developed also provides the landowner with an income and small diameter round and assembled in house. These machines have to suit a broad wood for the firewood and biomass market.

Low impact forestry provides the foundation for good returns for every customer group making stringent demands in terms of reliability and forest owner, regardless of how many hectares they own.The aim of every functionality.

“Our machines have gone from being the obvious choice among action is to ensure that the forest thrives and Vimek’s machines are private forest owners to being in demand among professional designed for precisely this, carefully making sure that the best trees are left in place and minimising damage to trees and land during thinning, for contractors as well,” explains Fredrik Lundberg, CEO of Vimek. “This makes different demands of our machines and our ambition to example.

Vimek’s New 404 SE harvester moves carefully between the stems.This construct machines to fit in with the requirements of the entire customer group.” machine is just 1.8 m wide and has a unique double steering function

“Vimek machines are modular so that every customer can combine different elements to make a machine that suits their needs perfectly” that gives it a turning angle of up to 80 degrees.This allows it to proceed without wide strip roads, which increase the risk of wind-blow and snow damage, for example.This flexible, lightweight machine gives the operator the best chance of selecting the right trees and minimising damage along the strip road.

The stems collected are loaded onto the Vimek 610 SE forwarder, which efficiently transports the timber to the collection point.

Although the forwarder can carry a load of 5000 kg, which is more than the weight of the machine itself, like the harvester, it has extremely low ground pressure. It reduces the risk of damage to the vital root system of remaining stems.

The fact that these machines have also been developed to be fuelefficient is gentle on both the environment and the finances. The latest generation of Vimek machines have been equipped with Electronic Travel Drive, which ensures that the diesel engine runs at the lowest rev range possible to ensure minimal fuel consumption.

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Vimek machines are modular so that every customer can combine different elements to make a machine that suits their needs perfectly.

They may not look that much, but these are modern machines that meet market requirements in terms of both functions and environmental considerations. Our aim is to produce efficient forestry machines that are easy to operate and won’t destroy trees and vital root systems wherever they go. “Maintaining the simplicity of the instrument panel presents us with something of a challenge as more and more stringent demands are made of measurability, given the work forestry machines have to do,” says Johannes Nilsson, product manager at Vimek. “We’ve made a few adjustments to the cab design in the new generation of machines in order to make space for the modern functions that we want to include and that customer’s demand, while also keeping things as simple as possible for the operator.”

Contact Oakleaf Forestry for more information. Visit www.oakleafforestry.com

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

ROBINSON DISTRIBUTION LTD Established in Portarlington, Ireland in 2004, Robinson Distribution Ltd. has continuously expanded and developed into a market leading trailer and crane manufacturer, supplying an ever growing customer base in the transport and forestry sector across Ireland, the UK and mainland Europe.

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 Robinson manufactures a wide range of trailers and cranes, all machinery.Throughout its history, Robinson’s has been an innovative designed to meet the specific needs of our customers, with company with continuous research and development being at the specifications across three main categories including; core of the business. Our track record of trailer and crane design and On Road Trailers: Bulk Tipper Trailers, Platform Trailers, Container Trailers manufacture provides us with a strong competitive advantage in terms of Timber Trailers: Centre Axle Drawbar Trailers, Semi–Trailers, Super new product development. All our trailers and cranes are designed and Structures, Turntable Trailers customised by our team of experienced engineers. Each product is Cranes: The company also supplies, custom manufactures and fits manufactured to meet the specific needs of the operator which is backed cranes, including brands such as Robinson, Loglift, Kesla, Liv. up by our strict quality procedures. Our attention to detail enables us to Our new timber cranes are now operating out in the Irish forestry build a product that will simply outlast others with superior strength industry with very positive feedback from our customers. We and durability. manufacture two models of crane to choose from, a 9 tonne and Our success has been built on an ethos of serving our customers a 12 tonne. These both come in a single and double extension with quality transport solutions, efficiency, and reliability and also model. Our cranes have the highest quality finish with investments by ensuring there is a complete focus on customer satisfaction at in our own forms for castings in Scandinavia, Swedish Steel, Parker the core of everything we do.

Hydraulics, Indexator Rotators and Links, Tamtron and Maxi Cap Weighting Systems and high power LED working lights. The high FACILITIES & COMPETENCIES With ongoing investment, research and development; the company standard of finish extends to the main components as they are blasted, primed and painted which presents a huge advantage over competing has continuously developed a modern manufacturing facility designed to manage the expectations of today’s transport sector. products. Robinson also supply their own grapple with its crane. This Our state of the art production plant is one of the most modern is a Robinson 42 Grapple which has a gripping area of 0.42m2. trailer manufacturing facilities in Ireland.

Robinson’s also manufacture their own Robinson One Piece Timber

“Our state of the art production plant is one of the most modern trailer manufacturing facilities in Ireland” 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 scott@robinsondistribution.ie You can visit our website on www.robinsondistribution.ie

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

PRODUCT NEWS

THE T-WINCH T-Winch from Ecoforst represents a revolution in steep slope working for all forms of wheeled and tracked machinery.

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he T-Winch is an automatic traction assistance winch that can assist all forms of equipment to work safely on any sloping ground. The T-Winch detects the applied force on the winch cable and adjusts the winch power to ensure optimum assisted vehicle stability and traction. The T-Winch also utilises 3 unique braking systems to hold the attached vehicle securely onto the slope during upward and downward slope movement.

T-Winch 10.1 is powered by a 107KW Iveco diesel engine which in turn drives a twin pump hydraulic system. The hydraulic system in the T-Winch is a closed circuit system with variable displacement pumps and motors working at 420bar controlled by a PLC which allows instantaneous adjustment to load demands from the winch system.

The winch systems utilises full engine hydraulic braking combined with a 6 calliper circumferential disc brake on the cable drum followed THE USE OF THE T-WINCH HAS THE by and emergency mechanical differential lock up brake on drum FOLLOWING BENEFITS: drive. These 3 systems of winch drum control and load holding - Increased safe slope angle and terrain work-ability of standard equipment provide unsurpassed slope safety for the supported attached - Improved stability and increased work rate and overall productivity machine or vehicle.

- Reduced strain and damaged to assisted vehicle drive train T-Winch is mounted and a tracked undercarriage that is specifically - Reduced fuel consumption designed to work in challenging forestry conditions with special - Reduced environmental damage slope work track pads and extra track chain rollers the drive line - Reduced operator fatigue provides a tracking effort of 55KN and has tracking speed up to 4.5km/h.

The compact design and heavy duty construction of the T-Winch T-Winch is produced by Ecoforst an Austrian company that was combined with its high performance forestry undercarriage and founded to design and develop innovative equipment for forestry

“The compact design and heavy duty construction of the T-Winch combined with its high performance forestry undercarriage and impressive front mounted bulldozer blade allows the T-Winch to access areas that other machines cannot attempt” impressive front mounted bulldozer blade allows the T-Winch to applications. The background of the key team members in Ecoforst access areas that other machines cannot attempt. The proportional are all from a forestry contracting background therefore the equipment remote controlled tracking system allows the operator to achieve has been designed with significant knowledge and experience and the optimum positioning and site setup for the T-Winch. The addition true actual application requirements of an auxiliary logging winch allows the T winch to be a truly universal Not only is the application of the traction winch a considerable additional resource in any forestry contracting operation. cost saving for equipment owners because of the verifiable T-Winch model 10.1 provides 80KN of pulling force and therefore reduction of fuel consumption, but the use of T-WINCH also over 80 KN of tractive assistance. The main winch contains 500m of represents an environmentally-conscious approach in the field of 18.5mm diameter cable with minimum braking strain of 369KN. timber harvesting.

The cable is feed through a unique auto spooling system that For further information contact Bioequipment Ltd ensures optimum cable tension at all times during operation. The on Tel: 01685810148, winch cable is passed through the auto spooling system which is Email: info@bioequipmentltd.co.uk or visit mounted within the front bulldozer blade of the T-Winch. the website www.bioequipmentltd.co.uk

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

HOME HEATING MADE SIMPLE

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eating the home is one of the critical concerns for every household, especially those with children or the elderly.

In recent years fuel prices have reduced for an interim period making it less of a strain on the budget but are likely to increase in the not too distant future. Electricity is also under an ever growing demand from new technology and harder to generate enough of a supply using environmentally friendly methods alone.

With a range of home heating options available that all largely require electricity, refined / produced fuel or operate inefficiently contributing to global warming and pollution, end users can be forgiven for feeling they cannot do right for doing wrong and can find themselves stuck in a rut with their heating bill.

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The Ecco Stove hybrid masonry heater fills this niche by offering a simple to install wood or solid fuel fired heater that conforms to all current UK certification and has also passed the 2022 European design standards for efficiency.

Silicon Carbide is increasingly being used in a range of technologies due to its superior properties over traditional materials. The use of Silicon Carbide in woodfired masonry heaters is exclusive to the Ecco Stove range.

Combining both masonry heater and high efficiency stove technology, the Ecco stove provides a constant or intermittent heat source that generates gentle heat waves through the home, room to room via natural convection generated by the unique properties of the Silicon Carbide (mineral) body.

This method of heating is suitable for both insulated and uninsulated properties with a single control method and simple batch loading.

Heat is stored for up to 12 hours in the Silicon Carbide body and transferred through 1 – 15 rooms up to a 280m² area (depending on which model is chosen) without the need for radiators, electrical connections or air ducting.

With the highly efficient burn from the combustion chamber the CO emissions are lower than that of a tree decomposing naturally in a forest. As heat can be distributed without pumps the electrical / oil / gas demand on the property is also reduced. As the Ecco Stove can be fuelled with wood, smokeless fuel and briquettes to mention a few the homeowner is in complete control of their heating bill.

You can call, email or visit our team to find out more about how the Ecco Stove can heat your own home on Tel: 01527 857814 or sales@eccostove.com. You can also visit our website www.eccostove.com.

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

NEWS CLEARPOWER WINS SEAI PRODUCT OF THE SHOW AND BEST SERVICES PROVIDER dedicated team at Clearpower, who were genuinely hopeful that our well established Forest to Heat Biomass System had the potential to do very well at these Awards. We were absolutely delighted therefore that in a very competitive field our entry picked up, not only the best Service Category Award, but also the overall top accolade of ‘Product of The Show Award’.”

Clearpower, established in 2002, is one of Ireland’s leading wood bioenergy companies. Its Forest to Heat Biomass system is a fully customisable heating system for commercial customers. To date, the system has been installed for many well-known end users, including IKEA, BSB Sky, Kelly’s Hotel Rosslare, Brooklodge Hotel, Monart Spa, Dublin’s Charlestown Shopping Centre, UCD, NUIG, OPW, Teagasc and the NHS. Ciaran Miller, design manager with Clearpower said,“The company’s USP lies in its very holistic approach and by this, I mean that we design, install, fuel and maintain our systems, working with a Anthony Mulligan, general manager, Clearpower, with Majella Kelleher, head of energy demand management, SEAI client from start to finish and beyond. It gives our clients great confidence to know that they are dealing with the same company he Forest to Heat Biomass system designed, supplied and controlled by Clearpower in Tallaght, Dublin, won the overall throughout the entire process and it helps to guarantee optimum winner of the Product of the Show Awards at the Sustainable Energy performance of both the product and system.”

Authority of Ireland (SEAI) Energy Show at the RDS in April 2017. Clearpower is a corporate partner member of Engineers Clearpower also won the Best Services Provider Award.

Ireland, a member of the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Commenting on their success, Anthony Mulligan, general manager Scheme (WFQA) and accredited to ISO9001, ISO14001 and of Clearpower, said, “I want to compliment our experienced and ISO18001.

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

GET 37% MORE FROM YOUR SAWMILL WITH RIPPER37 BLADES… UK manufacturer, Dakin-Flathers Ltd, celebrates success with a new generation of sawmill blade – Ripper37.

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rom purpose built 24–hour facilities in Yorkshire, England, Dakin–Flathers have combined their 125 years of saw manufacturing experience and developed a premium Sawyer, Jim Birley, of Scottish Wood in Fife says; sawmill blade which lasts 37% longer than the competition.

‘They have given us a consistent and good all round cutting Ripper37 is crafted from high quality, carbon–rich Western European performance, and will last many re–sharpening’s before reaching steel, developed with unique metallurgical properties to deliver the their life–end. We use Ripper37 blades on our two static sawmills on which we cut Scottish grown hardwood logs…’ optimum balance between strength and flexibility.

An extensive digitally controlled quality assurance program, which Thanks to their focus on quality and performance, Dakin–Flathers involves photographic tooth profile checks, set analysis, straightness has grown from being the leading supplier in the UK to one of the 37 testing, hardness testing and microstructural analysis results in a leading suppliers in the world, exporting Ripper sawmill blades to over 100 countries worldwide with an unrivalled reputation for blade that cuts straighter, has harder, longer lasting teeth producing quality and performance.

37 one of the most superior blades on the market. In short, Ripper delivers...

To discover the full benefits of Ripper37 sawmill blades visit • 37% greater durability than its leading rivals www.dakin–flathers.com for more information.

• Up to 100% more re–grinds • Unparalleled “out–of–the–box” performance Dakin–Flathers Ltd, Boothroyds Way, Green Lane Industrial • Minimal waste and maximum cutting power Estate, Featherstone, WF7 6RA, England • Reduced production costs and more profit for you and your T: +44 (0) 1977 705 600 F: +44 (0) 1977 705 700 Email: sales@dakin–flathers.com company Web: www.dakin–flathers.com • Improved quality of finish on the sawn timber

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FORESTRY & ENERGY REVIEW

PRODUCT NEWS OAKLEAF FORESTRY: HYPRO 450XL

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he National Trust in the Lake District has recently taken delivery of their first Hypro 450XL from Oakleaf Forestry.

This high powered processor can handle trees up to 18” / 45cm in diameter and comes equipped with a 6m double extension crane, 50m radio controlled winch, digital measuring system and a load sensing hydraulic system.

Head Forester, Martin Thwaites said, “Having looked at what options there were to increase our productivity and at the same time reduce the amount of time spent on thinning operations, the Hypro 450XL has delivered our expectations. The build quality is excellent and the performance is impressive. The Hypro will help us deliver more woodland management around the Lake District woodland portfolio.”

The machine is very easily mounted and requires no modification to the tractor so it allows the team to move it between sites and use on the different tractors at each location as and when required.

The operators were surprised at how quickly they got used to the machine controls and can see straight away how much faster and easier the Hypro makes thinning work.

For more information on the Hypro range see www.oakleafforestry.com

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COMMERCIAL FEATURE

NEW! LOGOSOL BAND 751 T

he Saw Doctor Business is proudly Launching Logosol's New Band Sawmill the 'Band 751' at this year’s National Ploughing Championship. Come and experience Swedish engineering at it best!

Logosol has developed chain sawmills for almost three decades.

After several years of selling other manufacturers’ band sawmills, Logosol have now taken the next step and introduced their own band sawmill, which focuses on user–friendliness and capacity.

THE SAWMILL BAND 751 is manufactured in Sweden. In its basic configuration it can saw 4.8 metres. It can manage large diameter logs, up to 75 cm in diameter. Logosol’s own band sawmill is robust and has several well thought-out features that will facilitate when you are working at the sawing site. With fixed sawing measurements, Min. thickness of last board: 24 mm you can easily produce the desired dimensions, quickly and accurately. MOTOR OPTIONS Petrol engine: 13 hp You get a stable and extremely functional sawmill that is best in its Electric motor: 4 kW or 8 kW class when it comes to Milling!

BAND BLADES Type and size: Band length: 3843 mm Width: 33 mm.

The sawmill BAND 751 comes with preassembled sawhead and a detailed user manual. You get started quickly with your production. Band blade speed: 28 m/s BAND WHEELS THIS IS INCLUDED! Band blade, adjustable feet, two log clamps, log Band wheel diameter: 50 cm. supports, toe board, water cooling and adjustable blade guide. Two Maintenance-free wheel bearings years warranty!

Rotational speed: 1000 rpm

READY TO START

TECHNICAL DATA CAPACITY Max. log diameter: 75.1 cm Max. cant width: 60 cm Effective sawing length (standard): 4.8 m

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Come and see the Band 751 sawmill in action at this year’s National Ploughing Championship. Contact Roland Flower 085 1395457 “The Saw Doctor” for more Information or Log on to www.thesawdoctor.ie / www.logosol.ie

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RHI

RENEWABLE HEAT INCENTIVE IN IRELAND The promotion of renewable energy can be a driver of inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and enterprise opportunities in the rural economy. energy sources by 2020. Many people ask us our opinion on RHI and the expected date of commencement: Charles McConalogue put down a parliamentary question and got his response on 13th July:

PARLIAMENTARY QUESTION: CHARLIE McCONALOGUE (Donegal, Fianna Fail) To ask the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources the status of the proposed renewable heat incentive scheme; when he expects the scheme to be finalised; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

DENIS NAUGHTEN: (Roscommon-Galway, Independent) Response 13th July 2017: The introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a commitment in the Energy White Paper and the 2016 Programme for Government and will be the primary support mechanism in the heating sector designed to meet Ireland’s renewable energy obligations.

It is currently envisaged that the implementation of the RHI would assist Ireland in reaching our 12% target in the renewable heating sector by 2020. Provisional data indicates that 6.6% of heat demand DUBLIN, JANUARY 26th, 2017 was derived from renewable sources in 2016. My Department has The Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, undertaken a detailed economic assessment on the design and cost Denis Naughten T.D. today launched the final consultation on a of the RHI for the industrial/commercial sector in Ireland. This Renewable Heat Incentive for Ireland to incentivise industrial and analysis included a range of renewable energy technologies and commercial heat users to switch to greener technologies that produce focused on large commercial and industrial heat users in the nonheat from renewable sources. Inviting the public to provide feedback Emissions Trading System (ETS). The final public consultation process to his Department on the Design Options for the Scheme, Minister on the design and implementation of the new RHI closed in March Naughten said: “This support scheme is aimed at incentivising a 2017 and 119 submissions were reviewed by my Department. All switch from fossil fuel based heating systems to renewable heating submissions to the RHI public consultation have been published solutions, which will help Ireland meet its energy and climate change on the Department's website at: www.dccae.ie. The findings from obligations, simultaneously. The promotion of renewable energy can this public consultation are currently being evaluated to help inform final be a driver of inclusive economic growth, creating jobs and enterprise decisions in relation to the scheme.At this stage, a number of important

“It is currently envisaged that the implementation of the RHI would assist Ireland in reaching our 12% target in the renewable heating sector by 2020” opportunities in the rural economy as outlined in the Action Plan for Rural Development published earlier this week”.

The Minister went on to say "As a rural based T.D., I am fully aware that farmers in the past have explored the potential market opportunities in the bioenergy space, and many have decided not to pursue this avenue until the market was more mature.As a demand side measure, the RHI will aim to give the bioenergy and biomass sector the market in renewable heat production that is needed to encourage farmers to take the next step.

However, for this intervention to be successful it is critical that supply-side policies must be aligned with the demand– side measure that my Department is developing".

Cleaner heat is a part of Ireland's renewable energy policy objective and the introduction of a Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) for Ireland is a commitment in the White Paper on Energy and the Programme for Government. The RHI is designed to accelerate our efforts to meet our 12% target of heat derived from renewable

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factors are still under consideration including overall costs, technologies to be supported and general design. It should be emphasised that the introduction of any scheme would be subject to Government approval and State Aid clearance from the European Commission.

The above is the most recent official response to enquiries made.

We all wait in hope…

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