Teagasc to host spring forest walk in County Cavan
Teagasc Forestry Development Department in association with Department Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM), Forestry Division has organised a forest walk on Saturday, April 15, in Co Cavan starting at 10am.
The 2023-2027 DAFM Forestry Programme, which includes a substantial €1,300m budget to assist landowners to integrate forests into their farm business, encourages diverse types of forests and innovative ways to manage them. The walk will explore the opportunities for forest creation and a forestry advisor from Teagasc, will discuss different forest types in terms of owner’s wishes, management, environmental and practical objectives.
People plant forests many different reasons. These may include timber production, biodiversity, recreation, climate mitigation or the wish to leave a legacy. Forests take many years to mature, gradually delivering more and more ecosystem services, which the owner and their family can experience and enjoy while benefiting their local community.
The forest creation element in the proposed Forestry Programme encompasses 12 ‘Forest Types’. Grant funding will be made available for measures that ensure the successful establishment of new forests, such as planting, plant protection (eg fencing) and maintenance. In addition, an annual premium payment will be made to farmers and landowners.
The walk aims to provide guidance and create discussion among forest owners and landowners who are considering planting. It will allow them to envisage how their woodlands will develop and demonstrate the need to take an active role in forest management to maximise future economic, environmental and social benefits.
The walk will visit different forest types including:
* Native Forests (Forest Type 1) – creating native forests focusing on native tree species to expand Ireland’s native woodland resource and associated biodiversity. The walk will visit mature Oak and Ash woodlands to get a feel and understanding on how these woodland types grow and develop. Their management will be duscussed. * Mixed Conifer High Forests with mainly spruce (Forest Type 12) and Mixed Broadleaf High Forests with mainly Sycamore (Forest Type 7) – supporting sustainable timber production and providing a range of ecosystem services. They will examine species selection, their compatibility and management.