The North East Forestry Group was formed with the support of Teagasc in May 2013.  It is open to forest owners in Meath and Louth who have plantations of 10 years or older. 

Currently in the Meath and Louth area there are 270 privately owned forests, most of which are reasonably small:

1. -7,300 ha in Meath, and;
   

2. -3,400 ha in Louth.
   

The purpose of the Group is to gather forest owners who are approaching the first thinning stage, and with the help of Teagasc there can be a number of benefits:

1. There are economies of scale to be had in the prices of thinnings, building forest roads and transportation.
   

2. Purchasers can see a large amount of material locally, therefore, pay a higher price than small lots.
   

3. Forestry producers can pool knowledge of contractors and thinning procedures, therefore, avoid costly mistakes.
   

4. The North East Forestry Group hopes to provide field days and training.
   

5. We also hope to provide workshops on planning for financial and taxation implications for forest income.

Remember, forestry is a crop like any other,

and although longer growing, does need nurturing to achieve full potential.

North East Forestry Group gratefully acknowledges the support of Teagasc’s Forestry Development Department.(www.teagasc.ie/forestry)