North East Forestry Group
“It’s a wise man who plants trees whose shade he will never sit.”
North East Forestry Group
Navan | Co Meath | Republic of Ireland
Please click here to send us an e-mail.
Established May 2013
Japanese Larch Disease Update
A disease has devastated a plantation of 16,000 trees in Gougange Barra National Forest Park in West Cork. The disease, Sudden Oak Death, is caused by a species of fungus like organism called Phytopthora ramorum.
How to spot the symptoms of Sudden Oak Death:
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dead and partially dying trees dispersed throughout the forest -
depending on the degree of infection, the top of the tree will be turning grey or reddish brown
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possible needle wilt, irregular shoot growth, branch and shoot dieback, weeping resin and/or heavy cone production
The National Park has closed, and Coillte has moved in with harvesting equipment to fell the diseased trees - this could take up to 6 months (with a reopening date of June 2014). The forest will be replanted.
Thankfully, the timber can be used and is being processed in licensed sawmills. The timber will be kept separate and the waste incinerated.
Coillte has tested 29 other sites so far. It was originally found in the Galtee Mountains in 2010 in wild Rhododendron. It resulted in 17 infected sites, which were ultimately felled. This disease spreads rapidly and has also been found in South Tipperary, Wicklow and Kilkenny.
This, along with the more recent Ash Dieback disease (please see the article below) is causing a lot of concern among forestry owners across Ireland. The Department of Agriculture has advised vigilance amongst forestry owners.
Healthy Japanese Larch
Hopefully, these diseases will not affect the new and existing private plantations across Ireland, which are now coming to fruition after many years of waiting and caring for a crop that is truly in harmony with our rural landscape.
News from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Availability of Current Forest Road Scheme
Press Release dated 19 March 2014
‘Tom Hayes, TD..., confirmed today that the terms and conditions of the current Forest Road Scheme will continue to apply to applications financially approved up to and including 30 June 2014, with 31 March 2014 being the deadline for submission of applications under the current Scheme. ...’
Please click below for the full Press Release
Information provided by the Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc
Forest Service Forest Fire Risk Warning System 2014
‘Forest Fire Risk Warnings are issued as circulars periodically during the main wildfire risk season from February through to July. These warnings provide forest owners and managers with advance warning of high risk weather conditions, and permit appropriate readiness and mitigation measures to be taken in advance of fire outbreaks. ...’
Please click the link below for the full details:
Information provided by the Forestry Development Officer, Teagasc
Forest Fire Risk Warning
Condition Yellow - Moderate Hazard Alert
Article written by Bob Gogarty (Committee Member)
Planning a Forest Thinning
Most new enterprises in farming are an adventure, as it was for us when we decided to plant our forestry in 1995. We identified an area of land of approximately 2½ acres that was not good land and obtained advice from Teagasc regarding species, fencing and planting.
Coillte looked after the mounding and planting of trees which were Ash, we did all the fencing.
As it was a small area, we did the maintenance and replacement of plants that did not grow. Our forest grew quite well and we decided to prune our trees, but we gave ourselves a lot of work, as we pruned every tree instead of picking out the good ones and leaving the rest to grow naturally.
In 2012, we obtained a felling licence, from the Department of Agriculture, to thin and high prune our trees - this we did ourselves. We cut out every 7th row to allow machinery access to take out the tree thinnings. We also knocked down all crooked and forked trees from rows that were left. All timber for being removed was cut into 8 foot lengths, our method of taking out was by tractor and buckrake.
Let me outline some of the mistakes we made:
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Too much pruning
By taking out every 7th row when thinning, we were sometimes cutting out a row beside a drain, this left it awkward when taking the timber, as the tractor was inclined to slip into the drain. In some cases, it would be better to leave 7 rows and cut the 8th.
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Tree butts cut too high
If the trees were cut too high from the ground on the paths, and as the tracks of the tractor lowered, the butts would catch the bottom of the tractor.
In outlining some of the mistakes that were made, I hopefully benefit someone that is thinking of planning their forest thinning.
This is why groups like this can be beneficial to everyone. We can consult each other and find out the best methods to manage our forests.
Kevin O’Connell, from Teagasc, has kindly provided the following link, as a few people were interested in hurley ash at the field day at the end of March.
The DVD was ‘produced by the GAA, Teagasc and the Irish Guild of Ash Hurley Makers - 2011’. Please click on the following link and scroll down the Teagasc webpage to view the video:
The Art of Hurley Making - ‘From Ash to Clash’
Please click on the following link for full details:
Ash Dieback Findings
The following is information on Ash Dieback from The Forest Service Website:
http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/ashdiebackchalara/
Ash Dieback Reminder
The disease Ash Dieback, is affecting woodland in Ireland. The disease is not harmful to people or animals, however, it can kill Ash trees.
How to spot the symptoms of Ash Dieback:
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blackening of leaves which will often hang on the tree
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discoloured stems often in a diamond shape where the leaf was attached
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dead branches
To help stop either of the detailed diseases spreading any further:
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Before visiting other places, clean mud and leaves from all footwear, pushchairs, bikes, cars, dogs and horses
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Do not remove branches, leaves or wood from this area
Please contact your nearest Teagasc office to notify them if you do spot any of these signs. Please DO NOT take in specimens to their offices.
The following update (as at 31 March 2016) on Ash Dieback disease confirmed findings in Ireland has been provided by Teagasc:
Forest Certification and Private Forests
‘As production from private forests increases, certification will facilitate market access...
The conference, held on June 30th in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, was launched by Minister of State for Forestry, Andrew Doyle TD and had a capacity audience comprised of private timber growers, forest owner groups, forestry companies, state agencies and timber processors.’
Marie Doyle, of University College Dublin (UCD) Forestry has written a good article on the certification of private forests in Ireland.
Please click on the following link for the full article Forest Certification and Private Forests Article.pdf
Information Updates from Teagasc
The following link is to the Master contract for Timber Sales on the Forestry Development Section of the Teagasc website.
‘A project undertaken by the Irish Timber Growers Association to facilitate and encourage the management of woodlands by providing a template Master Tree Sales Agreement for use by growers in standing timber sales.’:
Other information that will be of benefit to people that intent to harvest can also be found at:
Forestry & Energy Review Magazine
Simply click on the following link to view the electronic edition of the Forestry and Energy Review Magazine Autumn/Winter 2019 from Teagasc’s Forestry Department:
Irish Farmers Journal
Our Group was mentioned in an Irish Farmers’ Journal article by Donal Magner on 22 September, ‘Private Growers and Forest Certification.
Mr Magner reports that the North East Forestry Group and the Forestry Owners Co-operative Society of Cork are taking part in the pilot project for Forest Certification. An update of this will be given at this year’s Annual General Meeting taking place on 20 October in the Teagasc Navan Office (details of which can be found on our ‘Events’ page).
Minister Doyle Launches Timber Forecast & GIS Portal
‘Andrew Doyle, T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine with responsibility for Forestry, today launched the All Ireland Roundwood Production Forecast 2016-2035. A demonstration of the Department’s new GIS Portal, which displays Timber Production Forecast results geographically, was also provided at the launch.....’
Please click on the following link for the full press release dated 19th October 2016:
Minister Doyle Launches Timber Forecast & GIS Portal (19 Oct 2016).pdf
European Investment Bank Press Releases
‘The European Investment Bank and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) have agreed to back a new initiative expected to support €112 million of new investment in privately owned forests across Ireland. ....’
Please click on the following link for the full press release dated 3 February 2017:
European Investment Bank and ISIF confirm multi-million backing.pdf
Minister Doyle Welcomes Initiative to Facilitate Forest Certification
‘Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, T.D., with responsibility for forestry, has welcomed the development of a template for private forest owners to establish certification groups. ....’
Please click on the following link for the full press release dated 28th November 2016:
‘The European Investment Bank today confirmed details for the first EIB support for forestry related investment in Ireland in 20 years. The new €90 million long-term loan from the European Investment Bank will be used to finance the cost of planting, forest management and forest road construction and maintenance by Ireland’s state-owned, commercial forestry company Coillte over the next four years. ....’
Please click on the following link for the full press release dated 3 February 2017:
European Investment Bank confirms €90 million backing for Coillte forest investment.pdf
Forestry Sector Development - COFORD Division
Newsletter Volume 17 Number 1, 2017
The link below is to the latest edition:
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Press Release
1 March 2017
‘Doyle launches pilot Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group’
... “Management of your forest asset enhances your ability to derive a good return. While there are a number of support schemes available from my Department such as the Forest Roads Scheme, my Department is also seeking to assist forest owners in other ways.” ...
Please click on the link below to take you to the full Press Release:
Teagasc Forestry Development Department provides independent advice, training and research. Please click on following link for the latest edition for information on:
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Press Release
17 May 2017
‘Minister Doyle Updates on Burnt Agricultural and Forestry Land
Department Investigating all of the Recent Incidents of Illegal Burning of Land
Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, T.D., today 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. This update follows Minister Doyle’s recent visit to the site of the recent gorse fires in Cloosh Valley...’
Please click on the link below to take you to the full Press Release:
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Forestry Act
We have been passed the following information from Teagasc:
The implementation of the Forestry Act. Site notices must be erected for afforestation and felling. There are new conditions for felling trees and new procedures in applying for a felling licence.
Please click on the following links for information:
Forestry Certification Update and New Website Launch
As a major milestone for the certification project approaches, namely the audit of the woodlands, a training day was held in Navan to prepare the owners for the audits and beyond.
Article written by Des Drew (Committee Member)
The day was run, jointly, by Commercial Forestry Services and UKFCG with attendees from Teagasc, The Forestry Company and The Forest Service. The first part of the day looked at the reports from the pre assessment audits and considered any issues or problems that needed to be discussed and set right for the main audit. There was good interaction and some robust debate. The afternoon session focussed on particular FSC requirements such as lone working rules, use of pesticides and all the information/records to be kept and how best to complete all the information needed.
The highlight of the day was a presentation by Mechteld Schuller, who updated us on the progress of the project and who demonstrated a new website which she developed for rolling out certification across the country in future years. The project itself is ahead of schedule. This certification website is now available to anyone interested in getting their woodland certified and is a fabulous source of general forestry guidance and information. It can be seen at www.groupcertification.ie
Next step is the public consultation and then onto the audit and hopefully certification of our woodlands by April or so.
Do take a look at the website which is a great resource for all woodland owners in our North East Forestry Group and in Ireland.
Calculating a Stand’s Yield Class
‘The concept of yield class is often mentioned by foresters, but not always understood by the layman.
The growth of a tree may be measured in terms of height, diameter, volume or weight, but volume is the most meaningful for management purposes.
Please open the following link for the full article:
https://www.independent.ie/business/farming/calculating-a-stands-yield-class-29078900.html
The following article was written by William Merivale for the independent.ie:
Felling Decision Tool
The Felling Decision Tool provides guidance to forest owners on when to fell their forest to obtain the best return from their forest asset. The tool can be accessed through the following link:
There is an accompanying COFORD Connects Note for guidance Felling Decision Tool - Conifers.
For further details on the Felling Decision Tool, please contacted John Redmond directly by clicking on the following link: John Redmond
FOROWN is a project funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, which is looking at forest owner engagement in the management of their forests. UCD Forestry along with Teagasc, are partners in the project.
As part of this project, Evelyn Stoettner and Aine Ni Dhubhain, from UCD Forestry, are trying to understand how talking and interacting with other owners in a small group influences a forest owner’s opinion on forestry related issues. They have undertaken some social network analysis work with the Knowledge Transfer certification group of the North East Forestry Group. This group have been surveyed on two occasions to determine the forestry related interactions between the group members (i.e. who turns to who to discuss issues) and their opinion on forestry related topics.
The amalgamated results will be available to the group when the study is completed by the end of this year.
Evelyn and Aine very much appreciate the participation of the group members.
FOROWN Project (Irish Private Forest Owners)
UCD (University College Dublin) Forestry
The role of knowledge transfer and social networks.
RDS Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards - Postponed
With a prize fund of €9,000 the awards promote the economic, environmental and social benefits of good forestry and farming. In addition to sharing the prize fund, award winners will also receive specially commissioned trophies and certificates.
There are three main prize categories for the Awards:
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Production Forestry Award -
Teagasc Farm Forestry Award
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Community Woodlands Award
Everyone with woodland is encouraged to enter, as all woodlands, large or small, are of merit.
For more information, please click on the following link: RDS Awards 2019.pdf
Please note: The deadline for submissions was Friday 26 July 2019.
Ash dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus)
Any owner who has Ash as a forest crop, can you please check to see if there are signs or symptoms of Ash Dieback (Hymenoscyphus fraxineus). The following clips will help you in the identification of the disease:
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Please click here for reporting, by e-mail, Ash dieback to the Forest Service.
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Include your name and address and your contract number with your e-mail. Ideally, a photograph of the disease should also be attached to your e-mail.
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The disease can also be reported by phoning 01 607 2651.
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There is also a very good app which can be used, please click on the following link TreeCheck
The following link is to the Forest Service’s website on the disease:
https://www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/treediseases/ashdiebackchalara
Information from our Forestry Development Officer
Teagasc Forestry e-News
‘The Making of a Rye River Seasonal’
Some Spruce tips were used from one of the North East Forest Certification Club member’s forest (Martin Barrett from Athboy) to flavour a new limited edition small batch beer for the Rye River Brewing company based in Celbridge.
Please click on the following link to learn more: Rye River Seasonal
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Forestry
Press Release 21 January 2019
‘Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle, T.D., today announced a public call by his Department for proposals in the area of forestry promotion. The call is encouraging innovative proposals which will highlight the multifunctional benefits of forestry in Ireland over the next two years.’
Doyle announces call for proposals for promotion of forestry in Ireland.
Please click on the following link for the full press release Press Release 21 January 2019.pdf
Please Note: The deadline for submissions of proposals in response to the Call was 1pm on 1 March 2019.
Proposals were to be e-mailed to the Department of Agriculture by 1pm on Friday 1 March 2019 - XXXXXXXXXXXX.
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine - Forestry
New Grants
This Grant is for forest owners who wish to convert their forest to continuous cover over a period of twelve years.
There will be three payments of €750 per hectare, for three separate interventions. The scheme is limited to thirty projects initially.
Please click on the following link for more details Element 2, Woodland Improvement Scheme - Continuous Cover Forestry or contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor.
Element 2, Woodland Improvement Scheme - Continuous Cover Forestry
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Drought)
Circular 05/2019 dated 15 April 2019
‘Ireland was significantly impacted by drought conditions over the summer months of 2018. Replanting of these losses and maintenance of required forestry standards following drought damage presents a significant financial challenge to forest owners and their foresters. For that reason, this Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Drought) is introduced to offer financial support for affected owners and their foresters.’
Please click on the following link for the full circular Circular 05 2019 Reconstitution of Woodland Scheme (Drought).pdf
‘Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle T.D., today announced the opening of the Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group (KTG) Scheme 2019.
Minister Doyle, said, “The Forestry KTG Scheme 2018 was very successful, with positive feedback from the over 600 farmers and forest owners taking part all over the country. I am therefore delighted to open the Scheme again for 2019 and hope to see a similar level of participation this year. Knowledge Transfer Groups are a well-established method of sharing knowledge and best practice. They provide participants with the essential tools to mobilise their valuable timber resource and help to maximise the income from their holding.”
Further details and application forms can be found on the DAFM website at: by clicking here.’ (Please follow this link - not the link contained on the following KTG Press Release link.)
Please click on the following link for the full press release: KTG Press Release 28 May 2019.pdf
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Doyle Announces Opening of Forestry Knowledge Transfer Group Scheme 2019
Press Release 28 May 2019
‘Minister of State of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Andrew Doyle T.D., today announced the publication of the Department’s annual Forest Statistics Report for 2019. This Report is prepared annually by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
Launching the report, the Minister commented, “‘Forest Statistics - Ireland 2019’ is an annual compilation of statistics on the forest estate and the forest industry in Ireland. It is the definitive compendium of up-to-date information on forestry in Ireland and is the go-to-reference document for anybody interested in the subject. ...”’
The Report is available on the Department’s website, by clicking on the following link: Forest Statistics Ireland 2019
Please click on the following link for the full press release: Forest Statistics Report 2019 Press Release 29 May.pdf
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Doyle Announces Publication of DAFM’s ‘Forest Statistics Ireland 2019’ Report
Press Release 29 May 2019
‘Application stage
All licence applications for afforestation, forest, road works, felling and aerial fertilisation are screened by the Department for Appropriate Assessment under Article 6.3 of the Habitats Directive and SI 477 of 2011. Where, having reviewed the application, the Department cannot rule out the possibility of a significant effect on a Natura Site (i.e. a SAC or SPA) it will require the submission of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS) from the applicant. On receipt of the NIS, the Department will carry out an Appropriate Assessment. ...’
Please click on the following link for the full circular: Circular 08 2019 Appropriate Assessment.pdf
Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
Appropriate Assessment
Circular dated 23 May 2019
Please click on the following link for ‘Appendix 20’ referred to in the above Circular:
‘At the conference ‘Our Forests, Our Future’, Commissioner Hogan announced a potential initiative to encourage Member States to reach the ambitious environmental policy objectives of the post-2020 Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) proposals. The initiative proposes to reward farmers with payments for the afforestation of one hectare.
In his keynote speech, Commissioner Hogan announced the idea of a “one hectare initiative”, which would be supported through the CAP. Under their future CAP Strategic Plans, Member States will have the option to reward farmers with payments per farm for the afforestation of one hectare. This afforestation should be done in a biodiversity-friendly way, contributing to climate and environmental objectives.
This initiative can be programmed through Rural Development Funding and could help Member States to meet their climate and biodiversity objectives. It would be another practical example of farmers providing public goods with public support. In order to limit the administrative burden for beneficiaries and public authorities, a lump-sum payment per year and per hectare could be offered to each participating farmer over the next budget period.
Such an initiative could significantly contribute to the creation of valuable ecosystem services, such as water retention and flood and soil erosion control. It would also provide significant biodiversity benefits, such as shelter and connectivity.
Commissioner Hogan encouraged Member States to take up this initiative, as it would contribute to the achievement of environmental targets and help safeguard our public goods, including forests. He said...
“The future CAP provides the opportunity, but the political will to implement this initiative must come from the Member States. Hence, I hope you will spread the word.”’
‘One Hectare Initiative’
Commissioner Hogan announced a potential initiative at Forestry Conference
McKinnon Report
The McKinnon Report, which was released by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is a review on the current state of Irish Forestry.
It makes very interesting reading, as it addresses some of the fundamental difficulties which are affecting private forest owners who are wishing to do necessary work on their existing plantations.
Committee Members of your Group (The North East Forestry Group) attended some of the consultation meetings with Mr James McKinnon, along with other forest group representatives.
We will discuss these findings and other matters at our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in the new year.
Please click on the following link for the report: McKinnon Report
News
Your Forestry Group - Spring 2020
Message from Kevin O’Connell
Remember your safety is very important, so please put a system in place to protect yourself while in the wood.
Kevin O’Connell
Forestry Development Department
Teagasc
Mobile: 087 121 6159
Hello to everyone, I hope you and your families are keeping well and are copying with the lockdown during this Covid 19 pandemic.
Like most of you, I am resigned to work from home for the next couple of weeks. I’m still open for business, as they say, to take phone calls and e-mails, but no visits.
I was talking to some of the North East Forestry Group (NEFG) Committee and we discussed how we could get members to interact with each other and to get involved with their forests/woodlands. I decided I would write an informal article on jobs to be done and maintenance in the forest. I thought that people may now have time on their hands and are out about in their woods, so why not carry out some jobs or at least plan for jobs into the future. It may keep you healthier and a little sane in the process.
I’m not over familiar with methods of getting my message across like blogs, etc, I don’t want to set up a WhatApp group as I have learned from past experience they quickly morph off into something different. If members have any ideas, please let me know, but remember there is a good variation in age and technological ability within the group, so as they say down the country “ground hurling, keep it simple”.
Talking to your Group’s Chairman, John Sherlock, he came up with a suggestion that members could submit a short description of what jobs or issues they have their in forests/woodlands. These could be shared with other members who may have done something similar and indeed have solutions to particular problems.
Best of luck to the ’12 Apostles’ in the Forest Certification Club with their imminent desk top audit.
The weather is good at the moment and is set to continue for at least the next week, so wrap up and out you go!
In my next instalment, I’ll give guidelines on lone working in your wood. I’ll also take a look at maintenance operation that can be carried out.
Please click on the following link for guidelines for the forestry industry during this Covid 19 pandemic: Forest Industry Guidelines (C19).pdf
