National forestry demonstration on small-scale timber harvesting

By Donal Magner

One of the main challenges facing Irish forestry in the coming years will be in marketing, harvesting and extracting timber from small-scale, mixed species plantations established by private growers, mainly farmers, over the past 25 years.

State plantations, established since the early 20th century, covered large areas and for the most part featured one or two coniferous species. These suited large harvesters and extraction machines, which may not always be suitable for small-scale diverse plantations, usually averaging 10ha or less.

While plantations established during the past two decades are small, they have a number of advantages over the larger and more homogenous State plantations.

Private plantations are located on better quality land compared to State plantations, which were often established on hilly or bogland sites.

As a result, access and site conditions are generally more favourable, although the logistics of harvesting small plantations present problems relating to productivity and competitiveness.

Large machinery is costly to move from site to site and, as a result, it may be uneconomical to harvest small volumes of timber.

Contractors are now using - and, in some cases, adapting - machines to meet the requirements of timber growers with small plantations.

The options available to growers can be seen at a national demonstration of small-scale forest harvesting and extraction scheduled for Mount St Joseph's Abbey, Roscrea on Wednesday, 30 June.

The event, organised by Teagasc and the Forest Service, will provide information on the thinning and management of coniferous and broadleaved crops.

The 'hands on' event will feature equipment suited to small-scale harvesting and extraction, while contractors will exhibit and demonstrate their machinery. The programme will cover a wide range of topics, including:

Growing trees for qualitytimber.

Timing of first thinning.

Preparation for thinning.

Chainsaw use, safety andmaintenance.

Getting the job done.

Small-scale harvesting and extraction methods.

Cheap and safe methods of extraction that may be present on the farm already.

The benefits of a co-operative approach.

Thinning products including fencing, pulpwood, firewood and woodchip production.

Employment opportunities in timber harvesting.

The main emphasis will be on extraction methods, using readily available machinery such as tractor and trailer forwarder, tractor and winch, tractor and grab skidder, ATV and trailer, mini forwarder and other methods.

Health and safety

An important aspect of the day will be on health and safety in the forest, especially in relation to harvesting and extraction. Correct presentation of the timber products, both in the forest and on roadside, will be discussed and demonstrated.

Information will be provided on preparing plantations for thinning, including application for felling licences, roading and assessing the need for thinning and chainsaw training.

The organisers say that trade stands will be present at the hall and they maintain that the event will be an excellent opportunity for contractors to demonstrate their services in a dedicated forestry setting.

There is no fee to demonstrate on the day but booking is essential in advance. Those interested in taking a stand in the assembly hall should contact Michael Somers, Teagasc Nenagh on 087 1216163 or email michael.somers@ teagasc.ie.

The event is free and all are welcome, especially growers with plantations at or close to thinning.

Attendees are requested to convene at the Cistercian College Recreational Hall, Mount Saint Joseph's Abbey, Mount Heaton, Roscrea on Wednesday 30 June between 11am and 1pm. The site is 4.5km from Roscrea, off the R492 Shinrone Road.

Information for Teagasc events is available at local offices or contact Liam Kelly, Teagasc, forestry development officer, Mullingar (telephone 087 9090495 or email: liam.kelly@teagasc.ie). It is also worth checking the Teagasc forest website www.teagasc.ie/forestry for updates

Picture Above:Small-scale plantations comprising broadleaves, such as this ash site, require a different approach to felling and extraction in comparison to large coniferous plantations, which are more suited to high production harvesting machinery. PICTURE: Donal Magner