Some €830,000 has been awarded to various groups to help promote initiatives that support tree planting and encourage sustainable forestry management.

The Department of Agriculture received 40 submissions, with 15 projects selected to receive funding in 2019 and 2020.

Over 500,000 broadleaves planted so far in 2019

The response to this call has been hugely encouraging with a wide range of really innovative proposals submitted right across the country,” Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Andrew Doyle TD said.

“The successful projects range from those with a local focus to others which will have a nationwide reach.

“I am particularly delighted to see a number of successful projects which will promote the planting of broadleaf trees.

“This will build upon our continuing success in increasing the percentage of broadleaves planted, with well over 500,000 broadleaves planted so far in 2019.”

The successful projects are listed below:

Western Forestry Co-Operative Society Ltd

This proposal involves holding a native woodland open day to foster greater awareness of the native woodland establishment scheme and in particular the establishment of new native woodlands under Scenario 5.

Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA) - Irish Forest Unit Trust (IForUT)

Establishment of Demonstration/Exhibition Woodland in Clonad forest and in doing so provide a suitable woodland for the public, farmers, forest owners, schools, colleges, media and others to enjoy and learn about the multifunctional benefits of forests.

Irish Farmers Association (IFA)

The proposal called ‘Branch Out' aims to increase the level of information available to farmers on the potential benefits of forestry to increase family farm incomes, using farmer case studies to improve the understanding of the potential of forestry on farms.

Limerick/Tipp Woodland Owners (LTWO)

Transfer of information to other broadleaves owners on the potential markets for small diameter hardwoods.

Woodlands of Ireland

Promoting the native woodland establishment and conservation schemes along with implementation of the Native Woodland Strategy. Helping to underpin the capacity of the forest sector to deliver Forestry Programme targets for native woodlands.

CRANN - Trees for Ireland

Promoting the multifunctional benefits of forestry including hosting a UN International Conference on Green Jobs in the Forest Sector.

Society of Irish Foresters

Promotion of the multifunctional benefits of Forestry in secondary schools by “Forestry Ambassadors” and presenting forestry as a career option.

Western Forestry Co-Operative Society Ltd

A woodland festival will be organised to help foster greater awareness of the benefits of forests for all. The day will include live demonstrations in thinning, woodland improvement, sawmilling, timber tasks tent, tree walks and woodland talks as well as food, crafts and family entertainment.

Irish Wood Producers

A suite of forest based activities with accompanying templates will be developed focusing on mature forests; rolled out by schools, youth organisations and community groups.

Kerry Earth Education Project

Forest Connections aim to get people of all ages out into the forests to observe, enjoy and participate in forest life, enabling them to feel connected to local forests and forests throughout Ireland, enhancing their feelings of well being and knowledge of the essential place of forests in our life.

Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA)

The ITGA promote sustainable forest management practices that ensure private forest plantations achieve their maximum environmental and economic potential. This is achieved through their wide range of information services, including newsletters, year book and field trips.

An Taisce (Environmental Education Unit)

The Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce (EEU) will promote the multifunctional benefits of forestry to primary and secondary schools. To engage schools through the Green-Schools Biodiversity theme and adapt and develop resources from the pilot LEAF programme; to deliver student workshops and teacher guidance for extension of learning beyond these workshops.

IFA & Western Forestry Co-Operative

This proposal will promote good forest management practices and increase understanding of the value of forest assets, with a particular focus on the values of the forest asset at it matures. It will focus on three management options (i) management by owner, (ii) management by professional forester/company and (iii) selling your forest asset.

Irish Wood Producers (IWP)

IWP will produce a series of fact sheets and videos that will present management of forestry in a step by step process to include video clips of activity on site from planting, maintenance, harvesting, sawmills and chipping.

Agri Aware

This primary level educational initiative entitled “Branching Out” aims to raise awareness of the role of forestry in the lives of people of all ages across Ireland. This will be done using innovative and engaging curriculum linked activities and lessons.

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