Teagasc plans to hold informal workshops during February and March for landowners considering forestry to learn about starting a new forest.
The three one-hour online workshops organised by Teagasc’s forestry development department will help landowners gain an understanding of what a new forest can offer, learn what’s involved and how to get started in the planting process.
The first sessions will be held via Zoom between 15 and 24 February.
Land use
Head of the forestry development department Dr Nuala Ní Fhlatharta said: “Landowners consider forestry for many reasons. That is why a land use change to forestry, like any new farm enterprise, will raise many questions.
“It is also a great opportunity for farmers to understand the requirements of the Basic Payment Scheme (BPS) and other farm schemes before establishing a forest.”
Ní Fhlatharta said the upcoming workshops were a great opportunity for farmers to flesh out the details of how forestry might work for them during the current lockdown.
Details
In the first session, the benefits of forestry will be discussed. This will allow people to set their own objectives by considering and discussing what they want or need from their forest.
The forestry adviser will look at a local case study during the second session. During this session, attendees are brought step by step through the process of deciding what forest type might suit a particular site, keeping the particular geographical area, priorities and limitations in mind.
The focus of the final session will be on the practical steps involved. Grant eligibility, grant structures and rates, interaction with other farm schemes and engaging a forester will be looked at.
Those interested can register at www.teagasc.ie/forestryworkshops.
