Let’s Talk Trees: Teagasc series on forestry creation and management

Teagasc and the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine (DAFM), Forestry Section, are hosting a series of forestry information events this month to raise awareness of the opportunities under the current Forestry Programme to add value to farm and land holdings.

As well as providing information on the many forestry options, the meetings will also provide an opportunity to engage with Teagasc and DAFM staff on a one-to-one basis to have queries addressed.

Local events

The local events will be held on Wednesday October 16 (10am-1.30pm) at the Abbeyleix Manor Hotel, Durrow Road, Abbeyleix, County Laois (R32 VE24); and Tuesday October 22 (10am-1.30pm) at the Hotel Kilmore, Dublin Road, Cavan, (H12 F6Y7).

Forestry Programme

The current forestry programme 2023-2027 provides many incentives to all to consider on their land. The Afforestation Scheme offers 11 different Forest Types for approved farmers and landowners. These provide forestry creation options that will suit many objectives and can complement other farming enterprises. An afforestation licence will be required. Both farmers and non-farmers can apply.

The Native Tree Area Scheme (NTA) offers the opportunity to create a small native woodland of up to one hectare on farmed land. The scheme provides scope to plant one further hectare if your land adjoins a relevant watercourse with multiple benefits for you, including water quality protection and enhancements.

This scheme will not require an afforestation licence, but is subject to the terms and conditions of the NTA scheme.

A whole farm planning approach may help analyse how planting land with trees may benefit an overall farm enterprises, schemes and family objectives. The forestry option will generally complement current farm payments with good and timely planning.

There are also a number of attractive support schemes under the Forestry Programme that help manage existing plantations.

Let’s Talk Trees Events

Four collaborative town hall events are planned nationwide. Each is run over a half day, from 10am, opening with three short presentations. Presenters will include farmer forest owners, providing valuable insights on their forestry experiences.

Following the presentations, there will be the opportunity to engage individually with DAFM and Teagasc staff at individual booths set up at each venue.

Let’s Talk Trees events will include: Three short presentations, including a farm forestry case study; Full Afforestation Grant and Premium details; How forestry fits in with your farm and other schemes; Information on existing forestry management support schemes; Individual support clinics with DAFM/Teagasc staff.

For more details , see teagasc.ie/forestry and the specific page is teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/news/2024/lets-talk-trees-adding-value.php.

All events are free and registration is not required. All interested landowners and forest owners are welcome to attend.