A chance for your forest to win a €2,000 award

I planted a small woodland of alder and ash 24 years ago. Once the upper canopy trees were well established, I added an understorey of hazel and holly.

Since then, bluebells (pictured), wood anemones, pine martens, red squirrels and sparrowhawks have decided that they like it and made it their home. I’m delighted with it and proud of it.

Are you proud of your forest regardless if your focus is on biodiversity, timber production or recreation?

If so, why not enter the RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award competition? This recognises farmers who are successfully integrating forestry on their farms.

To be eligible, you need to be actively farming, and your farm forest must be at least four hectares and 5-15 years of age.

The winner will receive €2,000, and the runner-up €1,000.

Further details and application forms are available from www.rds.ie/forestry and www.teagasc.ie/forestry. Closing date for applications is Monday, July 20.

There are two other categories in the RDS Forest and Woodland Awards: Production Forestry and Community Woodlands.

The process of making forestry and farming work well together can be challenging. Planning to integrate forestry and farming should begin before any trees are planted, with a vision for the future.

Trees will quickly have a meaningful impact on your farm, whether it is sheltering stock, creating a new landscape, protecting an existing habitat or producing timber. To achieve this potential, and integrate new forests with farms, you need to plan.