Great opportunities in forestry - Teagasc

THE Afforestation Grant and Premium Scheme supports forest establishment, designed to accommodate a variety of sustainable timber production, social and environmental objectives.

The afforestation option incorporates 12 separate Grant and Premium Categories (GPCs), providing options including productive conifers, broadleaf species, native woodland initiatives as well as agroforestry and forestry for fibre options.

Grant and Premium Categories 1-8 fund the establishment of a ‘conventional’ forest with the main objective of sustainable commercial timber production.

Other additional objectives such as environmetal enhancment are also very relevant.

GPC 3 (10% diverse mix) is the category of choice for many landowners establishing new forests which attracts an annual premium of €510 per hectare over 15 years. It usually comprises a mix of Sitka spruce together with at least a 10% diverse species mix.

Broadleaves adjacent to roads and/or watercourses may also form part of this 10%. Options are also available for those wishing to diversify their species range. Suitable diverse conifer species (GPC 4) can produce high quality and valuable timber, suitable for a range of end uses while GPC’s 5 to 8 provide options for broadleaf planting, depending on the species selected.

GPC’s 9 and 10 support the establishemen of native woodland, which can be considered on suitable land in designated areas where conventional forestry may be restricted.

The design and make up of new forest should be strongly guided by owner’s objectives and be based on informed consideration and decision making. Careful consideration should be made in matching tree species to site types.

It is important that landowners are aware of species choices, appreciate the difference between tree species and the different time scales required to achieve economic and other objectives. Other important criteria wh ich affect species and GPC choices include:

* Relative proportions of suitable (GPC1 or GPC 2-12) land types

* Environmental constraints (if relevant) eg. landscape, water quality, archaeology * Area of proposed planting * Drainage status of soils * Growth rate, performance and quality of forestry in the vicinity, growing under similar conditions * Access and distance to roadway

* Exposure levels, altitude, presence of frost hollows that could affect growth and timber quality etc

* Presence of pests such as deer or squirrels

A land use change to forestry, like any new farm enterprise, will raise many questions.

Access to independent and objective advice will empower you to make informed decisions on many relevant issues.

In January 2017, Teagasc will commence a significant 4-year campaign to promote the establishment of forestry as a sustainable and rewarding land use.

One of the early initiatives of this campaign will be a regular series of Forestry Clinics. These clinics will be held in Teagasc offices around the country on specific dates, from 10 am to 4pm each day, where a one-to one consultation can be arranged by appointment.

For further information and to book an individual consultation contact John Casey, Teagasc, Mallow on 022-21936 or email john.casey@teagasc.ie.