Teagasc to host forestry field evening

TEAGASC is inviting all interested parties along to a special event in Avoca focusing the benefits of forestry and opportunities for landowners to add value to their lands.

Some 22 per cent of Co Wicklow is in forestry and while over 15,000 hectares of this forest area is already in private ownership, significant opportunities exist for farmers and landowners to diversify into a forest enterprise and capitalise on an outstanding natural resource.

Teagasc will be hosting a forestry field evening on Thursday, April 20, for landowners interested in afforestation and the potential to add value with appropriate management.

The group will meeting point is Ss Mary and Patrick Church in Avoca at 7 p.m.

A recent study found that over 17,000 hectares in the county were classed as being marginal for agriculture with significant scope for afforestation. New afforestation can deliver economic, social and environmental benefits at farm level, for the local economy and nationally. There may also be scope to expand the native woodland resource on appropriate sites, providing additional environmental benefits, including habitat creation and water quality protection in Natura areas as well as in areas designated as Acid Sensitive.

Creating woodlands can also help play a role in managing the wild deer population as new woodlands, where at least 70 per cent is planted with broadleaf/diverse conifers, will be considered eligible for deer fencing.

Teagasc are working with the forestry sector to ensure landowners with suitable land are fully aware of the potential provided by forestry.

The Teagasc Forestry Development Department provides independent advisory, training and research support to private forest owners. It can also provide one- toone assistance for landowners, focusing on land suitability, how a forest enterprise can improve farm income and how it interacts with existing farm schemes.

For more information, contact the local Teagasc forestry advisor, Frances McHugh on 059 9183486 or visit www.teagasc.ie/ forestry.