Why is now a good time to think about forestry?

With the summer over and kids back to school, routine and normality resume. This is often a good time to put ideas in to practice, so if you have been considering forestry in the past and were wondering what your options are now is a good time to have your local co-op forester call out for a visit. Forestry in Ireland is 100% grant aided for both the establishment and management of the forest for the first 4-5 years (including fencing) and an annual payment for 15 years income tax free to the farmer or landowner. These payments range from €206/acre up to a max of €275/ acre depending on the type of trees you chose to plant and for those claiming Basic Payment on their land you will still receive that and your forestry payment on the same land which is another good reason to consider forestry. The type of forest you chose to plant is an important choice for landowners, to understand the different types of tree species, rotation lengths, management, recreation, biodiversity and economic returns so that you can make an informed decision as to what best suits you and your family’s needs. The type of land you intend to plant is also very important as trees are the same as any crop, certain trees will grow best in certain soils and conditions. If you would like more information on the forestry options available and for a free visit from your local co-op forester, please call Colm Gilheaney on 086-2008354 or ring our Sligo office on 071-9161458.

Western Forestry Co-op has been providing forestry advice and services to farmers and landowners in Sligo since 1985 and we are proud of our strong tradition of farm forestry. It is the ethos of the co-operative to help improve farm incomes, empower forest owners to get the best return from their forest and foster indigenous forest ownership so that all the benefits from forestry be that income, carbon sequestration, biodiversity, soil and water protection, recreation etc stay in the local communities where they belong.