Stradbally forest owner hosts free June event
Forest owners are hosting free, in-forest events on their farms this June and September.
Irish forest owners are hosting free, in-forest events this June and September and sharing their own personal stories of forestry.
The ‘Realising the Potential of Family-owned Forestry’ events are hosted by members of Irish Forest Owners, an umbrella organisation of forest owner producer groups that supports and represents private forest owners across Ireland. The free walks and talks are open to the wider public curious about forestry and the importance of growing trees.
Among the events is an open evening on Tom Hickey’s farm in Stradbally, Waterford on June 20, starting at 7pm. Tom owns a mature conifer and broadleaf forest and will showcase the management and economics of conifers; go through forest certification and outline the social benefits of forestry.
“We started out planting conifers, added in spruce, sycamore and ash, which I replaced with birch. I’m absolutely passionate about forestry. The sycamore is fantastic at the moment, looking at it is good for the soul. I’m also dairying and milk cows up to Christmas. I’m not 100% sure yet but I’ll probably plant more and go for continuous cover forestry.
“I’ve cut paths in the area where I planted conifers first. I walk up there along the paths with the dog now. It’s completely relaxing – there’s something very special about forestry. I’m absolutely hooked.”
More than half of forested land in Ireland is in private ownership and the majority is owned by farmers. Almost all, 90%, of this forestry is less than 30 years of age and therefore, the real potential of family-owned forestry is only beginning to be revealed, Irish Forest Owners Chairperson, Derek McCabe, said.
“At these open events, which are supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, farmers, those considering entering the sector and the wider public will hear directly from private forest owners about why they planted, the benefits and pitfalls, what they’ve learned and how they are realising the economic potential of their forest."
The Waterford event takes place on June 20 at 7pm on Tom Hickey’s forest in Carickahilla, Stradbally, Co Waterford X42 RR04.
