Teagasc Meetings Highlight Importance of Forest Thinning

17 October, 2003

A proper forest thinning programme could increase the value of the final timber crop by as much as 40%, according to a leading Teagasc forestry expert.

Jim Reidy, National Forestry Development Officer with Teagasc, was speaking at the announcement of nine regional meetings on forest thinning, which are being run jointly by Teagasc and the Forest Service between 28 October and 4 November.

"Effective thinning is fast becoming an urgent issue on a significant number of farm forests. Owners are now actively seeking information on the best way of doing the job, the costs and likely markets for thinnings. These meetings will provide information and advice on these crucial topics," said Jim Reidy.

At each meeting, forest owners will have an opportunity to meet haulage and harvesting contractors as well as timber buyers, all of whom have a key role to play in effective forest thinning.

The meetings follow the well attended series of demonstrations on forest thinning which were run by Teagasc and the forest service in every county in September, highlighting the interest in effective management among the 15,000 landowners who now have a forest enterprise.

"By 2015 the farm forestry sector will account for almost 25% of total Irish timber production and an increasing proportion thereafter. It is vital that these farm forests are managed well and a concerted industry approach is taken in the development of an effective thinning service," said Jim Reidy.

"Farmers attending the regional meetings will also have the opportunity to meet other key forestry service providers, including consultants, forest management companies and representatives from cooperatives," he added.