Thinning the Focus for Forestry Demonstration – Teagasc

26 August 2005

In the response to the increasing management requirements of the broadleaf farm forestry sector, Teagasc and the Forest Service will hold an important forestry demonstration in Co. Meath on Wednesday 7th September 2005.

The event will be hosted by Joe Barry - well known farmer and forestry columnist with the Farming Independent on his working farm woodland at Larch Hill, Kilcock, Co.Meath.

Speaking at the announcement of the event, today Friday 26 August, Teagasc Head of Forestry Development Service, Dr. Nuala Ni Fhlatharta, said “many broadleaf woodlands are now approaching or at first thinning stage (ie. 8-10 metres in height). This event offers an important opportunity for farmers and other woodland growers to see thinning in action and to get best management advice from Teagasc and Forest Service forestry specialists”.

Continuing she said, “the event will also offer a comprehensive introduction to broadleaf woodland management to farmers and other landowners who are considering a forestry enterprise”.

As well as thinning of broadleaves a range of issues will be examined during the farm walk :

Planning Your woodland
Formative Shaping and High Pruning – Growing Quality Timber
Thinning
Harvesting and Processing of Thinnings
Growing Hurley Ash
Controlling the Grey Squirrel
Managing for the Future

“The practical nature of the event will be emphasised by live demonstrations of thinning and timber extraction together with firewood and timber processing”, concluded Nuala Ni Fhlatharta.

Notes for Editors:

Meeting details:

Venue: Convene at the GAA centre in Kilcock, Co.Meath

Date: Wednesday 7th September 2005

Time: Between 11am and 2pm.

Bus transport will be provided regularly from the centre to the forest site.

Please follow all signposts in Kilcock on the day.

For further information contact Liam Kelly, Teagasc Forestry Adviser (087 – 9090495).

Please bring proper footwear and raingear.

Ends

Issued on behalf of Teagasc by

Larry O’Loughlin, A/Head, Public Relations Department, Teagasc

Tel: 059 9183408; 087 2562434; Email: loloughlin@hq.teagasc.ie