Upcoming Post-Storm Harvesting Demonstrations

Teagasc, in conjunction with the Forestry Division of the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) is organising two important on-site demonstrations on managing forestry storm damage, focusing on timber harvest and planning for forest restoration.

The first event will take place in Ballymacward, Co. Galway on Tuesday April 1, 2025 and includes attendance options for either a morning or evening session.

A further event will be held near Castlerea, Co. Roscommon on Tuesday April 8.

Find out more about the events here

Next Tuesday, April 1, attendees are asked to arrive between 10am and 11.30am for the morning session, or between 2pm and 3.30pm for the afternoon session, at Ballymacward Community Centre, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway (Eircode H53 A3H1). For further information, contact Noel Kennedy at 087 9090504.

These two demonstration events will be held in forests where an appropriate response plan is in place and windblow clearance operations are currently underway.

Key issues arise around timber harvest and forest restoration will be discussed, including:

• Health and safety issues,
• Felling licences and road grants in the context of storm damage,
• Marketing and sale of windblown timber,
• Timber product assortments,
• Keeping track of timber from its harvest to market,
• Planning for forest restoration.

Attendees will meet at the designated meeting point and will be bussed in groups to a local forest site to see timber harvesting of wind-blown trees. There will also be discussions on how the forest site should be presented after felling to facilitate forest restoration.

Your forest is a valuable asset, and Teagasc staff are here to support you in protecting and maximizing its potential. For further information, contact your local forestry advisor or visit the forestry section on the Teagasc website.