Reforestation After Storm Damage Demonstration planned for Mountbellew College

This event will take place at Mountbellew, County Galway on Thursday next, 26 March.

Reforestation involves the replanting of a forest following clearance of the existing timber crop. The focus of an effective reforestation process is to provide an ideal planting environment, encourage strong growth of the most suitable tree species / species mix and minimise losses or growth delays. It offers opportunity to establish a new generation of resilient trees to meet owners’ objectives.

Based on previous research studies, replanting sites, particularly those using improved planting stock, can be significantly more productive than the first rotation. Options for diversifying the species range to enhance resilience for the next forest cycle can also be considered.

Upcoming post-storm demonstration in Galway

This upcoming on-site forest event will be of interest to forest owners and all stakeholder who have been impacted by recent storms and those who are approaching clearfelling of their forest.

This is a key event to demonstrate how to plant a new generation of trees and access attractive supports available. On the day, attendees will be brought through a forest undergoing replanting following storm impacts and will see every stage of the process, with plenty of information and discussions on:

• Felling licence and harvesting plans
• Ground preparation and select of species for replanting
• Planting and maintenance of new forest
• Opportunities under the recently announced Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026 

To attend the event on the 26-march meet at Mountbellew Agricultural College, College Rd, Mountbellew, County Galway, H53 WE00. Arrive any time between 10:00am to 12.00pm where groups will be transported by bus to a nearby forest site as attendees arrive.

Forest owners who have forests that have experienced storm impacts are encouraged to attend this event to see what is involved in replanting post-storm.

Further event in Castlerea, Co Roscommon, on 30 April

The event next Thursday, March 26 is the first of two planned Teagasc reforestation events. Teagasc is holding a second similar event on Thursday 30^th April in Castlerea, County Roscommon.

Time to pause and consider options

Reforestation allows forest owners an opportunity to pause and consider their options before choosing the next forest rotation’s path. The owner’s objectives may have changed from their first crop of trees to reflect the multi-functional nature of forestry and opportunities it presents. Having to clear an area of forest due to storm is of course a shock and interrupts the overall plan a forest owner may have had. However, it also presents an opportunity; Teagasc recommends an intergenerational discussion on the future of a forestry enterprise, taking into account possible new species and layout options.

For further information on reforestation and all aspects of forestry, contact your local Teagasc Forestry Advisor or see www.teagasc.ie/forestry.