Edited By
Frances McHugh
Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist
Welcome to the Teagasc May Forestry Advisory Newsletter. In this edition, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, Frances McHugh brings you the latest on the 2026 RDS Farm Forestry Awards, felling licence requirements and the supports available for forests affected by ash dieback.
Winners of the 2026 RDS Farm Forestry awards announced
Teagasc is delighted to announce that the overall winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer, Stephen Morrison.
Stephen was presented with his award in Dublin on the 16 April by John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.
The winner of the 2026 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award is Kildare farmer Stephen Morrison. Pictured at the awards: Noel Kennedy, Teagasc Forestry adviser, Ben Morrison, Stephen Morrison (winner), Frances McHugh, Teagasc Forestry Communications and Digital Media Specialist, and John Spink, Head of the Crops, Environment and Land Use Programme in Teagasc.
Farming 120 hectares near Kill, County Kildare, Stephen Morrison has an organic herd of spring calving suckler cows, bringing all progeny to beef. Stephen converted to an organic farming system three years ago.
Over the last six years, 24 hectares of native forestry have been planted. This along with the establishment of hedgerows, digging of farm ponds and the preservation of a unique fen has really enhanced the biodiversity on the farm.
The 2027 RDS Farm Forestry Awards, incorporating the Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, will open soon for entries.
For more information on this year’s award winners and on the RDS Forestry awards visit here.
Felling trees: Do you need a licence?
Felling trees in Ireland is regulated under the Forestry Act 2014, which states that trees cannot be cut down without obtaining a felling license from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. While there are exemptions to this rule, under the current legislation a licence is required in order to fell any tree.
Understanding when a felling license is needed and when an exemption applies can help forest and landowners avoid potential penalties and ensure compliance with forestry legislation. In preparation for felling trees, a felling licence should be applied for well in advance of when works are planned to commence.
Padraic O’Leary, Teagasc Forestry advisor explains the ins and outs of Tree felling licences here.
Ash dieback supports
Do you have an ash forest affected by ash dieback and haven’t yet availed of supports to clear and replace it?
Farmers with ash plantations affected by ash dieback have access to a number of options and supports including a grant for the removal of affected ash trees, preparing the site for replanting and then the replacement of the ash trees with alternative species.
If you have already participated in the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023-2027, or if you replanted your ash forest under one of the three previous Department reconstitution schemes due to the impacts of ash dieback, then you can be eligible for additional support (€5,000 per hectare) under the Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme.
Teagasc forestry advisors are happy to discuss your options with you and explain how to access both the Reconstitution Ash Dieback Scheme 2023–2027 and the additional Climate Action Performance Payment Scheme. Read more about the opportunities and supports here.
Upcoming events
Teagasc Forestry is looking forward to meeting forest owners and those interested in planting trees at many further events over the summer.
After a busy spring, Teagasc Forestry are organising many more events where we can discuss all things forestry with existing forest owners or anyone who is thinking of planting trees.
Our day-to-day advisory service continues but our next large event will be our presence at Bloom in the Phoenix Park Dublin, from the 28th May to 1st June.
We look forward to meeting you at Farming for a Better Future 2026 in Johnstown Castle, Co. Wexford on June 10th as well as the Beef2026 Open Day in Grange, Co Meath on July 1st.
We are also looking forward to, once again, coordinating the Forestry and Energy Village at the popular Tullamore Show on the 9th of August.
You can keep an eye on our events calendar to see upcoming events as they are arranged.
You can also subscribe to the Teagasc Forestry e-Newsletter, which will give details of all our upcoming forestry events while also keeping you on top of the latest Irish forestry news, forestry grants, valuable forest management tips, research updates and much more via e-mail directly to your inbox.