12 June 2025

Growing resilience: partnering for the future of ash and beyond

Restoring ash, diversifying native species and strengthening forestry resilience – a long-standing partnership between Teagasc and None So Hardy Nurseries is helping shape the future of Irish woodlands.

Credit: Andrew Downes

For over three decades, None So Hardy Nurseries Ltd, based in Shillelagh, Co. Wicklow, has been dedicated to producing high-quality planting stock. As Ireland’s primary supplier of forestry planting stock, our commitment extends beyond supplying trees. We actively collaborate with research partners to address emerging challenges and contribute to the advancement of the Irish forestry sector.

Long-term commitment

Our long-standing partnership with Teagasc is central to national efforts to combat ash dieback (causal agent Hymenoscyphus fraxineus), a significant threat to native ash populations. Each year, we assist in the clonal propagation (the process of producing genetically identical plants from a parent tree) of potentially tolerant ash genotypes by providing technical expertise in seed germination and producing robust rootstocks for grafting (joining plant parts to grow as one tree). These rootstocks are cultivated from seeds collected from potentially tolerant trees and nurtured over two to three years under nursery conditions before being used for grafting by Teagasc researchers. As part of the AshforFuture project, we’ve expanded this collaboration to include field trials.

In 2024, we established three trial plots of one-year-old selected ash genotypes at our Donishal site, and an additional trial in Oak Park under existing ash stands. These trials aim to evaluate the long-term durable tolerance of these genotypes in natural environments, informing future seed production strategies and contributing to the restoration of this culturally and ecologically significant species.

A model for commercial impact

This type of research-to-field partnership has already shown results with another native species: downy birch (Betula pubescens).

In collaboration with Teagasc, we helped move improved birch material, selected for timber quality and form, towards commercial deployment. This work has led to the material being added to the recommended species list for afforestation grants, with licensed supply now underway. It provides a clear model for how ash could follow a similar commercialisation pathway.

In parallel, None So Hardy has worked with Teagasc to establish an improved sycamore seed orchard, a specially managed area where trees are grown to produce improved seed for planting. As the establishment and management of an ash seed orchard will be very similar to the sycamore seed orchard, None So Hardy’s experience will be invaluable.

As tolerant ash genotypes are further validated through the AshforFuture project, we aim to support the development of an ash seed orchard capable of producing reliable, improved planting stock. With sustained collaboration and commitment, we believe the future of ash can build on the success already achieved with downy birch and sycamore.

Diversifying for resilience

We believe the future of forestry in Ireland lies in greater species diversity. We continue to support work on other native hardwoods such as silver birch and alder, and advocate for wider use of Scots pine, Ireland’s only commercially viable native conifer. Expanding native options requires strategic planning and close alignment between nursery operations and forestry policy. 

A shared vision

The success of long-term forestry initiatives relies on strong collaboration between research and practice. At None So Hardy, we are proud to be a trusted partner to Teagasc for research-led tree improvement in Ireland. Our enduring collaboration with Teagasc reflects a shared commitment to resilience, biodiversity, and the provision of improved planting material. Together, we’re working to secure the future of ash and strengthen the foundation for a more diverse, sustainable Irish forestry sector.   

Words by: 

John Kavanagh, Nursery Manager, None So Hardy Nurseries, Ltd.