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30 August 2024

2025 RDS Forest Awards – Don’t forget to enter


We are fast approaching the closing date for entries for this year’s RDS Irish Forest and Woodland Awards. The application deadline is 12 PM, Monday September 9, 2024.

With a prize fund of €12,000, these highly attractive awards promote the economic, environmental and social benefits of good forestry and farming. Teagasc Forestry Development Officer, Noel Kennedy tells us more.

Winner of this year’s RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, Derek McCabe, County Cavan receiving his award from Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett. Also pictured President of the RDS John Dardis.

Winner of the 2024 RDS Teagasc Farm Forestry Award, Derek McCabe receiving his award from Professor Frank O’Mara, Director of Teagasc, and Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Pippa Hackett. Also pictured President of the RDS John Dardis.

The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards are Ireland’s national forestry awards. They recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners who are employing the principles of climate-smart agriculture on their properties including sound commercial management, environmental protection and encouragement of biodiversity. The awards recognise strong achievers for each of the following categories:

  • Teagasc Farm Forestry Award
  • Silvicultural Excellence Award
  • Community Woodlands
  • Native Woodland Conservation

Teagasc Farm Forestry Award

The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises working farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social, economic and practical benefits. The category aims to promote the positive sustainable contribution of forestry as an integral enterprise within the wider farming profile. It acknowledges the farmer’s role in future proofing the family farm through the sustainable integration of forestry and farming enterprises and managing and promoting the wider benefits of forests. Entries are invited from owners of conifer, broadleaf and mixed forests, agroforestry and reforestation sites. Farmers who believe they are doing a good job in managing their forest as an integral part of the farm are strongly encouraged to enter.

Prizes

The winner in each of the above categories will be in line to receive €2,000, an RDS Silver Medal and a perpetual trophy. The runner-up in each category will receive €1,000 and a special Certificate of Merit.

Application

If you believe that your forest has what it takes to win an RDS Forest and Woodland Award, submit your entry straightway. Application forms are available here. Applications are also available from the RDS via email forestry@rds.ie.

For further information, please contact:

We wish the best of luck to all applicants!