…Wood-NI and State companies and agencies involved in timber processing, research and marketing including Coillte, Enterprise Ireland and COFORD, Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. WMF has a number of objectives including the promotion of new uses and applications for wood and the support of the highest standards in wood use and design. Most projects have a strong educational content. WMF publications such as Woodspec – A Guide to Des…
…n the formation of Coillte in 1989, forest research was transferred to the new company but continued to receive funding support from the Forest Service. In 1993 COFORD (Council for Forest Research and Development) was founded as an agency of the Dept of Marine and Natural Resources and took over the function of commissioning and funding forest research from the Forest Service. COFORD then proceeded to build a national research programme that would…
…to dry out. The practice of burning gorse and heather on hills to provide new growth for livestock is a major threat to forests. These fires can often get out of control, particularly during dry and windy weather, and enter plantations. Approximately 450 ha of forest are lost to fire each year in the period from February to September with the vast majority occurring in March, April and May. A number of measures are taken by foresters to prevent f…
…iner plants can also be transplanted throughout the growing season as they come complete with root systems and growing media intact. Cuttings While the main propagation method for planting stock is by seed the nurseryman has also the option of producing plants through rooted cuttings. This method is usually used for the production of genetically improved material which may be in short supply, or for the propagation of superior clones. Cuttings are…
…nd’s Renewable Energy Action Plan has an ambitious target of 16% of energy coming from renewable resources by 2020. Bioenergy, as one of these renewable resources, will play an important part achieving this target. The Bioenergy Action Plan highlights the potential of wood biomass as a prime source of material particularly for the heat sector. The heat used in our homes, public buildings, business and factories account for nearly 40% of the energy…
…ing opened up to the general public as amenity forests, usually as part of new enterprises within the estate such as accommodation and self-catering facilities. A list of Ireland’s amenity forests can be found on the Coillte Outdoors website. URBAN FORESTS Over recent years, the urban forest has become recognised as another major type of forest cover in Ireland. The urban forest is very different in composition to other types of forests, as it is…
…ended using cold stored planting stock. Containerised plants, because they come complete with soil attached to the roots, can be planted at any time of the year, but best results tend to be during spring to mid summer. Correct timing of planting can have a critical impact on successful establishment. Planting during very cold (particularly frosty periods) or dry conditions is generally avoided. PLANT SPACING Widely spaced Sitka spruce showing heav…
…ry sector. Submissions were sought from all interested parties. The main recommendations are – a new strategic plan based on multifunctional forestry, expansion of the forest estate especially with broadleaves and native woodland, a new economic valuation system that values ecological, social and economic functions of forests, action on invasive alien species, silvicultural systems to cope with climate change, and the retention of state forests in…