Irish Forestry Awards celebrate best in all IrelandIreland’s only forestry awards, rewarding excellence in forest management

Two very different foresters were recognised at the Irish Forestry Awards in Castletown House, Co. Kildare yesterday (November 4 2015). Ivor Clegg from Co. Laois and Pat Coffey from Co. Cavan received two of the major honours at the Awards in recognition of excellence in commercial forest management and it was not just the size of their respective plantations that marked them out as different from one another.

The Irish Forestry Awards are jointly awarded by the RDS and the Forest Service. Andrew Doyle TD, Chair of the Oireachtas Committee for Agriculture and RDS President Matt Dempsey were on hand to award Ivor and Pat their prizes.Speaking at Castletown House, Deputy Doyle said: “These awards provide an excellent opportunity to showcase all that is good about Irish Forestry. This year’s winners are true examples of best practice. The sector now generates approximately €2.3 billion in annual output and supports 12,000 thousand jobs in establishment, harvesting, transport, sawmilling, processing and renewable energy. The Government recognises the importance of the sector to the economy and we are committed to assisting its development into the future. For the last number of years, the State has made funding available, through the afforestation programme, to facilitate planting of up to 7,000 hectares each year”.

“Good farmers make good foresters” said RDS President Matt Dempsey. “Forestry is an important element of our farming sector – we now have over 16,000 farmers who have invested in forestry, occupying over 10% of available  land – up from less than 3% 30 years ago. The long tradition of RDS commitment to quality and excellence in agriculture is maintained by these annual awards. Indeed, the RDS has been involved with Irish forestry as far back as 1740”.

Changes to the 2015 Awards saw the introduction of a new Production Forestry category that is divided into two sections; above 15 hectares and below 15 hectares. These changes have created a more equal judging process and have helped identify the best managed forests in Ireland, both big and small.

Winning a prize of €2000 and the RDS Silver Medal in the Under 15 Hectares Category, Pat Coffey of Belturbet Co. Cavan is an excellent example of the economic and amenity benefits that good forestry

brings. Pat planted his woodland of just over 10 hectares himself in 1994 and 1995 and set out to create a broadleaf forest in which to live.

Compromising mainly of ash, oak, beech, sycamore and small areas of Norway spruce and red oak the Judging Panel was greatly impressed by the superb management of the plantation. They commented that Pat has pushed the boundaries of ash management in particular beyond current practice to achieve something special. Heavy thinning and high pruning to five meters has produced a 20 year old stand of ash which is one of the best the judges have seen in recent years.

In the over 15 hectares category, Ivor Clegg of Mountrath, Co. Laois also received a prize of €2000 and the RDS Silver for his 47 hectare forest. Ivor is a good example of a farmer that has made a courageous decision to change his entire farm enterprise from traditional dairying to a new and unfamiliar undertaking i.e. forestry. He has approached the transition with clear objectives and has made sound silvicultural judgements on species selection, establishment and management practice.

The Judges noted that Ivor’s forest is a mix of conifer and broadleaves and is designed in such a way that it will provide a sustainable income well into the future. His objectives are clear; commercial, income diversification and biodiversity with each being pursued with vigour. Nothing is left to chance and Ivor is thinking ahead all the time to ensure every tree is cared for and the potential of his woodland achieved. Ivor also has that innovative streak common to many farmers in relation to the development of machinery and technology that will enable him to maximise his returns.

Founded in 1731, the RDS continues to fulfil its commitment to furthering the economic and cultural development of Ireland, of which agriculture remains an important component.

Notes

The RDS-Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards are Ireland’s only national forestry awards and are divided into three main categories which highlight, celebrate and reward those who are who are at the forefront of the economic, environmental and community development of the forestry sector in Ireland.

Production Forestry The Production Forestry Category is divided into two sections; Under 15 Hectares and Over 15 Hectares and is open to Farmers and landowners using sound silvicultural management on their farms. With

the aim of recognising excellence in the management of production forestry, the winner in each section receives €2,000 and an RDS Silver Medal. The runner-up in each section collects a cheque for €1,000 and an RDS certificate of merit.

Over 15 Hectares SectionWinner: Ivor Clegg, Cloncourse, Mountrath, Co. LaoisRunner Up: Baronscourt Estate, Newtownstewart, Omagh, Co. Tyrone

Under 15 Hectares SectionWinner: Pat Coffey, Druminisclin, Belturbet, Co. CavanRunner Up: Martin Murphy, Kilmihil, Co. Clare

Multipurpose ForestryThe Multipurpose Forestry category is open to individuals and organisations that are expanding or developing existing or new forest habitats through natural and environmentally sensitive methods. Judges will take into account the planning and management of the area, ecological awareness, social benefit, silviculture methods, control of grazing animals and invasive species as well as sensitive felling and thinning. The winner receives €2,000 and an RDS Silver Medal, the runner-up a cheque for €1,000 and an RDS certificate of merit.

Winner: Shanes Castle Estate, Antrim Village, Co. AntrimRunner Up: Bernard and Des Joyce, Ballyvarry, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Community WoodlandsThe Community Woodland Award is designed to encourage and reward projects involving community woodlands and forests which have been established and managed in a way which is sustainable and beneficial to the landscape, the local people, biodiversity and the economy. This Award is open to woodland owners or managers from the public and voluntary sectors and the winner of this Award will receive a special presentation trophy and an RDS Silver Medal.

Winner: Learmount Forest, Park Village, Co. Derry

Additional AwardsA Special Judges’ Award was also made to Mr John Brady of Woodfab Sawmill, Aughrim, Co. Wicklow in recognition of his outstanding achievements in forestry over the last 50 years.

Provincial Certificate of Merit RecipientsMunster: Bridie and Jim Kinsella, Bishopswood, Dundrum, Co. TipperaryConnaught: Balla Town Park, Castlebar, Co. Mayo

Leinster: Christian Ostoff, Glenealy, Co. WicklowUlster: Seaforde Estate, Seaforde, Co. DownBest New Entrant AwardSpringfield Castle, Drumcollogher, Co. Limerick