Search Results for 'Plantation'

Throughout the years there have been many so called “safe investments”. However, forestry seems to have been overlooked by many until now.

Throughout the years there have been many so called “safe investments”. However, forestry seems to have been overlooked by many until now.

Ireland has both the most suitable land and climate in Europe for growing trees. Interestingly, however, we are the least wooded country in Europe, with a tree cover of almost 11 per cent compared with the EU average of 31 per cent. Wood imports into Europe are the second biggest commodity import after oil. As a consequence, a major effort has been made over the last two decades to encourage farmers and landowners to plant in order to reduce this massive import bill. Forestry has become a much more attractive option for farmers and it can contribute greatly to the overall farming enterprise providing multiple benefits.

Mr Michael Boyle of Foxford, Co Mayo, has been awarded the Connaught Provincial Award in the annual RDS Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards. Originally planting four and a half hectares in 1988, Mr Boyle’s plantation has now grown to over eight hectares made up of a mixture of Sitka spruce, lodgepole pine, ash, and sycamore.

Charlotte Fleming from Ballina, Co Mayo has travelled to Kenya and visited the Lyons Tea plantation, the first tea plantation in the world to earn Rainforest Alliance certification, meeting comprehensive environmental and social standards.