Forestry Now

Dermot McNally

This podcast explores the forces impacting the profitable and sustainable management of commercial forests and natural woodlands. I speak with forest owners, forestry professionals and industry stakeholders on the biggest operational, environmental and economic challenges affecting the sector. I interview people involved in the harvesting and processing side of the forestry business as well as those who are trying to maximise carbon sequestration and general ecosystem services. I also investigate political and legislative changes that are coming down the track as well as highlight new technologies and big opportunities that are around the corner. Subscribe to Forestry Now with me Dermot McNally, to hear more.

  1. 2 days ago

    Electricity Corridors and Existing Forests with Donal Whelan

    Today I'm joined by Donal Whelan from the Irish Timber Growers Association. We talk a little about the role of the ITGA itself but we mostly focus on a new challenge for forest owners across Ireland - proposals to widen ESB corridors through existing semi mature and mature forests. We talk about the long established practice which facilitates power lines in new plantations and how owners are compensated for areas that cannot be planted with trees. Then we move on to the many possible implications if ESB corridors are widened without adequate engagement and consultation with forest owners - hugely increased windblow risk in areas adjoining cleared sections, reduced future access to area based forestry and farming support schemes, reduced access to basic farming payments, disruption and reduction of harvest income, sterilisation of underlying ground from future planting not to mention the thorny issues of who prevents woody regrowth from establishing or if the cleared areas will be made fit for return to agricultural activity with provision for livestock grade fencing. Some forest owners, myself included, have already being approached by the ESB and Donal reflects on what land owners are obliged (under current legislation) to facilitate at present.  This podcast is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou About Donal:Donal Whelan, B.Agr.Sc. (Forestry) is a forestry graduate from University College Dublin and is principal of Commercial Forestry Services Ltd. (CFS) and Technical Director of the Irish Timber Growers Association (ITGA). Since 1986 Donal Whelan has provided forestry consultancy, management and advisory services to a wide range of corporate and private clients. A number of woodlands managed by Donal Whelan have won the National RDS – FS Forestry Awards, the most recent in 2019. Key Points: Role of Irish Timber Growers AssociationImpact of proposed forestry legislation on landownersCurrent power line corridor widening and compensationForest resilience and wind blow risksUnanswered questions around impacts of proposed widening.Engagement with policymakers and stakeholdersQuotes: "The legislation is a moving target.""Engage with a professional forester for advice.""Widening corridors affects wind stability and forest health."Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:Commercial Forestry Services: https://forests.ie/Donal on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donal-whelan-54240716/Irish Timber Growers Association: https://itga.ie/ Other Links of Note:Agreement between the Irish Farmers Association and the Electricity Supply Board (ESB) in the case of forestry. https://www.ifa.ie/ifa-compensation-agreements/Minister O'Brien's Press Release re: new draft legislation: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-climate-energy-and-the-environment/press-releases/minister-obrien-welcomes-progress-on-legislation-to-strengthen-electricity-network-resilience/This issue in the media: https://www.agriland.ie/farming-news/sinn-fein-to-table-bill-on-forestry-corridors-for-critical-infrastructure/ESB's Winter Resilience Plan: https://media.esbnetworks.ie/media/docs/default-source/publications/esb-networks-winter-2025-grid-resilience-plan.pdfDetail on Storm Éowyn https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Storm_%C3%89owyn Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/ Chapters: 00:00 Show introduction: Donald Whelan on ESB power lines and Irish forests 02:09 Donald’s forestry background and the role of the ITGA 06:46 Proposed changes to ESB corridors through existing forests 09:10 Existing ESB arrangements for new plantations and power lines 11:29 Compensation for land, lost premiums and professional advice 16:20 Current ESB corridor widths and compensation rules 21:03 Widening corridors: wind risk and the impact on established forests 28:12 Landowner rights, ESB approaches and the proposed legislation 32:56 Premature harvesting, financial losses and grant implications 37:40 Timber extraction, forest roads and the cost of removing trees 40:05 Corridor maintenance, regrowth and landowner liability 42:29 Farming supports and the implications for forest owners 47:17 Representing forest owners: political engagement and ITGA priorities 54:26 The future of private forestry and closing remarks

    Electricity Corridors and Existing Forests with Donal Whelan

  2. 20 Oct

    Windblow, Ash Dieback and Climate Resilience Schemes with Kevin O Connell

    Today I speak with Kevin O Connell, Forestry Advisor at Teagasc - Teagasc are Irelands national agriculture and food development authority and Kevin's role is to advise Irish forest owners about how to best manage their forests. Today we discuss some of the reconstitution schemes the Irish Government offers owners. We start off by discussing the Climate Resilience Reforestation Pilot before moving on to the Windblow Scheme and finally the Ash dieback scheme. Each scheme has its own focus and nuance as you'll hear but all offer financial assistance to replant your site and in some cases, make other payments such as the annual Payments for Ecosystem Services available. While replanting involves challenges, Kevin emphasises that it offers a great chance for owners to reset the clock and grow a new forest that aligns with your objectives.  This podcast is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou About Kevin:Kevin O’Connell is the Forestry Development Officer with Teagasc for counties Cavan, Monaghan, Meath, and Louth. He has over 38 years’ experience in forestry, both in the private and public sectors. Kevin joined Teagasc in 1988 and developed, managed and taught on the forestry training courses in Ballyhaise College. In 2005, he joined the advisory services, returned for a period to education but is now full time in advisory. Kevin has a specific interest in forestry education and environmental related forest management. His qualifications are M.Agr. Sc. (Rural Environmental Conservation Management) and B.Agr.Sc (Forestry). He is a technical member of the Society of Irish Foresters. He has taken a supporting role in instigating and nurturing knowledge transfer and information dissemination and works closely with the North East Forestry Group. Key Points: Reforestation obligations under the 2014 forestry actResetting the clock and next generation involvement in forest managementScheme for climate resilient reforestationNative forests and ecological sitesBiodiversity and water protection schemesWind damage assessment and support schemeAsh dieback reconstitution scheme and paymentsFinancial support and grant processes for reforestationQuotes: "Wind damage support is crucial after storms.""Ash dieback schemes help owners replant.""Consult your forester for scheme advice."Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:Kevins Profilehttps://teagasc.ie/people/kevin-oconnell/Kevins Article on reforestation: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/reforestation-following-harvest/ Other Links of Note:Teagasc Forestry Resources on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/teagascforestryvideosClimate Resilience Reforestation Scheme Pilot: https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/climate-resilient-reforestation-pilot-scheme-offering-financial-support-for-reforestation/ https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/grants/climate-resilient-reforestation-pilot-scheme/ Windblow Reconstitution Scheme https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/grants/reconstitution-scheme-for-windblow-2026/https://teagasc.ie/news--events/daily/turning-a-new-leaf/ Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/ Chapters: 00:00 Show introduction01:10 Introducing Kevin O’Connell and his role at Teagasc02:03 Felling licences, replanting obligations and forest management05:05 Replanting requirements and exceptions08:32 Replanting as an opportunity to reset your forest11:02 Involving the next generation in forestry decisions13:06 How reforestation grants are paid15:00 The Climate Resilient Reforestation Pilot Scheme20:03 Continuous cover forestry: creating diverse, resilient forests24:23 Native forests and the benefits of woodland restoration28:03 Biodiversity, water protection and the Windblow Reconstitution Scheme30:35 Windblow damage: eligibility, assessment and affected areas40:20 Replanting options, grant rates and applying for windblow support48:13 The Ash Dieback Scheme and additional financial support55:50 Final advice for forest owners

    Windblow, Ash Dieback and Climate Resilience Schemes with Kevin O Connell

  3. 13 Oct

    Deer Management in Ireland with Seppi Höna

    Today I speak with Regional Forest Inspector Seppi Höna about national efforts to address spiraling deer numbers in Ireland. We discuss the problems deer create in forestry and also what the scale of the problem is. Seppi explains how a national strategy group is providing direction for DMU's deer management units, which are now operational across the Republic of Ireland. We chat about whether we need more incentives to cull deer, about ethical and operational considerations relating to culled deer being left on the hill, as opposed to being recovered for venison. Finally, there are supports for deer protection in new forests, so we discuss these and other strategies forest owners can take to protect their trees.  Seppi Höna is a Regional Forest Inspector and Forest Service Inspector at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine in Ireland. He has chaired key committees for the Irish Deer Management Strategy Group (IDMSG) and presented on the impact of deer in Irish forestry. This podcast is part of the Deep Dives series which is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou Key Points: Deer damage is on the rise, as evidenced by the National Forest Inventory. In 2022, 36% of sample plots exhibited some level of deer damage, a notable increase from previous years. Deer impact on Irish forestry and native woodlandsDevelopment and implementation of Ireland's deer management unitsPublic perception and stakeholder engagement in deer cullingThe role of incentives and policies in deer population controlResearch and scientific advice guiding deer management strategiesThe importance of habitat assessment and landscape-level managementChallenges of invasive deer species and non-native populationsThe potential for local venison markets and food sustainabilityEthical considerations in deer culling and carcass managementFuture policy directions and stakeholder collaboration in IrelandQuotes: "Deer can damage all types of trees if at high levels."Levels of Deer Damage? "We know there's a negative trajectory there, even from our national inventory."Opposition to Culling? "Most responsible stakeholders want deer to be at sustainable levels... It's essential to cull deer to keep them at a healthy balance." Culling and leaving deer carcasses on the hill: "I can see absolutely a place for this. If you're in an a very remote area... that's completely acceptable. But I do have an issue if it's the case that deer are being shot close to access tracks from an ethical point of view and they're being left there because the deer can easily be brought to a cold store and brought into there to the the food chain".Developing a local market for venison: "We might move to a place where a local hunter could sell venison directly himself... at the minute the hunter can't"Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seppi-h%C3%B6na-033b2075/Seppi's Deer Impact Assessment Report as presented at the Society of Irish Foresters Field day: https://www.societyofirishforesters.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Deer-impact-assessment-SIF-fieldday.pdf Other Links of Note:Farm Relief Services Deer Management Programme: https://frscoop.ie/deer-management-programme-ireland/Local DMU Case Study in Achill, Co Mayo: https://frscoop.ie/deer-management-achill-case-study/Report of the Deer Management Strategy Group: https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/report-of-the-deer-management-strategy-group/ Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/ Chapters: 00:00Introduction and overview of deer impact in Ireland 02:14Seppi Hona's background and role in forestry and wildlife management 04:14Findings from the National Forest Inventory on deer damage 06:06Deer impact on different types of trees and forests 07:49Stakeholder perspectives on deer population levels 09:51Assessing deer health and population estimates 12:58Irish Deer Management Strategy Group and its objectives 15:58Deer management measures and public engagement 17:51Deer management units and coordination efforts 19:59Role of Farm Relief Services and deer culling infrastructure 21:58Legal tools: open season and out-of-season licenses 23:49Practical management: protecting new plantations from deer 26:02Incentives for hunters and deer culling targets 27:52Challenges and ethical considerations in deer culling 29:56Market potential for venison and promoting local consumption 32:01Invasive deer species and eradication challenges 34:05European hunting culture and Ireland's unique position 35:57Getting started with deer hunting in Ireland 38:01Controversies: deer culling practices and ethics 40:14Research and future studies on deer ecology 44:08Summary and final thoughts on deer management in Ireland

    Deer Management in Ireland with Seppi Höna

  4. 6 Oct

    Enhancing Native and Broadleaf Forests with Paddy Purser

    Today I speak with forester Paddy Purser - Paddy was an early Irish advocate for continuous cover forestry (CCF) and a key figure in the establishment of Pro Silva Ireland who promote CCF's adoption. We speak about the enhancement of native and broadleaf forestry through timely and appropriate interventions and how this can lead to a wide range of commercial, silvicultural and biodiversity benefits. The Woodland Improvement Scheme grant assists owners of native and broadleaf forests to manage their forests and so we talk about how the scheme works and how it supports both a clearfell and a continuous cover management approach. And finally we briefly discuss a longer term vision Paddy has - to see Ireland once again covered in oak trees that are managed both for timber and ecological benefit. We don't specifically address grant payment rates as these can change intermittently but links to find out more can be found below. This podcast is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou Key Points: Paddy discusses the various types of broadleaf forests in Ireland, including ancient woodlands, old estate woodlands, and newly planted broadleaf forests. Each type has its unique management needs and ecological significance: Ancient Woodlands: These are continuous woodlands that have existed for centuries, often rich in biodiversity.Old Estate Woodlands: Typically mixed woodlands that were historically maintained for estate boundaries, some timber production and/or game rearing.Newly Planted Broadleaf Forests: These are often part of the Government supported afforestation programs, with a growing emphasis on integrating broadleaf species into monoculture conifer plantations.Paddy identifies three primary motivations for landowners to engage in broadleaf management: Commercial Viability: Exploring the potential for timber production.Silvicultural Reasons: Improving stand development and forest health.Biodiversity: Enhancing ecological diversity within forest ecosystems.Paddy then explains how interventions to enhance standing timber from a commercial point of view must be taken at appropriate stages of development. Beyond formative shaping, Paddy explains how thinning racks are a prerequisite for almost everything that comes afterwards and he gives some examples of what that looks like. Quotes: "There has been a significant cultural shift in how forest owners perceive their broadleaves, moving towards a more management-oriented approach rather than seeing them as unproductive areas.""If you talk or run any poll on what kind of woodlands people want, they want native Irish forests.""Continuous cover forestry is defined by what it isn't rather than what it is. It's about creating a sustainable management approach that benefits both the forest and its biodiversity.""You can't retrofit quality at a late stage into broadleaves, it has to be instilled at the very beginning.""For thousands of years, oak was our main commercial species. in the last hundred years it hasn't been. But I would say there i it is highly likely that it will become our main commercial species again."Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:Linkedin at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paddy-purser-69996914/ Other Links of Note:Pro Silva Ireland on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/pro-silva-ireland/posts/?feedView=all Pro Silva Ireland on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ProSilvaIrelandThe Woodland Improvement Scheme: https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/grants/woodland-improvement-scheme-2023-2027/ Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/ Chapters: 00:00 Show introduction 01:04 Paddy Purser speaks about his career and interest in continuous cover forestry 04:25 The different types of broadleaf woodland in Ireland08:51 Why broadleaf woodlands need active management11:46 Thinning for commercial, silvicultural and biodiversity benefits16:53 Growing high-value timber from the best trees22:22 Developing quality, stability and resilience through thinning28:10 Ground flora, water management and biodiversity30:38 The importance of deadwood for woodland biodiversity36:22 Formative shaping, inspection paths and coppicing44:49 The Woodland Improvement Scheme and broadleaf thinning grants49:15 Continuous cover forestry and managing woodland over the long term57:58 Enrichment planting and developing diverse woodlands01:02:01 The future of Irish oak and the next generation of broadleaf forests

    Enhancing Native and Broadleaf Forests with Paddy Purser

  5. 29 Sept

    Native Woodlands in Transition with Kate Harrington

    Native Woodlands in Transition with Kate Harrington In this podcast I speak with experienced ecologist Dr Kate Harrington about her recently published research into native woodlands primarily planted in the last twenty years. We know that native woodlands benefit nature but today Kate and I discuss exactly what that looks like in these forests. Kate carried out extensive field research which revealed subtle but critical changes to specific pollinator species and other indicators as the woodlands aged - given the vast range of other variables on every site this proved hugely significant as a gauge of woodland development. We speak a little about the where and why these forests were planted, about how they interact with the farming landscapes they often exist in, about the edge effect, and we also touch on a few simple measures a forest owner can take to maximise personal enjoyment and nature enhancement. This podcast is part of the Deep Dives series which is kindly supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou Key Points: Native woodland species and their ecological rolesBiodiversity monitoring methods in young forestsPollinator communities and their response to woodland ageLandowner motivations and land management practicesNatural colonization and forest regeneration strategiesLandscape-level conservation planning and incentivesQuotes: "Monitoring bees gives a quick grasp of woodland development.""It became abundantly obvious as soon as I walked into these sites there are so many variables... trying to capture all of that was quite difficult.""You do get a bit depressed as an ecologist with all the bad news but I think this is a good news story."Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:https://www.linkedin.com/in/harringtonkm/New Study Reveals How Ireland’s Young Woodlands Are Quietly Shaping the Future for Pollinators https://www.tcd.ie/e3/news/new-study-reveals-how-irelands-young-woodlands-are-quietly-shaping-the-future-for-pollinators/ Are New Woodlands Good for Nature? https://pollinators.ie/are-new-woodlands-good-for-nature/ Farmers are Key to Restoring Nature: https://theconversation.com/farmers-are-key-to-restoring-native-woodlands-heres-whats-holding-them-back-279498 Kates work and research was heavily influenced by Professor Jane Stout. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-stout-8269401b/ Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/ Chapters: 00:00Introduction to native woodlands research in Ireland 01:00Research focus and motivation for the PhD 02:58Methodology: Site selection and data collection 06:48Types of forests studied and age ranges 17:04Biodiversity measurement and pollinator focus 21:46Pollinator community changes with forest age 26:03Indicators: Bees versus hoverflies 33:01Natural colonization and ground flora changes 41:58Landowner motivations and management practices 49:05Personal experiences and observations in the field 51:47Implications for policy and future research

    Native Woodlands in Transition with Kate Harrington

  6. 22 Sept

    Broadleaf Planting in Ireland with Colm Gilheaney

    In this interview I'm joined by Colm Gilheaney, Establishment Manager at Western Forestry Co-Op. We discuss everything you need to know if you're considering planting a new broadleaf forest in Ireland. Colm gives me an overview of the Irish Government forestry programme, what it pays for and for how long. Farmland that is considered for planting is always surveyed and Colm explains how this feed into the type of forest the owner applies for. The Irish Forestry Programme supports 7 distinct broadleaf forest types and Colm highlights the crucial aspects of each and which might be best suited for the land in question. Finally we talk through the application process itself, who manages the planting, the maintenance and everything in between.  Colm Gilheaney is the Establishment Manager at Western Forestry Co-Op. He joined Western Forestry Co-op in 2015 and is based in the Sligo office managing the afforestation team and projects predominantly in counties Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Donegal, Cavan, Longford, Monaghan. Colm is a technical member of the Society of Irish Foresters and a Native Woodland Scheme accredited Forester. This podcast is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou Key Points: Broadleaf forest planting schemes and available grantsSite assessment and matching tree species to soilsNative woodland types and species selectionManagement and maintenance of forestsPlanting arrangements and clustering key speciesChallenges like deer and hare in forest establishmentQuotes: "Don't make any real rash decisions on what you're gonna do with your land, you know, because it's a big decision.""There are attractive grants for the establishment of the forest, there's grants for the fencing of the forest, and then there's a yearly premium which goes to the landowner every year after that.""Up to twenty thousand euro per hectare over twenty years""FT 1 is your different native mixes based on the native woodland framework and it's based on the soil.... Matching trees to soil is crucial for success""Invert mounding is where you actually turn the sod and put it back in where it was effectively... it's a weed-free piece of soil for the plant to have a start in in life".Why plant in straight lines? "I suppose, if you're related to the machine that's trying to create the planting position, if you're doing the planting, the maintenance, like you know, when vegetation comes on and you maybe struggling to see the tree, you know that they're a straight line in front of you, whereas if they're small and they're all over the place, it can be impossible to find them. In relation to thinning out and pruning, it just makes it actually easier and possible to work on the forest in its early stage."As regards Forest Type 2 Woodlands for Water: "What it's doing really is incentivizing land to be planted as a native woodland close to rivers, you know, which then will protect them in the long course, you know.""Enjoy your forest and get involved in its management."Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:Colm at Western: https://westernforestrycoop.ie/our-staff/colm-gilheaney/ Other Links of Note:Teagasc Guide to Afforestation Forest Types, Rates and Rules: https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/grants/Western Forestry Co-Op on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p/DbsjF8eIT6b/on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/western-forestry-co-op/on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/westernforestrycoop.ie/Society of Irish Foresters: https://www.societyofirishforesters.ie/ Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/

    Broadleaf Planting in Ireland with Colm Gilheaney

  7. 15 Sept

    Afforestation: Now and Then with Marina Conway

    Afforestation: Now and Then with Marina Conway. A deep dive into how we screen all new afforestation applications in Ireland and how this process compares with the process in the past. In this interview I'm joined by Marina Conway, Head of Woodlands at Hometree and one of Ireland's most recognisable and respected forestry professionals. We speak about the afforestation screening process and the type of habitats and landscape features they protect, we hone in on water quality and the treatment of applications on peaty soils and from hen harrier areas. Then we also talk about modern operation techniques that are used during planting to protect water and biodiversity. During the conversation we look at how things were done in the past and Marina flags problems we're still dealing with. And then we look forward and Marina makes interesting recommendations to increase afforestation and stakeholder engagement.  Marina is a qualified forester and is currently Head of Woodlands at Hometree. She is also a Nuffield Scholar, former CEO of Western Forestry. She also worked internationally in Government in New Zealand on Forestry in the Emissions Trading Scheme. She  has spent the majority of her career in farm forestry, her passion is for farmers, farm families and communities being at the centre of our national forestry policy and that our forests are best served in local and rural ownership. She is especially proud of leading on Ireland’s first Woodland Festival, largest Native Woodland Park and first pioneer birch woodland. She has participated in national committees on forestry including appointed by the Minister to Project Woodland. Marina has a Degree and Masters in Agricultural Science (Forestry), qualifications in Environmental Auditing, Training and Water Pollution Control and is a 2025 Nuffield Scholar. This podcast is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou Key Points: Environmental assessment processes for afforestation in IrelandProtection of water and biodiversity in land managementNative woodland restoration and ecological connectivityCommunity engagement and public support for forestryChallenges with peat soils and carbon balanceFuture strategies for sustainable land use including - increased community engagement and reconsidering peat depths which can be planted.Quotes: "We have a lot of ambition in this country for forestry.""Young spruce provides nesting habitat for hen harriers.""Rewetting peatlands can be a part of our climate strategy.""The state got it right in saying we need to become self-sufficient in timber in our own country."Time to reconsider planting deeper peats? "Absolutely...it's carbon reasons that the thirty centimetre came in and it's a little bit arbitrary. I mean I don't know how much you know I think there is there is research going on now to to look into that a little bit more because it's forty centimetres in England, it's fifty centimetres in Scotland..""One of the things that that always frustrates me a little bit about the appropriate assessment screening process that is required under the Habitats Directive is that it doesn't take any cognizance of existing land use.... we can go in and do a two-year study on converting 40 acres into a native woodland. And I'm not joking, applications can take two or three years to be done. Yet the existing landowner can continue to farm that land, to spray rushes, to put on fertilizers, to dose their sheep, to, you know, to you know drain it."Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Follow the Guest on:Marina Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marina-conway-01670312/Marina at Hometree: https://www.hometree.ie/aboutProject Woodland Report: https://assets.gov.ie/static/documents/project-woodland-final-report-january-2023.pdf Other Links of Note:New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme: https://environment.govt.nz/what-government-is-doing/areas-of-work/climate-change/ets/ Follow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/ (00:00) - Dermot introduces todays guest (01:04) - Introducing Marina Conway and her forestry career (02:24) - How the afforestation screening process works (05:10) - Natura sites, water quality and environmental safeguards (09:14) - Water setbacks, drainage and protecting waterways (11:20) - Peat soils, carbon and the legacy of past planting (14:34) - Protecting birds, habitats and high-nature-value farmland (18:44) - How forestry rules have changed over the years (21:20) - The environmental legacy of planting deep peat (26:30) - Modern forestry: less fertiliser and better planting techniques (29:09) - Hen harriers and the changing forestry landscape (32:21) - Replanting, continuous cover forestry and forest-to-bog conversion (39:10) - Biodiversity areas, riparian woodland and protecting water (43:54) - Forestry and the local community (46:59) - How can Ireland plant more forests? (54:14) - Finding the balance between environmental protection and forestry (56:05) - Should deeper peat soils be considered for forestry? (58:46) - A more holistic approach to land management (59:29) - Conclusion 00:00 Dermot introduces todays guest01:04 Introducing Marina Conway and her forestry career02:24 How the afforestation screening process works 05:10 Natura sites, water quality and environmental safeguards 09:14 Water setbacks, drainage and protecting waterways 11:20 Peat soils, carbon and the legacy of past planting 14:34 Protecting birds, habitats and high-nature-value farmland 18:44 How forestry rules have changed over the years 21:20 The environmental legacy of planting deep peat 26:30 Modern forestry: less fertiliser and better planting techniques 29:09 Hen harriers and the changing forestry landscape 32:21 Replanting, continuous cover forestry and forest-to-bog conversion 39:10 Biodiversity areas, riparian woodland and protecting water 43:54 Forestry and the local community 46:59 How can Ireland plant more forests?...

    Afforestation: Now and Then with Marina Conway

  8. 8 Sept

    Season Two Preview

    Public interest and support for new forestry in Ireland has never been higher. And so in this Season Two Preview I give an overview of the three broad questions I'll be addressing in the twelve upcoming episodes of the Forestry Now podcast.  1) How do we plant and manage forests well? 2) How can forests deliver for nature and biodiversity? And 3) How do we produce the timber we need while making sure forestry works within the wider rural landscape? So, whether you’re already managing a forest, thinking about planting one, or just interested in what's happening in the woods around you, I hope you’ll join me in the coming weeks and months. Season Two of the podcast is supported by the Irish Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. If you're thinking of planting a new forest or if you want information on financial and technical supports to manage your existing forest then go to  http://gov.ie/forestryforyou Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signupFollow the Forestry Now Podcast on:Website: https://forestrynow.eu/Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-forestry-now-podcast/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ForestryNowInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestry_now_podcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForestryNowPodcast/ Contact Dermot: forestrynowpodcast@gmail.comOr at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dermot-mcnally-90b06421/

    Season Two Preview
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About

This podcast explores the forces impacting the profitable and sustainable management of commercial forests and natural woodlands. I speak with forest owners, forestry professionals and industry stakeholders on the biggest operational, environmental and economic challenges affecting the sector. I interview people involved in the harvesting and processing side of the forestry business as well as those who are trying to maximise carbon sequestration and general ecosystem services. I also investigate political and legislative changes that are coming down the track as well as highlight new technologies and big opportunities that are around the corner. Subscribe to Forestry Now with me Dermot McNally, to hear more.

Information

  • Creator
    Dermot McNally
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dermot McNally
  • Show Website
    Forestry Now

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