Forestry Now

Dermot McNally
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Every two weeks 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'll 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. Finally I'll 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.

Episodes

  1. Firewood, Bespoke Timber Products and Small Scale Sawmilling with John Sherlock (Part 2)

    1D AGO

    Firewood, Bespoke Timber Products and Small Scale Sawmilling with John Sherlock (Part 2)

    I talk to John Sherlock (forest owner and member of the North East Forest Group) about how his search for a new revenue stream to integrate into his warehousing business led him to develop a thriving firewood processing enterprise. John explains how it works and how he scaled the business upwards while avoiding bottlenecks. John quickly recognised quality logs among the loads of "pulp" and "rescue timber" that he was processing for firewood and so expanded into sawmilling which he explains in depth - he also discusses his craft timber enterprise where he offers custom made post and beam products (from Irish grown Douglas Fir predominantly) as well as making a range of other bespoke wood products to order. Finally John discusses the growth of small scale sawmilling across Ireland and moves towards forming a Guild. All of this is good news for forest owners who want to maximize revenue from their broadleaf and diverse conifers trees. It's also good news for wood manufacturers and users who want more Irish grown timber in high end products. Note: this is the second part of my interview with John Sherlock - in the first interview we discussed how he manages his own forest outside Navan in Co Meath and the excellent work being carried out on behalf of forest owners by the North East Forestry Group. Topics Covered: Setting and scaling up his firewood business, avoiding bottlenecks and achieving synergies with his warehousing enterprise. Certifying firewood under the Wood Fuel Quality Assurance scheme - refusing money for firewood - sticking to a quality ethos.Kiln dried firewood, saw dust and bark residues? Expansion into small scale sawmilling and how demand for at-home-Shebeens during COVID turned into demand for timber. Post and beam training and douglas fir processing. Preparing cants, finishing to order and conversion rates. A guild of small scale irish sawmillers? 170 small sawmillers in Ireland! Certified home grown timber in the future? The strength of peer to peer learning and site visits - how a small amount of Government funding can accelerate industry expansion and cohesion. A ready made market in Irish schools and bespoke furniture as well as post and beam buildings?A bright future for Irish forest owners and timber users.Links John Sherlock on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-sherlock-6a0a14236/RDS Forestry Award 2020: https://www.forestry.ie/images/MiscDocs/2021YearbookArticles/2021YB-RDSForestryAwards.pdfNorth East Forestry Group: https://northeastforestrygroup.ie/Sherlogs Firewood: https://sherlogscrafttimber.ie/ Sherlogs Craft Timber: https://sherlogs.ie/Guide to Small Scale Sawmilling: https://irishforestowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IFO-Sawmilling-Handbook-2025.pdf https://forestrynow.eu/

    46 min

  2. JAN 19

    Mixed Species Forests and the North East Forestry Group with John Sherlock (Part 1)

    Today I speak with John Sherlock. As well as managing a 49 acre forest, John and his wife Evelyn own Sherlogs Firewood and Craft Timber based outside Navan in Co Meath. The business supplies firewood in the midlands and also mills timber for resale as well as offering a bespoke timber manufacturing service. If that wasn't enough John is very active in the North East Forestry Group and in a new initiative to bring small scale sawmillers across Ireland together. So there's a lot to talk about which is why I've split the interview in two parts. In this episode we talk about what's happening in his forest right now (he had windblow in January 25 and ash dieback prior to that). Then we take a deep dive into the activities of the North East Forestry Group where John's a former Chair and current secretary. John explains how their members are thriving through participation and peer to peer learning - their activities all prove the point that a small amount of targeted Government funding can accelerate the growth and cohesion of the industry. In the second episode (scheduled for release in two weeks) we'll discuss Johns firewood, his sawmilling business and the custom timber products he offers including post and beam from Douglas Fir. Then we move on to talk about the growing number of small scale sawmills across Ireland which can only be good news for forest owners who want to maximize revenue from broadleaf timber and diverse conifers.  Topics in this Episode: Johns forest, ash dieback and replanting to suit the land, windblow devastation and CCF going forward.Growth of the North East Forestry Group, especially since Storm Eowyn.Group Forest Certification (including the 12 Apostles) and expanding the number of forests certified. Learning from Certification.The Schools Project to bring kids into the forests.Supporting Future Forest Owners with bespoke learning initiatives.Knowledge Transfer Groups and the strength of forest owners groups - with examples including an application to fund a group owned forwarding machine. Links John Sherlock on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-sherlock-6a0a14236/RDS Forestry Award 2020: https://www.forestry.ie/images/MiscDocs/2021YearbookArticles/2021YB-RDSForestryAwards.pdfNorth East Forestry Group: https://northeastforestrygroup.ie/Sherlogs Firewood: https://sherlogscrafttimber.ie/ Sherlogs Craft Timber: https://sherlogs.ie/Guide to Small Scale Sawmilling: https://irishforestowners.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/IFO-Sawmilling-Handbook-2025.pdf https://forestrynow.eu/

    39 min

  3. JAN 5

    Farm Forestry, the IFA Forestry Committee and conifer removal / nature restoration on Sliabh Beagh with Alan McCabe

    In this interview I speak with Alan McCabe who is the Manager at Glaslough Tyholland Group Water Scheme in North Co Monaghan. We briefly discuss how Alan manages his own forest and his role as Co Monaghan representative on the IFA Forestry Committee including challenges surrounding ESB corridors in existing forests. Then we discuss the River Blackwater Catchment Trust who have a project to remove self seeded conifers off the heather boglands of Sliabh Beagh (which is in Monaghan, Tyrone and Fermanagh): we explore how they do this and why it matters. Alan McCabe on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-mccabe-0485b7162/ The Blackwater River Catchment Trust: https://blackwatercatchmenttrust.org/ Glaslough Tyholland Group Water Scheme: https://gtgws.ie/The IFA Forestry Committee: https://www.ifa.ie/sector-committees/forestry-committee/ National Park and Wildlife Service (NPWS) https://www.npws.ie/peatlands-and-turf-cutting/protected-raised-bog-restoration-incentive-scheme-prbris forestrynow.eu [0:00:01] Introduction & Alan McCabe’s Forest Management [0:07:25] Joining the IFA Forestry Committee: Roles and Activities [0:10:54] Committee Advocacy: Wind Blow, Timber Prices, and Owner Support [0:14:00] ESB Access and Powerline Corridor Management [0:19:25] Licensing Objections and Ministry Liaison [0:20:49] River Blackwater Catchment Trust: Overview and Goals [0:27:06] Peatland Site Description: Species, Geography, Significance [0:29:50] Invasive Self-Seeded Conifers: Project and Impact [0:34:06] Other Invasives and Habitat Challenges [0:35:13] Physical Removal, Drone Use, and Safety Considerations [0:37:30] Native Species Self-Seeding: Habitat Change Drivers [0:39:27] Peat Extraction History and Bog Restoration Plans [0:40:18] Advice and Priorities for Forest Owners

    42 min

  4. 12/22/2025

    Who Dares Wins - Transformation of Sitka Spruce to Continuous Cover Forestry with Seán Ó Conláin

    In this podcast I speak to Seán Ó Conláin about planting a 15 acre broadleaf forest in 2004, buying an adjoining mature high yield class conifer plantation (planted 1987) and the risks he took converting this block to continuous cover forestry. Seán explains his background and inspiration, management techniques, thinning interventions, underplanting, windblow of standing timber, observations around nature and enhancing nature on his holding and much more. Seán is a Chair of the Teagasc Forestry Stakeholder Group as well as a committee member at Pro Silva Ireland. Field day report from Seáns forest https://prosilvaireland.com/autumn-field-day-2023/Pro Silva Ireland at https://prosilvaireland.com/ or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ProSilvaIreland/Department of Agriculture Food and Marine Forestry Information https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/forestry-grants-and-schemes/Sean on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/se%C3%A1n-c-1b24109/ Forestry Nowhttps://forestrynow.eu/ CHAPTERS[0:00:04] – Introduction & Guest Background [0:05:37] – Forest Structure & Oak’s SignificanceDiscussion about planting patterns, mixing species, the cultural meaning of oak in Ireland, site layout, and adapting to the local landscape’s needs. [0:09:13] – Interventions & Spruce ManagementSean explains interventions since his trees established, including halo thinning, tending around oak, neighbor assistance, and applying for the Woodland Improvement Scheme. [0:12:23] – Spruce Block Purchase & CCF TransitionSean recounts the decision to buy an older spruce block, shifting from clearfell to continuous cover forestry, weighing risks, and starting the transformation process. [0:18:56] – Machinery, Soil, & Harvesting ChallengesChallenges of using heavy equipment on peaty soil, timing interventions to minimize damage, and balancing harvesting with conservation values. [0:19:37] – Deer, Wildlife, & Managing Browsing PressureSean shares the rising impact of deer on regeneration and underplanting, failed attempts at fencing, and the need for collaborative local management of wildlife. [0:29:04] – Social Value, Community, & Future InitiativesExploration of the social benefits of the forest, potential for community social farming, application to integrate habitats, and ambitions for wider involvement. [0:36:06] – Advice to New Foresters & Learning ResourcesSean’s advice on planning access and roads from the start, sources like Teagasc and Pro Silva, learning from big estates, and insights on forest knowledge transfer. [0:39:43] – Cultural Reflections, Succession, & Closing ThoughtsDiscussion of Irish people’s deep cultural connections to trees, succession challenges for new owners, and Sean’s poetic closing remarks on the legacy of woodlands.

    41 min

  5. 12/08/2025

    Falling Timber, Falling Prices - Windblow and Timber Export with Victor Barber

    The fall out from Storm Darragh and Eowyn has been monumental for the Irish Forestry Industry. To get an overview of this I speak with Victor Barber - Victor's a qualified forester who began his career with Western Forestry Co Op and is now their Harvesting Manager based out of Sligo. He also farms and is a regular contributor to the Farmers Journal on all things forestry. We speak about Storm Éoywn, we try to make sense of why some sites blew down and some sites didn't, we discuss the challenge harvesting windblown sites and the arrival of international harvesting crews. Finally we talk through the export of timber in containers and how prices are holding up for the owners of recently harvested forests. Western Forestry Coop: https://westernforestrycoop.ie/ Victor Barber's Profile: https://westernforestrycoop.ie/our-staff/victor-barber/ Victor in the Farmers Journal https://www.farmersjournal.ie/focus/forestry/planning-windblow-from-harvesting-and-sale-to-replanting-885052DAFM Guidance on using free satellite technology to assess windblown forests: youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=Hqqy5sP8PzYIFA Timber Price Survey: https://www.ifa.ie/market-reports/timber-price-surveys/ITGA: Wood Price Quarterly: https://itga.ie/services/information/wpq Forestry Now https://forestrynow.eu/ Chapters[0:00:01] – Introduction & Guest BackgroundDermot McNally introduces the podcast, outlines the episode, and welcomes Victor Barber, the harvesting manager at Western Forestry Co-Op, discussing his experience and the episode’s topics. [0:01:13] – Harvesting Methods & Services at Western Forestry Co-OpVictor explains the evolution of harvesting and sales at Western Forestry Co-Op, including the control of harvests, contracting, and maximizing returns for timber owners. [0:03:39] – Impact of Storms Dara & Eamon; Harvesting CrewsDiscussion of crew numbers before and after storms, the increase to 11 crews during peak, and the significant industry disruption caused by extreme weather. [0:06:07] – International Harvesting CrewsVictor describes bringing in Romanian harvesting crews managed by Dutch supervisors, their skill, adaptation to the Irish climate, and overcoming initial language barriers. [0:08:05] – Wind-Blown Sites: Patterns of DamageExplores which sites suffered wind blow, the lack of clear patterns, why broadleaf plantations mostly escaped damage, and how storm severity overrode usual forestry precautions. [0:12:18] – Harvesting Process on Wind-Blown vs. Normal SitesVictor outlines the added complexity and reduced speed of harvesting wind-blown sites, describing tangled trees (“bowl of spaghetti”) and the challenge for operators. [0:13:51] – Forwarder Machines and Site MaintenanceDiscussion on how, despite slow harvesting, forwarders remain engaged in site maintenance, especially laying down brash to protect soil in adverse weather. [0:15:27] – Timber Recovery & Brash ManagementThe impact of wind blow on saleable timber recovery, the need for skilled harvester drivers, and the generally good outcomes despite damage and logistical hurdles with brash. [0:18:10] – Timber Certification & Export to Europe/ChinaPost-storm oversupply leads to container exports to China/Europe; Victor notes certification wasn’t a deciding factor in sales this year. [0:21:28] – Logistics of Exporting TimberHow exporting works: from forests to yards to ships, the roles of international buyers, and adapting logistics for safety and efficiency after the storm. [0:24:55] – Timber Measurement & PricingShift from weight-based to volume-based pricing; the challenges for timber owners, summer weather effects, and industry-wide learning on measurement methods. [0:31:20] – Financial Returns for Forest OwnersExamples of net earnings per acre from wind-blown sites, with older plantations faring better and younger ones hit hardest by increased harvesting costs and price drop. [0:35:32] – Future Outlook & 2026 ExpectationsExpectations for the coming year: industry hopes for a reconstitution grant, continued challenges with pulp prices, and the need for support to restart planting cycles.

    38 min

  6. 12/08/2025

    Resilient Family Forests - CCF in Westmeath with Olive Leavy

    In this interview I speak with Olive Leavy a forest owner from Co Westmeath who currently works with Pro Silva ireland. Olive has chosen to manage her forest using the continuous cover forestry method and in this interview we cover all aspects of this including windblow, ash dieback, challenges with harvesting, getting to know your forest, a firewood business, how forestry has enabled her to remain in rural ireland, advice for forest owners and much more. Olive Leavy on Linkedin Pro Silva Ireland at https://prosilvaireland.com/ Forestry advice available at Teagasc Forestry at https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/ DAFM Forestry Information including the Woodland Improvement Scheme including CCF - https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/forestry-grants-and-schemes/ Olive on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestgirl_ire/ Forestry Now:https://forestrynow.eu/ CHAPTERS[0:00:01] – Introduction & Guest BackgroundDermot introduces the podcast and guest, Olive Leavy, who shares how she became involved in managing her family’s forest. [0:03:10] – Forest Composition & FeaturesA detailed account of the tree species planted, veteran trees, hedgerow management, and unique characteristics of the site. [0:07:01] – Decision to Move to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)Olive describes the emergence of ash dieback, peer influence, and the gradual decision to adopt CCF for resilience. [0:09:39] – First & Second Thinnings: Techniques & AdaptationsExplanation of thinning strategy, adjustments due to site conditions, hazards, and evolving the CCF approach. [0:14:27] – Ash Dieback Impact & Firewood BusinessDiscussion of losing ash to disease, the process of removal, honey fungus, utilization as firewood, and replanting with native woodland. [0:17:47] – Wildlife, Deer Management and Family InvolvementOlive outlines wildlife presence, deer monitoring, impact assessments, and fortunate avoidance of invasive species. [0:21:14] – Woodland Regeneration, Storm Windblow & Forest Stability Weed control methods, labor required, wind damage, adapting management plans, and planting for structural resilience. [0:28:29] – Deadwood Creation, Water Protection & BiodiversityTechniques for enhancing biodiversity, practical water protection measures, machinery setbacks. [0:34:49] – Government CCF Scheme & Management SupportParticipation in the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS), available supports, and practical uses for funding. [0:37:15] – Future Plans & UnderplantingPlans for underplanting, species diversification, tree marking, high pruning, and continuous CCF improvements. [0:43:29] – Natural Regeneration Under ConiferObservations of beech, oak, birch, and sycamore natural regeneration, and active management of unwanted species. [0:46:29] – Firewood Business Insights and Advice for New Forest OwnersOlive’s experience running a firewood business and the importance of hands-on knowledge for management success. [0:50:09] – Mná na Coille Initiative and Closing RemarksInitiative introduction, aims to empower women in forestry, survey results, and next steps for increased industry inclusion.

    55 min

  7. 12/03/2025

    Afforestation in the 1990's, Forest Fires, Forest Prices and carbon with Paul Lafferty

    Today I spoke with Paul Lafferty. Paul qualified as a forester in 1989 but now runs his own Auctioneering firm selling residential and commercial property from his office in Castlerea Roscommon.In addition he runs forestsales.ie which specialises in the sale of forests, reforestation land and standing timber. In this interview we speak about his 11 years with Greenbelt when afforestation rules were very different, we discussed how he manages his own forests and then Paul gave me a feel for the typical prices that are being paid for forests in Ireland right now and how an existing owner might prepare their forest for sale.  Finally Paul also set a very high bar for future guests by offering to be one of the sponsors for the show which I'm delighted with, so thanks to Paul for that. Forest Sales website: https://www.forestsales.ie/ Pauls Lafferty Ltd Auctioneers https://www.myhome.ie/estate-agents/james-cleary-sons-5973/residential Paul Lafferty at Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-lafferty-797a4020/ Greenbelt Forestry: https://www.greenbelt.ie/UCD Undergraduate Degree in Forestry  https://www.ucd.ie/agfood/study/undergraduateprogrammes/ Forestry Now: https://forestrynow.eu/ [0:00:02] – Introduction & Guest Background.Dermot McNally introduces the Forestry Now podcast and guest Paul Lafferty, who shares his background as a forester and current auctioneer, including his early career, education, and experience with Greenbelt. [0:01:15] – Education and Early Work Experience.Discussion of the UCD forestry degree’s practical elements, including a full-year placement with Coillte, and Paul’s reflections on the differences between past and present training. [0:02:19] – Role at Greenbelt: Afforestation & Land Procurement.Paul describes his work as a forest area manager from 1989–2000, focusing on afforestation, land acquisition, grant applications, species selection, and the challenges of trespass and frost damage. [0:05:00] – Financial Aspects of Afforestation.Exploration of costs and profitability linked to deep peat bog plantings, contractor negotiations, and premium structures for landowners, including changes in land and forestry values over time. [0:09:10] – Managing Personal Forests: Practices & Challenges.Paul discusses his personal forest investments, the processes of thinning and clear felling, dealing with issues such as fire, windblow, and reconstitution grants, and evolving management strategies. [0:15:12] – Trends in Forest Sales & Institutional Investment.Insight into the types of forests and land markets, what institutional and recreational buyers are seeking, the importance of access and roads, and evolving investor requirements—including environmental concerns. [0:23:17] – Valuing & Marketing Forests.Details on the valuation process, required information, use of technology (maps, drone imagery), competitive bidding, and the challenges/opportunities of finding true market value for plantations. [0:28:26] – Current Forest Prices by Type and Region.Breakdown of recent prices for productive conifer plantations, broadleaf forests, and the variables affecting those prices, including area, location, species, and market demand. [0:33:37] – Reforestation Land & Farmland Market Dynamics.Discussion of the state of the market for reforestation ground, the influence of farmland prices and returns from farming, and regulatory/environmental obstacles impacting approvals and values. [0:41:53] – Future Trends: Biodiversity, Carbon, & Investment Opportunities.Paul highlights emerging trends in biodiversity, environmental schemes, and carbon credits. The episode concludes by encouraging forest owners to monitor new opportunities in sustainability and forest management.

    43 min
  8. Welcome to Forestry Now (Coming Soon...)

    11/24/2025

    Welcome to Forestry Now (Coming Soon...)

    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'll 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.Finally I'll 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 min
  • 8 Episodes

About

Every two weeks 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'll 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. Finally I'll 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
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dermot McNally
  • Show Website
    Forestry Now