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. 4d ago

    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

  2. Oct 6

    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

  3. Sep 29

    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

  4. Sep 22

    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

  5. Sep 15

    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

  6. Sep 8

    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

  7. Jul 6

    Season One Review

    End of Season One Review! Two things on the agenda today - firstly a short bit of housekeeping about the summer break. And secondly for those who are brand new or recent listeners this podcast includes a brief overview of big takeaways since I launched the show. Firstly the housekeeping -  just to say that there’ll be no new episodes of the podcast until September 2026. This will give me a chance to catch up on managing my own forests and to plan for the next season of interviews - so make sure you’re subscribed and you’ll be notified of the newest episodes once they release. And also, if you haven’t already liked or rated the podcast please be a legend and do so. Thank you. Now a few of the main takeaways from Season One of the podcast. Half of my guests to date are forest owners who also work in the sector so that gives them an extra perspective. The big take away is simply that it pays to spend time in your forest so you can get the most from it - be that timber, nature enhancement, or simply for your own pleasure and enjoyment. Two great interviews that typify this are with Olive Leavy (Resilient Family Forests - CCF in Westmeath) and another with Sean O Conluain (Who Dares Wins - Transformation of Sitka Spruce to Continuous Cover Forestry) who both describe their experiences using Continuous Cover Forestry Principles. Another forest owner, Brendan Guinan (Farming in an Irish Forest) spoke to me about his approach to agroforestry in an established plantation and that's a great episode for anyone who wants to combine timber and food outputs from their forest.  Two powerful storms hit Ireland in Dec 24 and January 25 and in Falling Timber, Falling Prices - I spoke with Victor Barber from Western Forestry. This episode was a great overview of the huge challenges the Irish sector has been facing cleaning up three years of harvest. If there's a lesson here for me it’s that owners of semi mature forests should get roads in early and try to have a valid felling licence on hand just in case disaster strikes in the future. Forestry can sometimes come in for bad press but there's clearly been huge improvements in environmental standards in Ireland since the 1990s when timber maximisation was the norm - listen to my interview with Paul Lafferty in Afforestation in the 1990's..  for a taste of what it was like back then and because Paul is an auctioneer specialising in forest we discuss what forests are selling for today. There’s lots of good news stories - Alan McCabe in Farm Forestry, the IFA Forestry Committee.. explained how efforts are underway to remove conifers that are spreading on blanket bogs and how Ireland’s peat bogs are slowly being rewet which is good for carbon capture and for the catchments they sit above. Lots also to be cheerful about in Community and Conservation in terms of Hometrees work at a landscape level, maximising state and local landowner engagement to deliver environmental and societal benefits - Ray O Foghlu was my guest there. Also for a whistlestop 500 year history of native woodlands in Ireland have a listen to my conversation with Joe Gowran from Woodlands of Ireland. Joe is an absolute expert on all things native woodland planting and management. That's in Irelands Native Woodlands. If you’re interested in what happens after the forest gate then listen to my second conversation with John Sherlock: that episode is called - Firewood, Bespoke Timber Products, and Small-Scale Sawmilling - we discuss how his firewood business got started and has evolved into sawmilling and bespoke manufacture. My first interview with John was about his own forest and the activities of the North East Forestry Group who are supporting small farm forest owners make the most of their woodlands. More recently in Biomass, Renewable Heat and Nuffield 2026, Kenny McCauley, Leitrim business owner, told me everything about what it takes to run a biomass business and how his product is fueling Ireland's renewable heat market. Farming Advisors are a critical part of the afforestation story in Ireland as they are often the first point of contact for landowners thinking of planting trees. That’s why I spoke to Andy Dunne Farm Advisor who joined me for Where Farming Meets Forestry. Andy perspective is unique and he has many examples of how Ireland’s restrictive and rigid afforestation licencing process can lead to unintended negative consequences. Equally insightful was my chat with Dr Zhu who recently completed groundbreaking research which we discuss in detail in: Barriers to Afforestation in Ireland. This interview is an absolute must for anyone interested in why Ireland can’t plant enough new forests. Then for forest owners who have a timber crop coming to market it could be time to think about certifying your forest under FSC or PEFC systems. In IPlan and Certification for Forest Owners Kathleen Lucey from the IFO joined me to explain how group certification works in Ireland. I went international with some guests. In an episode titled How Forestry Lost the PR Battle, Peter Hashulo a HUngarian forest engineer and industry analyst explained in simple terms how the forestry sector failed to communicate its sustainability credentials and how that has lead to public confusion surrounding sustainable timber harvesting.  The contrast to that episode was my conversation with Douglas MacMillan who joined me for "Reimagining Scottish Forestry". Douglas delivers a sharp critique of corporate monoculture conifer plantations which he says dominates Scotland's rural landscape and he advocates for a range of changes that he says will spread the benefits of forestry more widely. That episode has led to some industry pushback and my plan is to do an interview to tell the other side of the story. Finally my most recent episode was with Eeva Lisa Heinaro who joined me in "Carbon Markets for Forest Owners". She explains in simple and accessible terms the background to emerging carbon markets and what forest owners who want to sell carbon credits need to be aware of.  So it was a busy and interesting first season. Lots to catch up on here if you’re just finding the podcast. I’ll be back as I say in September 2026, until then take care and get into the woods. Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup 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:

    Season One Review

  8. Jun 22

    Carbon Markets for Forest Owners with Eeva-Liisa Heinaro

    Today I speak with Eeva-Liisa Heinaro from Finland. She spent decades working in the paper industry before moving into Carbon Lab (as COO) who help businesses manage and monetize carbon sequestration and ecological compensation projects. Carbon Lab are very well placed to deliver this service because they are a subsidiary of Conifer Consulting who manage more than 135,000 hectares of Finnish forestry for institutional investors. In this interview Eeva-Liisa explains a little about her background and the forestry sector in Finland. We then move on to discuss whats happening in carbon markets and she explains how the institutional architecture around carbon recording, transparency, integrity and pricing are being rebuilt for the future and what that means for forest owners. Special Acknowledgement to Peter Hasulyó of the Forestry Brief (and former guest on the podcast) for his detailed written analysis of all aspects of carbon markets and who credits Eeva Liisa as a critical source in his own research. For topical and insightful analysis of European and Worldwide forest markets go to: https://forestrybrief.com/   Click here for the ForestryNow podcast newsletter signup Key Points: Eeva-Liisa's role as COO at Carbon Lab and working with both forest owners and carbon credit buyers.An overview of the Finnish forestry industry - 75% forestry with a substantial amount planted on peaty soils and 600,000 forest owners of different sizes!Previously, the carbon market was viewed as unregulated and opportunistic, leading to distrust among buyers. Recent changes to improve carbon market regulation and transparency are leading to increased investor confidence which in turn gives European carbon projects a competitive edge over initiatives in less regulated countries. Understanding where PEFC and FSC certification fit into forest carbon projects.The interaction between certification systems like Verra, Gold Standard and EU frameworks.Understanding measured additionality, financial additionality and the voluntary nature of eligible additionality.Understanding longevity and permanence in carbon sequestration projects.Challenges inherent to peatland forestry and possibilities offered by "ecological compensation" projects.Things to consider if starting on a carbon certification project.Quotes: "Additionality is one of the two really core concepts when we talk about carbon projects. The other one is permanence.""The forest certification is actually a requirement in the carbon certification systems... your forest ....has to be certified by FSC or PFC."Carbon certification... "is a big commitment and money-wise it can get very expensive..""The risks involved with peatlands is really that you cause more more negatives than positives with your carbon project, with the soil emissions." Follow the Guest on:Eeva-Liisa Heinaro on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eeva-liisa-heinaro/Carbon Lab: https://carbonlab.fi/Conifer Consulting: https://conifer.fi/en/ Other Links of Note:The Finnish Forestry: https://www.metsakeskus.fi/en/about-us/the-finnish-forest-centreGold Standard Forest Carbon: https://www.goldstandard.org/VERRA Forest Carbon Standards: https://verra.org/The EU's Carbon Removals and Carbon Farming Regulations https://climate.ec.europa.eu/eu-action/carbon-removals-and-carbon-farming/carbon-removals-and-carbon-farming-crcf-regulation_en 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: 00:00:00 Introduction to Forestry Now & Carbon Lab00:01:18 Eeva-Liisa’s Background & Carbon Lab's Focus00:02:59 Snapshot of the Finnish Forestry Sector00:05:23 Forest Data, Regulation & Certification in Finland00:08:32 Building Trust in European Carbon Markets00:12:31 The Competitive Advantage of European Carbon Projects00:14:09 Intersecting Certifications: Timber vs. Carbon00:16:51 Unpacking "Additionality" in Carbon Projects00:21:50 The Concept of "Permanence" & Credit Pricing00:24:45 The Cost of Entry for Forest Owners00:28:36 The Peatland Dilemma00:31:30 How Forest Owners Can Get Started00:34:00 Timelines for Reaching the Carbon Market00:35:10 Protecting Investments Against Acts of Nature00:37:25 Future Trends: Ecological Compensation00:39:14 Balancing Carbon, Ecology, and the Timber Industry

    Carbon Markets for Forest Owners with Eeva-Liisa Heinaro
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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
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dermot McNally
  • Show Website
    Forestry Now

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