On this field trip, we will visit a plantation beside the Ancient Native Woodland at Caher, Lough Graney. The conifer plantation is in the early stage of transformation from a monoculture to a mixed broadleaf-conifer forest, with the option of being transformed into a native woodland eventually. This is being done through selective logging methods also known as Continuous Cover or Close-to-nature or Irregular forestry. Hereby the plantation is opened up with periodic thinnings, enhancing tree quality, biodiversity and other ecosystem services over time, without ever clear-felling the forestry. The plantation comprises predominantly sitka spruce, but also monocultures of larch are present. The owner chooses different ways of transformation with both of these mono-cultures respectively. The walk will also go through the neighbouring oak plantation with scotch pine (covering some broadleaf management) and the Ancient Native Woodland with oaks more than 200 years old.   Some of the topics that are covered & discussed:

• The basic principles of Continuous Cover Forestry
• The challenges with transforming even-aged plantations (wind stability, deer, etc.)
• Various ways of implementation, depending on site conditions and the owners' objectives.
• Various possible interventions (different thinning regimes, enrichment planting, deer protection, etc.)
• A brief look into the management of broadleaf plantations (oak).
• Practical demo of tree marking & high pruning, etc.
• Discussing conventional harvesting vs alternative logging methods (low-impact).
• Commercial viability & government support and grants.

This CELT field trip is supported by DAFM, as part of the Woodland Support Fund. Date: 28th of July 2024 Time: 2 pm - 5 pm. Meeting place: Tony Mac's Public House, V94 Y886 Please bring suitable footwear and clothing!