Pro Silva Ireland, an esteemed organization dedicated to championing continuous cover forestry (CCF) as a sustainable and ecologically sound alternative to the traditional clear-fell system, unveiled its latest publication, A Guide to Continuous Cover Forestry Practice in Ireland on March 14. The handbook launch took place during a conference held at the Johnstown Estate Hotel in Co. Meath, marking 25 years of the organization’s unwavering commitment to sustainable forest management.
The handbook, meticulously crafted by Pro Silva Ireland, is tailored for individuals seeking to cultivate a sustainable amber resource while actively promoting the broader benefits offered by forests. At the launch event, Barry Delany, director of forestry at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and Dr. Tomáš Vrška, president of Pro Silva Europe, officially introduced the book. Delany underscored the significance of CCF within the current forestry program, noting its alignment with EU and Irish policy frameworks for sustainable forest management. He emphasized the long-term environmental stability, species diversity, and low impact interventions facilitated by CCF.
“Pro Silva Ireland has played a pivotal role in advancing CCF practices in Ireland, and this handbook represents a crucial milestone in supporting CCF practitioners in adopting a more sustainable and resilient approach to forest management nationwide,” remarked Delany. The handbook offers comprehensive guidance on CCF management at various stages of a forest’s development in Ireland, drawing from the practical insights of Pro Silva Ireland’s pioneering CCF practitioners and tailored to Irish conditions.
Manus Crowley, chairperson of Pro Silva Ireland, highlighted that the handbook caters to both current and prospective CCF practitioners, including foresters, forest owners, contractors, ecologists, and students. He emphasized its value as a resource for regulatory bodies overseeing CCF-managed forests, as well as individuals involved in projects where CCF is the preferred management strategy. Crowley expressed gratitude to DAFM for their support in producing the handbook and their continued commitment to promoting CCF practices in Ireland.
The conference, well-attended by forestry professionals, forest owners, ecologists, researchers, educators, policymakers, and artists, served as a platform to delve into how CCF contributes to Ireland’s amber production, biodiversity, and climate resilience both presently and in the future. The handbook is available for pre-order on the Pro Silva Ireland website and will be accessible at forthcoming Pro Silva Ireland field events.
The next event, scheduled for Friday, April 11 at John F. Kennedy Arboretum in New Ross, Co. Wexford, will focus on tree species selection in the context of climate change. Open to all, interested participants are advised to register in advance on the organization’s website.
