An event demonstrating reforestation after storm damage will take place this month.

Teagasc, in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, is holding the event at Mountbellew, Co. Galway on Thursday, March 26. 

Reforestation involves the replanting of a forest following clearance of the existing timber crop.

The focus of an effective reforestation process is to provide an ideal planting environment, encourage strong growth of the most suitable tree species / species mix and minimise losses or growth delays.

It offers opportunity to establish a new generation of resilient trees to meet owners’ objectives.

Based on previous research studies, replanting sites, particularly those using improved planting stock, can be significantly more productive than the first rotation.

Options for diversifying the species range to enhance resilience for the next forest cycle can also be considered.

Post-storm demonstration

Teagasc said this upcoming on-site forest event will be of interest to forest owners and all stakeholders who have been impacted by recent storms and those who are approaching clearfelling of their forest. 

This event will demonstrate how to plant a new generation of trees and access supports available.

On the day, attendees will be brought through a forest undergoing replanting following storm impacts and will see every stage of the process, with plenty of information and discussions on:

Felling licence and harvesting plans;
Ground preparation and select of species for replanting;
Planting and maintenance of new forest;
Opportunities under the recently announced Reconstitution Scheme for Windblow 2026.

To attend the event, Teagasc said to arrive at Mountbellew Agricultural College, Co. Galway, H53 WE00, any time between 10:00am and 12.00pm.

Groups will be transported by bus to a nearby forest site as attendees arrive. 

Forest owners who have forests that have experienced storm impacts are encouraged to attend this event to see what is involved in replanting post-storm.

The event next Thursday is the first of two planned Teagasc reforestation events.

Teagasc is holding a second similar event on Thursday, April 30 in Castlerea, Co. Roscommon.

Consider your options

Teagasc said that reforestation allows forest owners an opportunity to pause and consider their options before choosing the next forest rotation’s path.

"The owner’s objectives may have changed from their first crop of trees to reflect the multi-functional nature of forestry and opportunities it presents," Teagasc said.

"Having to clear an area of forest due to storm is of course a shock and interrupts the overall plan a forest owner may have had.

"However, it also presents an opportunity."

Teagasc said it recommends an "intergenerational discussion on the future of a forestry enterprise, taking into account possible new species and layout options".