No Cork winner of forestry awards in 15 years as entries for 2020 event open

A prize fund of €9,000 should encourage Cork foresters to apply for the 32nd RDS Forest Service Irish Forestry Awards which are now accepting entries.

Prizes span the full range of possible forestry use, from small public amenities to large commercial operations, anyone with woodland is eligible to enter. In fact, you can even nominate friends and neighbours!

Dr Michael Carey of the RDS Committee of Agriculture and Rural Affairs said: ‘The woodlands and forestry of Co Cork are some of the most productive and picturesque in the country, and we are delighted to have presented many Cork foresters with awards down through the years. However, we haven’t had a Cork winner since 2004 so hopefully this year we can address that.’

Award winners of each category of the categories (production forestry, Teagsac farm forestry and community woodlands), will be announced at the 2020 RDS Spring Awards in the RDS Concert Hall in April next year.

Focusing on sustainable, climate-smart agriculture, the RDS Spring Awards have gone from strength to strength in recent years and attract over 250 attendees.

‘With the closing date of July 26th fast approaching the RDS is calling on farmers, landowners and community groups in Co. Cork to enter now for their chance to share in the €9,000 prize fund,’ added Mr Carey.

The categories:

Production forestry

The production forestry category is open to farmers and landowners using sound silvicultural management on their farms. The award aims to recognise excellence in the management of production forestry. While the focus is on the management of the area for wood production, judges will also review diversity of species, particularly the presence of native trees such as ash, birch, oak, and willow to ensure greater efficiency and quality in the development of the sector.

Teagasc farm forestry award

The Teagasc farm forestry award recognises working farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social and economic benefits.

The category aims to promote the positive sustainable contribution of forestry as an integral enterprise within the wider farming profile. It acknowledges the farmer’s role in actively managing the forest and promoting tree planting to strengthen wider farming sustainability.

Community woodlands

The community woodland Award is designed to encourage and reward projects involving the communal ownership and/or management of forests and woodlands which have been established and managed in a sustainable way that is beneficial to the local economy and/or environment. Entry is open to woodland-related community-based projects including participants in the NeighbourWoods Scheme and amenity forestry projects. Entrants should also be able to demonstrate significant and sustained community input.

• Application forms are available at www.rds.ie/forestry or via [email protected] or on 01 240 7215.