Ministers launch forestry hub and forestry ambassador initiatives
Minister of State with responsibility for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture, Niall Collins, at the launch of the Forestry for You online hub alongside its first Forestry Ambassador initiative, helping farmers, landowners and communities explore the opportunities forestry can offer.
A Forestry for You online hub, alongside the first Forestry Ambassador initiative, is helping farmers, landowners and communities explore the opportunities forestry can offer.
The forestry hub brings together clear, practical information on Ireland's Forestry Programme in one place, including grants and schemes, forest types, financial supports, and the steps involved in planting.
The ambassador initiative features three farmers who have established a range of forests, from native woodland with species such as oak and birch to commercial forests including Sitka spruce, as well as a community woodland project.
Through videos and personal profiles, they explain why they chose forestry, the challenges they encountered, the supports that helped them, and the benefits for their farms, land, and communities.
Launching the initiatives, minister Heydon said: "Forestry has an important role to play in supporting our farmers, landowners and communities. It is about much more than planting trees.
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"It is about creating opportunities for future generations, strengthening farm resilience, enhancing biodiversity, supporting sustainable timber production, and contributing to vibrant rural communities.”
The initiatives were informed by preliminary findings from social and behavioural research commissioned by the department, which will be published in full in September.
The research shows strong interest in forestry among landowners, whether for timber production, environmental benefits, or long-term farm sustainability. It also identifies common barriers to participation and highlights the demand for one trusted source of information and opportunities to learn from other landowners' experiences.
Alongside these, the department will continue to engage directly with landowners and the public at forestry and agricultural events across the country and publish new research to inform and guide ongoing improvements.
Minister for State, Minister Collins said: "These new initiatives are part of the continued progress being made in forestry in Ireland to make it more accessible and attractive for landowners as part of their landholding.
"There has never been a better time to explore forestry, with options to suit different land types and farming systems, attractive financial supports and expert advice.
"We will continue this journey to make it simpler and easier to plant the right trees in the right places for the right reasons. I encourage anyone interested to visit the 'Forestry for You' hub and hear directly from our ambassadors about their experiences."
