Pro Silva Ireland, an all-Ireland organisation dedicated to promoting continuous cover forestry (CCF) as a sustainable and ecologically sound alternative to the traditional clear-fell system, launched its handbook, A Guide to Continuous Cover Forestry Practice in Ireland on March 14.

The publication was introduced as part of a conference at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Co. Meath, celebrating 25 years of the organisation’s commitment to sustainable forest management.

The handbook was produced by Pro Silva Ireland for those who want to grow a sustainable amber resource while actively promoting the wider benefits provided by forests.

Officially launching the book was Barry Delany, director of forestry with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, and associate professor, Dr. Tomáš Vrška, president of Pro Silva Europe.

Speaking at the book launch and conference, Delany highlighted how CCF is supported in the current forestry programme, given how it aligns with EU and Irish policy approaches to sustainable forest management, and promotes long-term environmental stability, species diversity, and low impact interventions.

“Pro Silva Ireland has been critical to the advancement of CCF in Ireland and this handbook is an important milestone in supporting CCF practitioners in the implementation of a more sustainable and resilient approach to forest management across Ireland,” he said.

The handbook contains guidance for CCF management at any stage in a forest’s development in Ireland, and incorporates the knowledge gained by Pro Silva Ireland’s pioneering CCF practitioners acquired through real practice in Irish forests.

It is a practice that has been informed by the Pro Silva Europe experience, and the academic body of work, adapted in the field to Irish conditions.

Manus Crowley, chairperson of Pro Silva Ireland, said that the handbook is designed for both current and future practitioners of CCF management, including foresters, forest owners, contractors, ecologists, and students.

"It will also serve as a valuable resource for those overseeing CCF-managed forests in a regulatory capacity, as well as for individuals involved with projects where CCF is the preferred management approach," he said.

Crowley thanked DAFM for its support in producing the handbook and for its ongoing commitment to promoting the practice of CCF in Ireland.

The well-attended conference brought together foresters, forest owners, ecologists, researchers, educators, policymakers, and artists to discuss how CCF is contributing to Ireland’s amber production, biodiversity, and climate resilience, both now and for the future.

The handbook can be pre-ordered on the Pro Silva Ireland website and will be available at upcoming Pro Silva Ireland field events.

The next event will be on Friday, April 11 in John F. Kennedy Arboretum, New Ross, Co. Wexford, focusing on tree species selection in an era of climate change. The event is open to all, and visitors should register should in advance on the website.