Blackstock P. and P. Binggeli (2000) A needs survey for support for
farm forestry. Report to UAOS Ltd, Portadown.
The full
report can be downloaded as a Word (.rtf) file.
Summary
A farm woodland survey was
instigated to determine the management status of woodlands and
farmers’ woodland knowledge in three distinct regions of Northern
Ireland. A literature review of farm forestry practices and attitudes
in other temperate regions was also carried out. Using both sets of
information suggestions are made to enhance the Northern Irish farm
woodland resource.
The species composition of
woodlands was varied and differed between regions. In Mid Tyrone Sitka
spruce was the dominant species, reflecting the fact that most woods in
that region have been planted since 1970. In Fermanagh, on the other
hand, ash and birch predominated, forming an important environmental
and landscape resource. In the Lower Bann Valley, farm woods consisted
of a mixture of relict hazel and oak woods, naturally regenerated birch
and old plantation woods, creating a locally diverse woodland landscape
with a relatively high amenity value.
The
majority of woodlands required some degree of thinning and pruning in
order to achieve a harvestable timber crop. Timber production,
sporting, conservation, landscape and shelter were an aim of between 63
and 85% of farmers for their woodlands whereas public recreation
represented a purpose for only 24% of the woods. With the exception of
timber production and public recreation the farmers' aims were
satisfactorily met.
Stocking of most wood was
above 70% and for Sitka spruce wood as high as 95%. 85% of the woods
contained good or fair stems. Yield classes mainly fell in the range of
5 to 15. Both in terms of potential stem quality and yield class Sitka
spruce faired better, mostly because many of the spruce woods had
recently been established.
The Forest Service and the
farming press were considered to be the main sources of advice, but
farmers also gained information from the press, neighbours,
contractors, forest co-operatives and agricultural advisors. The vast
majority of farmers had not carried out any maintenance work to their
woodlands. Only in Mid Tyrone, with a substantial area of commercial
plantations, had the majority of farmers carried out forestry works
and, even here, most of these tree works were associated with
establishment.
This report concludes
that
1.
The present, different, management approaches adopted for
'commercial' and 'semi-natural' woods should be amalgamated.
2.
A coherent woodland management methodology for all farm
woodland types should be developed to ensure that they all provide some
timber, enhance the landscape and bring environmental benefits. The
farming community should be educated about these woodland management
methods.
3.
The use of Sitka spruce as a preferred species for farm
woodland establishment should be re-assessed.
4.
Farm forestry support organisations should be assessed.
5.
The farm forestry co-operatives should be supported and
encouraged to assist in the management and marketing of farm grown
timber.
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