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Pro Silva Ireland
The “PSI at 25” conference, held on 14 March 2025, at the Johnstown Estate Hotel, Enfield, Co. Meath, was a resounding success, celebrating a quarter-century of Pro Silva Ireland’s commitment to sustainable forestry. Themed Continuous Cover Forestry: Delivering Timber, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience for Ireland, the event brought together leading experts, policymakers, foresters, forest owners, ecologists and researchers to discuss the past, present and future of Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) in Ireland.
The day commenced with a warm welcome from Pro Silva Ireland Chair, Manus Crowley, followed by a special book launch presented by Sean Hoskins, author, and Olive Leavy, editor.
A keynote address by Robert Scott, OBE, reflected on the organisation’s remarkable journey over 25 years.
The morning session focused on the economic, environmental and social benefits of CCF, featuring insightful presentations by industry leaders, Paddy Purser, Dr. Janice Fuller and Prof. Áine Ní Dhubháin. Their discussions provided valuable insights into CCF practices in both private and state forests, as well as research advancements in Ireland. The engaging panel discussion that followed allowed for an in-depth exchange of ideas and experiences among practitioners, researchers and forest owners.
CCF practice in the State forest
Dr. Janice Fuller
After a productive networking lunch, the afternoon session delved into forest resilience, policy and challenges. The session was led by international forestry expert Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tomáš Vrška, who provided a European perspective on CCF and climate change resilience. Further presentations from Barry Delany, Director of Forestry at DAFM, and Manus Crowley explored the evolving forestry policies in Ireland and the challenges facing CCF implementation. The panel discussion brought together key stakeholders, fostering a meaningful dialogue on how to navigate future challenges and opportunities in Irish forestry.
Presentations
CCF and forest resilience in the face of climate change: the European Perspective
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tomáš Vrška
The conference concluded with closing remarks from Liam Byrne, who highlighted Pro Silva Ireland’s dedication to advancing sustainable forestry practices. But equally important is to continue bringing people together in harmony to enable owners to care for their forests, foresters to manage, tree markers to mark, harvesting contractors to harvest & deliver, planting contractors to plant, sawmillers to mill, manufacturers to produce, regulators to regulate, researchers to innovate, educators to teach, train & empower, ecologists to protect, craftspeople to craft, hunters to hunt, artists to create, and communities to recreate.
Overall, the conference succeeded in bringing together a diverse array of voices, facilitating robust discussions, and strengthening the collective vision for the future of Irish forestry. The success of PSI at 25 reaffirms the organisation’s pivotal role in shaping a resilient, biodiverse, and economically viable forestry sector in Ireland.
Pro Silva Ireland wish to thank all the speakers, panellists, moderators and participants for making this celebratory days so special! And thanks also to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for their continued support of Pro Silva Ireland’s activities.
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Pro Silva Ireland Charity Number:
20060770