Pro Silva Ireland
Family forestry took centre stage at Pro Silva Ireland’s Autumn Field Day, where the Leavys of Kinnegad demonstrated how continuous cover forestry (CCF) was delivering multiple benefits for multiple generations at their Kinwood Forest, Co. Westmeath.
Over 80 forest owners, foresters, ecologists and woodland enthusiasts gathered at Kinwood for the Pro Silva Autumn Field Day & Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 18th, 2025.
The day’s theme centred on transforming farm forests through CCF. The event had been rescheduled due to Storm Amy but saw a large and enthusiastic turnout with many new faces, reflecting the growing interest in CCF and sustainable forest management in Ireland.
A Forest with a Vision
Kinwood is a 19-hectare farm forest owned by Dermot Leavy and managed by his daughter, Olive Leavy.
Planted in 2001, the forest is primarily composed of Norway spruce and sycamore, with pockets of ash that were replaced in 2024 with a native woodland mix following the onset of ash dieback.
The site has undergone two thinnings and is now being gradually transformed into a continuous cover forest, enhancing its species and structural diversity, resilience and long-term ecological and social value.
The Leavy’s described how their management aims had developed and how a permanent CCF forest would deliver these for Dermot, Olive, Dermot’s grandchildren and generations to come.
Aims included timber production/income, biodiversity protection and enhancement, water and soil protection, carbon sequestration, and developing and retaining Kinwood as both a permanent amenity for the Leavy family and as a woodland that helps foster the development of a forest culture in the wider community.
The day opened with a warm welcome from Pro Silva Ireland chairperson, Manus Crowley, who outlined the purpose of the visit—to explore the early stages of transforming a traditional farm plantation into a resilient, multifunctional woodland under CCF management.
Forest owner Dermot Leavy followed with a heartfelt overview of the site’s history and shared a poem about trees, setting a reflective tone that celebrated both the community and ecological significance of forest stewardship.
His daughter, Olive, then led a discussion on the social aspects of forestry, emphasizing how building a forest culture is as important to her as the technical aspects of management.
Biodiversity in Action
At the next stop, ecologist Janice Fuller led an engaging session on the biodiversity features that underpin a healthy, functioning forest ecosystem.
She highlighted the role of veteran trees, standing and lying deadwood, wet and rocky microhabitats, and open spaces—all crucial elements that CCF seeks to maintain and enhance within a productive working forest.
In Kinwood, specific measures have been implemented to protect and nurture biodiversity. Trees snapped during recent storms are being retained as standing deadwood to provide habitat for invertebrates and birds. In a particularly wet corner of the forest, harvesting machinery has been excluded to prevent soil damage and protect sensitive microhabitats.
To increase light penetration without felling, a few trees were ring-barked, thereby releasing the crowns of neighbouring trees and creating additional standing deadwood.
Throughout the site, evidence of regeneration was abundant—young oak, birch, holly, hawthorn and sycamore saplings dot the forest floor.
This natural regeneration, flourishing in the absence of deer pressure, impressed many visitors from regions where deer browsing is a major obstacle.
Although further thinning operations are needed to allow such saplings to develop into pole stage and high canopy trees, their presence offers a glimpse into the potential future of this forest: a structurally diverse, mixed-species woodland capable of self-sustaining renewal.
Support Through the Woodland Improvement Scheme
The following discussion focused on the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS)–CCF, a Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) support mechanism that has been instrumental in funding many of the initiatives at Kinwood.
Foresters Manus Crowley and Sean Hoskins, who oversee the management of Kinwood in partnership with the owners, demonstrated the principles of tree selection and marking for CCF, using the Irish Tree Marking Standard for CCF thinning operations.
Participants learned how careful selection and removal of individual trees creates space for trees of high timber quality to grow while maintaining the forest ecosystem—a hallmark of CCF practice.
The AGM and Community Spirit
During lunch, members of Pro Silva Ireland convened for their Annual General Meeting (AGM). The meeting included the presentation of financial accounts for 2024 and the Chairperson’s report, which outlined the organisation’s progress in promoting CCF and sustainable forestry education throughout Ireland.
The AGM reaffirmed Pro Silva Ireland’s mission to foster a strong forest culture based on ecological principles, shared knowledge and community engagement.
Riparian Forests and Water Protection
After lunch, the group continued the forest walk to a stream flowing through the site into a nearby watercourse.
Here, ecologist Faith Wilson led a discussion on riparian forests and their vital role in maintaining water quality and ecosystem health.
Trees along riverbanks, she explained, act as natural filters, trapping sediment and pollutants, stabilizing soil, regulating water temperature and providing critical habitats for aquatic and terrestrial species.
The session illustrated how CCF management can integrate water protection measures as part of a broader multifunctional approach to forestry.
Harvesting and Adaptation
At another stop, forestry contractor Liam Byrne discussed recent harvesting operations carried out in Kinwood.
He described how harvesting techniques were adapted to local site conditions to minimize soil disturbance and protect biodiversity features.
The conversation underscored one of the key lessons of the day: that CCF is not a rigid prescription but a flexible suite of tools that can be applied at varying intensities depending on forest type, soil conditions and management goals.
Insights from the day highlighted the practical realities of working with nature rather than against it—balancing production needs with ecological stewardship.
Participants remarked that seeing these approaches in the field helped bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Challenges and New Opportunities
As the walk drew to a close, discussions turned to some of the challenges faced.
Wet soils, storm damage, archaeological setbacks and the widespread issue of ash dieback all pose ongoing difficulties.
Yet, each challenge has also inspired creativity and opportunity.
One example was “Nibling’s Nook”, a section of the forest replanted by Olive’s young nieces and nephews after ash dieback.
Olive says Nibling’s Nook was both an example of the family’s involvement and a living classroom for future generations, as well as a testament to the deeply personal connection between people and their forests.
A Shared Vision for Ireland’s Forest Future
The Pro Silva Ireland Autumn Field Day at Kinwood was both an educational event and a celebration of collaboration, learning and shared purpose.
The diverse group of attendees reflected a growing movement in Ireland toward more resilient and ecologically informed forest management.
The lively discussions throughout the day demonstrated that the transition to continuous cover forestry is as much about people and culture as it is about trees and soil.
As the event concluded, thanks were extended to the Pro Silva Ireland committee and to all contributors and participants who made the day so engaging.
The Kinwood field day showcased not only the technical aspects of CCF transformation but also a sense of hope and stewardship that underpins sustainable forestry in Ireland.
This event was supported by funding from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine
