CCF Workshop for Forestry Contractors

Date: Friday, 29 August 2025

Time: 9.30am-4pm

Location: Cloragh Forest, Ashford, Co. Wicklow

Continuous cover forestry (CCF) is an integrated approach to forest management that works with natural processes to prioritise biodiversity and conservation while producing quality timber. Public and environmental policies are driving this new approach to forest management, with more forests in Ireland moving toward CCF across both public and private sectors. The successful implementation of CCF management is heavily reliant on forestry contractors who are skilled in this system.

Pro Silva Ireland is offering a one-day practical workshop for forestry contractors, including machine operators, chainsaw operatives and other forest workers, who want to build their skills and knowledge in CCF operations. The workshop will be held in Cloragh Forest, Co. Wicklow, which has been managed under CCF for 20 years and includes a range of forest types undergoing transformation to CCF.  

The workshop will be led by two experienced practitioners: Liam Byrne, CCF forestry contractor, and Sean Hoskins, CCF forester.

Why Attend?

Unlock new commercial opportunities

Upskill in CCF harvesting to stay ahead in a growing and evolving sector.

Achieve multiple forest outcomes

Discover how CCF harvesting supports long-term forest health, promotes natural regeneration and protect the forest ecosystem, all while producing valuable timber.

Harvesting in different forests

Explore techniques for early thinnings, mixed forest harvesting and large tree felling.

Machinery

Learn when and how to effectively use mechanical harvesters, forwarders and chainsaws in a CCF context through shared experiences and discussion.

Fully practical, no classroom time

The entire day takes place in the forest — hands-on, interactive and grounded in real-world practice.

Take aways

  • How CCF management supports both high-value timber production and the development of healthy, biodiverse forest ecosystems
  • Approaches to harvesting in a range of forest types
  • Key considerations when removing individual trees in a CCF system
  • The Pro Silva CCF tree marking protocol
  • How to carry out selective felling efficiently
  • Techniques for navigating and working in mature, mixed-species CCF forests

Participation in this course is free of charge, made possible by funding awarded to Pro Silva Ireland by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

REGISTER NOW