The present levels of grant-aid and premia contrasted with the difficulties associated with farming in today’s climate have made forestry a very attractive option for farmers.  Many farms have isolated or under-productive areas which may be well suited to forestry production. For farmers considering planting, or those who have already planted, Ecoplan Forestry have the experience and expertise required to provide every management solution. Farm forestry has many benefits, such as:

• Improved income from marginal sites.
• Tax-free premiums of up to €573.86/Ha.
• Guaranteed income for up to 20 years.
• Under CAP reform farmers can plant up to 50% of their land without loosing entitlements.
• More time to pursue alternative activities.
• Isolated land can be more efficiently managed.

Ecoplan Forestry provide services in the fields of:

• Site assessment – If you are interested in planting, or just want to know your options, Ecoplan Forestry will assess your lands suitability and premium potential free of charge.
• Application submission – Forest Service provide a wide variety of grant-aided schemes for the establishment and development of your forest. Applications for the various grant-aided schemes are just that – applications. There is no definite commitment required, but all Forest Service grant schemes require Approved Forester signatures. Ecoplan Forestry can submit these applications on your behalf.
• Establishment – Once approval issues, Ecoplan Forestry can establish your forest and guarantee that it passes inspection. Standard contracts must be in place before operations begin.
• Maintenance – Once the forest is planted and passed by Forest Service, you have the option of getting Ecoplan Forestry to get that forest to its maintenance stage.
• Management planning – Plantations are only productive if they are properly managed. Ecoplan Forestry can create site specific management plans, which will ensure your forest realises its potential.
• Thinning/Harvesting – All felling operations must be supervised by qualified professionals if they are to be successful. There are far too many examples of potential crops being devastated by thinnings which are too light, or too heavy. Ecoplan Forestry will ensure all harvesting benefits the crop, while maximising returns. Ecoplan Forestry believe in ‘close to nature’ management principles wherever possible. Far from costing the Earth to save the planet, ‘close to nature’ silviculture is as cost effective as conventional management but with enormous environmental benefits.
• Road construction – Forest Service provide generous grants for roads, but strict standards apply. Ecoplan Forestry will maximise your roading grant to allow the best possible access to your site, optimising your harvesting returns.
• Aerial fertilising – Difficult sites that are performing poorly, or are in ‘check’, may require fertilisation by helicopter. Ecoplan Forestry can arrange and supervise this operation to ensure the best possible results are achieved.
• Shaping and pruning – Sites can always be improved and shaping or pruning can have dramatic long lasting effects on quality. Ecoplan Forestry can ensure that these effects are positive.
• Co-operative management – Ecoplan Forestry provides a framework for small forest owners to ‘band together’ and realise real financial benefits. Grouped with other forest owners, you can enjoy the advantage of ‘economies of scale which are hugely important in operations such as roading, harvesting and maintenance.
• Forest Valuations – Ecoplan can use their extensive experience to assess the value of your plantation, if you are interested in selling, or the cost of one you are interested in buying.
• Sale of plantations – If you have a plantation and wish to sell, Ecoplan Forestry have the experience and the contacts to get you the best possible price.