Winners of 2021 RDS Irish Forest and Woodland Awards Revealed

Ireland’s only forestry awards, rewarding excellence in forest management. Awards highlight climate-smart agriculture in practice

Monday, November 29 – The 2021 RDS Irish Forest and Woodland Awards presentation took place today in Dublin. The Awards are organised by the RDS with support from the Department of Agriculture Food and the Marine. Minister Pippa Hackett and RDS President Professor J. Owen Lewis were on hand to present these prestigious Awards.

Speaking at the RDS, Minister Hackett said: “The RDS Forestry Awards are a showcase for everything that is good about Irish forests and woodlands. Each year they shine a light on best practice in forestry and highlight the excellent work that is being carried out by farmers, forest owners and community groups around the country to enhance the multi-functional benefits of forests and woodlands.

Now more than ever, with the renewed calls from COP26 on the importance of taking action on climate change, we need more trees in the ground and through the RDS Awards, we can highlight the positive role that sustainable forests can play in meeting our climate obligations.”

According to RDS President, Professor J. Owen Lewis: “Our trees and forests provide many economic, environmental and social benefits, and bring colour and biodiversity to both our urban and rural areas. It is more important than ever to recognise the work of our farmers and foresters who are contributing to the sustainable development of Irish agriculture, which remains the most important industry in rural Ireland. This year’s Irish Forest and Woodland Award winners have achieved a balance between the economic and environmental needs of the sector and are highlighting what is possible when experience is combined with innovation and dedication.”  

This year’s winners include farmers, foresters, and community groups, recognised for employing the principles of climate smart agriculture on their land, including sound commercial management, environmental protection and the encouragement of biodiversity.

The 2021 RDS Spring Award Forestry winners are:

• Production Forestry Award Winner – Colm Foy, Ardagh, Co. Longford 
• Production Forestry Runner-Up – Patrick J. O’Reilly, Belturbet, Co. Cavan
• Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Winner – Owen Cooney, Virginia, Co. Cava
• Teagasc Farm Forestry Award Runner-Up – James Ham, Mullingar, Co. Westmeath
• Community Woodlands Award Winner – Tintern Forest Property, Co. Wexford
• Community Woodlands Award Runner-Up – Kylemore Abbey Estate, Co. Galway

Professor Lewis added: “The RDS wishes to thank Minister Hackett and acknowledge the support of the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine for these awards. Increased carbon sequestration through effective forestry management is recognised as one of the most effective tools available in tackling climate change and in promoting sustainable agriculture. These Awards recognise those who are setting the standard for others to follow in this regard. What they have been able to achieve is an inspiration to all involved in the future development of Irish agriculture.”

For more information on the RDS Spring Awards, visit: www.rds.ie/agriculture

 

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