May date for Birr forestry open day
A new forestry event to be held in Birr Castle, Co Offaly, in early May will showcase the latest in equipment and management systems for Irish growers.
The increase in interest in the forestry and bio-energy sectors has led to a huge demand for new ideas and new systems to further mechanise and increase production.
Up to now, local growers have had to travel to Britain and Sweden to keep up to date with trends in the business. However, the Offaly event aims to fill this void.
Open days will be held on May 6 and 7 on the Birr Castle estate, which provides an ideal venue where equipment from chainsaws to large harvesters and extraction gear to processors can be properly demonstrated in a working environment.
The show will feature a trade village, workshops, crafts and conferences, along with timber sports such as tree climbing and chainsaw carving. Educational woodland and forestry demonstrations will also be provided. Booking forms can be downloaded at www.ifwshow.ie or from event organiser David Wilkinson at 087 997 3608.
- Joe Barry
Irish Independent
