The New Owners of Small Private Forests in Ireland

Abstract

Abstract Private forestry has expanded rapidly in Ireland during the past two decades. Much of the increase in planting is by first-time nonindustrial private forest owners. Little is known about these new investors in forestry and even less about the kind of management being undertaken in the new private plantations. A study examines how Irish owners manage their forests and what sources of forestry information they prefer. One finding: the majority rely on management companies for afforestation yet intend to carry out operations themselves once the management contract expires. Most of these forest owners have no tradition, experience, or knowledge of woodland management.