‘Saving the Trees’ used to call for renouncing all of your worldly possessions, along with your deodorant. It certainly wasn’t at the forefront of career choices…the times they are a-changing however and now forests have finally gained the recognised status they deserve as a valuable resource, as well as a natural aesthetic.

There was a time when Ireland’s impressive forests were destroyed in the name of agriculture, home-building and for fuel. The effects of this almost extinction were not then known; but quickly realised as people soon saw the benefits forestry offered in keeping the air clean and providing habitats for wildlife – the Irish government began reforesting the land. Currently, 9 per cent of Irish land is under forestry, with a plan to increase this to 17 per cent by 2030. This undertaking is the responsibility of forest managers and forestry workers who work together in planning and implementing this strategy.

Forestry students are taught how to develop forests in environmentally correct ways. Understanding the different components - trees, wildlife, soil, climate, and humans - is essential in analysing how best to ensure forests remain a returnable natural resource for years to come.

Education

There are a number of different higher-level qualifications available in forestry and related areas. These include dedicated degrees and higher certificates in Forest Management and Forestry. You can also study Forestry as a subject on a course such as Horticulture or Agriculture. The CAO points required for Forestry range from 200 to 350.

A dedicated higher-level Forestry course includes a combination of general science subjects and more specialised classes. Typically, first year students will take Chemistry, Physics and Biology classes. As the course progresses, they will study subjects such as Silviculture, Soil Types, Ecosystem Management and Forest Biometrics. Practical skills such as forestry maintenance, tree planting, shaping and harvesting, fencing, spraying and pruning can also be part of the course. Some courses feature a six-month work placement where you can practice your new skills and knowledge in the real world.

Students may also study more general subjects such as marketing, tourism and IT, in preparation for working in business and management-related areas of forestry.

Options After Qualification

A higher-level qualification in Forestry can lead down several career paths. Potential employers include Coillte (a government-owned forestry company), local authorities, forestry planting and harvesting services, the sawmill and pulpwood sector and private forest owners.

It is also possible to specialise in a particular area of forestry – either by studying at postgraduate level or through finding a specialised job. Environmental management, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, research and teaching are all options open to people with forestry qualifications.

The Work

Forestry management is usually the starting point for graduates, in order to become accustomed to the everyday running of a forest. This involves tree planting, site and seed choice, ground preparation and drainage, vegetation control, pruning and thinning. If you work for a forest that earns a living, you may also be involved in tree felling and selling wood for building and carpentry.

There are other tasks involved in forestry besides trees. It can be the forester’s responsibility to protect wildlife habitats within the forest. Forest officers and managers can develop and implement plans and strategies for the future wellbeing of the forest. They can also be involved in environmental protection and tourism-related activities, or conduct scientific research into new forestry techniques and developments.

Other forestry graduates work in manufacturing and industry, selecting and producing wood and timber products. After gaining experience, many graduate workers move into consultancy and supervisory roles.

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

Forestry work requires a high level of physical fitness and a willingness to work outdoors, all year round; in all weather conditions; a daunting prospect in Ireland!

For forestry development roles good analytical and communication skills are essential. A love of science is also a necessary quality. In forestry careers it is not uncommon for people to work in various roles; i.e. in a forest, in an office or in a laboratory. The hours are long and the locations are generally remote, and beautiful. The Irish government has continued to reflect its commitment to increasing Ireland’s forests and so there appears to be an abundance of jobs available.

The Money

Newly qualified Forestry graduates can expect to make between €23,000 and €26,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to as much as €50,000.

The Jargon

Regeneration:  the process by which a forest is reseeded and renewed

Frilling: the method of killing trees by inflicting a series of cuts around the bole and applying an herbicide to the wounds

Clinometer: an instrument used to determine the height of a tree

Silviculture: The care and cultivation of forest trees

Job Titles

Forester
Forest Officer
Forest Worker
Forest Manager
Silviculturalist
Arboriculturalist
Forest Biometric Researcher

Further Resources

Irish Timber & Forestry magazine 
Fivealley 
Birr 
Co. Offaly 
Phone: 057 9133119
Web: www.irishforests.com   

Coillte
The Irish Forestry Board
Newtownmountkennedy
Co. Wicklow
Phone: 01 201 1111
Web: www.coillte.ie
Email: pr@coillte.ie 

Society of Irish Foresters
Enterprise Centre
Ballintogher
Co. Sligo
Phone: 071 916 4434
Web: www.societyofirishforesters.ie
Email: info@societyofirishforesters.ie 

Irish Timber Growers Association
17 Castle Street
Dalkey
Co Dublin
Phone: 01 235 0520
Web: www.itga.ie
Email: info@itga.ie