“A must-read for anyone who has ever planted a tree,” said John Brennan, Manager of Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op, speaking at the launch of a new publication from Pro Silva Ireland in March 2025.
The guide ,A Guide to Continuous Cover Forestry Practice in Ireland , written by Sean Hoskins, has already made a strong impression among farmers, foresters, and environmental advocates.
Leitrim Organic Farmers Co-op was proud to be in attendance for the launch, which brought together people working on the ground to find better ways to manage land, grow food, and support biodiversity. The guide explores Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF), a nature-based alternative to clearfelling that allows for the selective harvesting of trees while maintaining permanent forest cover.
For smallholders and organic farmers, this is an approach that makes sense. It protects soil, encourages biodiversity, and allows landowners to work with trees over the long term without losing the integrity of their woodland. Many of our members are already planting native trees, exploring agroforestry, or managing mixed-use land and this guide provides the tools and insights to do that better, with confidence and clarity.
CCF supports a vision of forestry that aligns with organic values: ecological, long-term, regenerative, and community-rooted. It’s not just about timber , it’s about the whole farm system, the land it sits on, and the people who steward it.
We encourage all members , especially those involved in tree planting or woodland development , to explore the guide, which is available now through Pro Silva Ireland.
