ireland’s forestry programme 2014-2020 strategic ......ireland’s terrestrial and marine...

Ireland’s Forestry Programme 2014-2020

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

Non-Technical Summary

Report by: Helen Davies BSc MSc CEnv MIEMA ACIEEM Michael Image BA MSc Checked by: Robert Edwards BSc MSc MIEMA

Date: October 2014

Submitted to:

Rosalind Henry

RSM McClure Watters

Prepared by:

ADAS UK Ltd

4205 Park Approach

Thorpe Park

Leeds

LS15 8GB

0936648

CONTENTS

WHAT IS THE ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT AND WHY HAS IT BEEN

WRITTEN? ...................................................................................................... 1

WHAT IS THE FORESTRY PROGRAMME? .................................................. 1

WHAT IS THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN IRELAND? . 3

HOW HAS THE FORESTRY PROGRAMME BEEN ASSESSED? ................ 8

WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES? ............................................................... 8

HOW WAS THE PUBLIC CONSULTED? ....................................................... 9

WHAT ARE THE LIKELY ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF THE

FORESTRY PROGRAMME? .......................................................................... 9

WHAT ARE THE KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ENHANCING THE

BENEFICIAL EFFECTS OF THE FORESTRY PROGRAMME? .................. 13

WILL THE FORESTRY PROGRAMME HAVE ANY TRANSBOUNDARY

EFFECTS? .................................................................................................... 17

WHAT WILL HAPPEN NEXT? ...................................................................... 17

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NON TECHNICAL SUMMARY

What is the Environmental Report and why has it been written?

ADAS UK Ltd has been instructed by the Department of Agriculture, Food and

the Marine (DAFM) to carry out a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

for Ireland’s Forestry Programme 2014-2010.

The process of SEA was introduced under European Directive 2001/42/EC12

on the assessment of the effects of certain plans and programmes on the

environment (SEA Directive), and came into force in Ireland through the

European Communities (Environmental Assessment of Certain Plans and

Programmes) Regulations 2004 (SI 435/2004 and SI 200/2011), and the

Planning and Development (Strategic Environmental Assessment) Regulations

2004 (SI 436/2004 and SI 201/2011).

The Environmental Report describes the outcome of the SEA. This involves an

evaluation of the likely environmental effects of implementation and non-

implementation of the Forestry Programme, including an assessment of

realistic strategic alternative approaches. The Report also suggests measures

to minimise potentially adverse environmental effects of implementing the

Forestry Programme, along with enhancement measures that could improve

the effect on the environment yet further.

The Environmental Report was written to accompany the draft Forestry

Programme and was issued to the statutory consultation bodies for viewing and

comment on by interested organisations and members of the public over the

period 10th September to 13th October 2014. The Environmental Report has

since been updated to accompany the Forestry Programme to adoption. This

Non-Technical Summary is a simplified version of the Environmental Report.

What is the Forestry Programme?

The Common Provisions Regulation (CPR) represents the common strategic

guidelines of the EU for all the European Structural and Investment Funds for

the next programming period, which seek to contribute to reaching the Europe

2020 objectives for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth. The CPR aims to

achieve this through the setting of 11 thematic objectives, some of which are

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linked to the six priorities set out in the Rural Development Regulations (RDR)

which apply to the Forestry Programme. In addition, DAFM has carried out a

Needs Analysis which has identified four specific needs of Ireland’s forestry

sector. These are:

Increase forest cover;

Increase the production of forest biomass to meet renewable energy targets;

Support forest holders to actively manage their plantations; and

Maximise the environmental and social benefits of new and existing forests.

To meet the needs of Ireland’s forestry sector along with the priorities of the

CPR and the RDR, DAFM has set out a performance framework of measures

and associated schemes. These measures are as follows:

1. Afforestation and Creation of Woodland: Support for establishment and premium payments for creation of new forests. Includes commercial afforestation, agro-forestry, forestry for fibre and native woodland establishment, with a view to providing ecosystem services.

2. NeighbourWood Scheme: Provides support for the development of existing close to home woodland for public access. Aimed primarily at local authorities.

3. Forest Roads: Support for the construction of forest roads is provided under this measure.

4. Reconstitution Scheme: Support for forest holder to restore and retain forests following significant damage by natural causes.

5. Woodland Improvement (Thinning and Tending): This schemes provides support for forest management operations for broadleaf woodlands and actions within existing forests, aiming at protecting and enhancing the environment.

6. Native Woodland Conservation: Supports the protection and enhancement of existing native woodlands and where appropriate conversion of conifer forests to native woodlands, with a view to providing ecosystem services such as water protection.

7. Knowledge Transfer and Innovation: Supports the setting up of knowledge transfer groups, continuous professional development and training.

8. Producer Groups: Support is provided under this measure to help forest holders come together to create a critical mass for forestry operations and mobilising timber;

9. Investment in Forest Technology: support for early adopters of new technology e.g. variable tyre systems, inventory equipment.

10. Forest Genetic Reproductive Material: Annual payment towards the cost of managing and conserving registered seed stands and establishing

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seed orchards.

11. Forest Management Plans: Support for forest holders to prepare management plans for their forest holdings.

What is the current state of the environment in Ireland?

The geographical area of the FP covers the whole of the Republic of Ireland.

Currently, forest cover in Ireland is 10.7%, making it, along with the

Netherlands, the least wooded country in Europe, where the average forest

cover is 37%. Forest land cover across Ireland can be seen in the Figure below.

Figure A: Forest Land Cover

Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats have been identified for each

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of eleven sustainability topics; these are summarised below.

Strengths and Opportunities Weaknesses and Threats

Ecology and Nature Conservation

Rich natural terrestrial and marine environment, including a number of internationally significant habitat types such as limestone pavement, machair, turloughs, and active peatlands.

Midland region in particular contains significant areas of peatland and aquatic habitat.

Detailed conservation objective established for Natura 2000 sites.

Local Biodiversity Action Plans incorporated by most Local Authorities within their County Development Plan, which include the objectives of the National Biodiversity Plan including protection of biodiversity in the wider countryside.

Agri-environmental options and Natura 2000 schemes have been launched.

Woodlands can have significant ecological benefits providing biodiversity gain, ecological connectivity across landscapes, and multiple ecosystem services with material economic value.

Relatively few protected habitats and species currently in a favourable state, and many are considered to be of poor or bad status.

Main threats are peat cutting, wetland reclamation, infrastructure development, overgrazing, water pollution, invasive species, recreation, and exploitation of natural fish stocks.

Loss of habitat in the Western region particularly significant due to cumulative effects of multiple individual developments.

Habitats Directive compliant management of Natura 2000 sites remains a challenge, especially in coastal areas and lakes of the Western region.

Intermediate value sites vital to the preservation of ecological networks have no statutory protection and rely on the planning system to safeguard their integrity.

Invasive species are costing the Irish economy €161 million p.a. Native woodlands are particularly affected by rhododendron, conifers, and Acer spp.

Irish forests have been affected by Chalara fraxinia and Phytopthora ramorum outbreaks.

Afforestation and activities in established forests are pressures on protected habitats and species. Watercourses, peatlands and other open habitats are the most materially affected land uses. Freshwater pearl mussel and birds which rely on open habitat (e.g. hen harrier) are the most affected species.

Socio-Economics

Ireland as a whole has significant strengths in research, technology, ICT, development, innovation, and marine science.

Ireland’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems and resources contribute significantly to the economy.

The forestry sector is a significant contributor to the economy, employing around 12,000 people and contributing approximately €2.2 billion in 2005.

Ireland has ongoing issues of deprivation and unemployment, especially in the Border, Midland, and Western regions.

The property market remains weak due to large numbers of houses being built before the 2008 recession.

With forestry exports representing such a high proportion of sector output, there is limited room for growth at current levels of afforestation.

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The leisure and recreation benefits of forestry can be substantial, the direct economic impact of forest recreation is estimated at €268 Million.

Forestry has a strong export focus with 80% of wood exported, generating €308 million in 2011.

Health and Quality of Life

The preservation of the Irish environment recognised as a key contributor to improving residents’ health and well-being.

Indicators show a reduction in early school leavers, improved attainment levels in schools, and a greater participation in tertiary education.

Forests have a proven role in improving mental and emotional health, whilst the recreational opportunities they provide can improve physical health.

Trees are also linked to other health and quality of life amelioration because they can absorb pollutants, CO2 emissions, provide a visual and noise screen from roads and other developments, as well as providing shade for people, animals, and buildings.

Levels of health provision are poor relative to EU standards.

Obesity levels are significant relative to EU standards.

Overall education indicators are poor relative to EU standards.

Many rural communities still remain isolated due to poor transport links and lack of broadband connection.

Soil and Land Use

Afforestation has increased from 7% -11% during 1990-2010

Irish products are high productivity reflects good soil suitability for forest growth.

Afforested areas are associated with increased protection from wind and water erosion.

Significant tracts of peatland, including many bogs with international designation.

Many areas of geological heritage interest, including some with international designation.

Ireland’s soil resource remains fragile due to a variety of factors.

Development pressures over the past 20 years have led to significant land use change and an increase in the area of artificial surfaces

The increase in afforestation has mainly been a land use change from peatland/pasture to coniferous plantation.

74% of Ireland’s national forest estate is composed of predominately conifer species. Native species and broadleaf representation is low.

Ireland’s forest cover is the lowest in Europe (where the average is 40%).

95% of Ireland’s peatland habitats are in a degraded state due to domestic and industrial extraction, afforestation, wind farms, recreational activities and invasive species

Many geological heritage sites remain without statutory protection.

Water

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Water quality compares favourably to other EU countries and shows a trend of improvement.

Pollution reduction measures have been effectively implemented.

Afforested areas can filter agricultural pollutants before they enter watercourses, stabilise soils, improve infiltration rates and reduce flood risk.

Intact peatlands act as effective water stores to mitigate flood risk.

Compliance with European waste water treatment legislation remains poor.

Many waste water treatment plants need upgrades, and their coverage needs to be extended.

Waste water discharges from certain locations responsible for serious river pollution, threatening the freshwater pearl mussel.

Agricultural sources linked to poor groundwater quality in specific river basins.

Acidification of soil under coniferous plantations can reach groundwater and neighbouring watercourses.

Peatland degradation been linked to poorer water quality.

Drier summers predicted in the future due to climate change, with knock-on effects on water supply and quality.

Air Quality

Air quality of a high standard amongst the best in Europe and Ireland overall.

All EU air quality standards met with the exception of NOx, though actions have been set out to address this issue.

2010 emission ceiling for NOx was breached due to increased reliance on car transportation.

Ozone levels exceeded WHO guideline values.

Meeting new PM2.5 concentration standards will be a challenge.

An increase in the agricultural sector may lead to an increase in ammonia emissions (agriculture is one of the main sources of this pollutant).

Climate Change

Ireland has a number of natural resources which can mitigate rising GHG emissions, including peatlands, grasslands, and woodlands.

Ireland’s forest estate is an important carbon store, sequestering 1391.40 MTCO2 above and below ground combined. Annual sequestration is expected to increase to 4.8 MT / annum in 2020 from 3.23 MT / annum in 2012.

Renewable energy usage has increased significantly and exceeded the interim EU target.

Ireland’s forests also represent a significant renewable energy opportunity, with wood fuel the second largest contributor after wind power.

Ireland’s per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions second highest in the EU, and population is increasing.

Renewable energy development capacity hampered by grid access difficulties.

Over-reliance on peat powered energy.

Peat degradation leads to net GHG emissions.

Changing climatic conditions may increase threat from pest, diseases, invasive species, droughts and forest fires.

Material Assets

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Significant natural resources, including water, soils, sand and aggregates.

Waste reduction indicators improving and almost all EU requirements met.

Landfill capacity very limited.

Requires greater effort to reduce municipal solid waste.

End-of-life vehicle targets not met.

Cultural Heritage

Two international recognised sites and multiple nationally listed monuments.

Tentative list of seven properties and groups of properties which are being considered for nomination to the World Heritage List.

Historic environment a material contributor to employment and tourism.

Gaelic speaking communities well established in western seaboard counties.

Historic monuments in rural areas are in decline due to a variety of factors.

Afforestation with commercial coniferous species has had an adverse effect on cultural and natural heritage of upland and wetland areas.

Afforestation, road construction, and forestry operations can disturb above and below ground archaeology.

Rural tourism is poorly coordinated.

A considerable number of archaeological features in upland and marginal areas have not been recorded.

Landscape and Seascape

Six National Parks with a diverse range of landscapes, including the internationally recognised Burren.

Glacial esker systems extensive in the West and Midlands regions.

River Shannon and Lough Ree are important landscape features

Forests can balance the character of neighbouring land cover, complement landscapes, and mitigate visual conflicts.

A review undertaken in the UK has shown public preference for forests with a mix of tree species, random spacing of trees and incorporation of open space.

Few landscape character assessments carried out due to lack of expertise.

Fragmented approach to landscape management and rural tourism are missed opportunities.

Increased population growth and demand for housing and agriculture threatening landscape.

Green Infrastructure and Ecosystem Services

Ireland’s terrestrial ecosystems a significant contributor to GDP.

Forests provide a multitude of ecosystem services, including market goods (e.g. timber, fibre, fuel) and non-market goods (e.g. recreation, amenity, regulation services)

Non-market value of Ireland’s forestry is significant and rising.

Significant opportunities to tap Ireland’s marine wealth, for example seaweed biotechnology.

Green Infrastructure projects in place in many locations in Ireland.

Knowledge about biodiversity is below EU average. There is a need to expand awareness of this, ecosystem services and other environmental issues.

Green Infrastructure expansion is challenging due to multiple stakeholders.

Access to green corridors and natural heritage is complex due to land ownership issues.

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How has the Forestry Programme been assessed?

The Forestry Programme has been assessed against a number of SEA

objectives designed to cover the broad range of environmental issues facing

Ireland. These objectives are used within high level and detailed assessment

matrices to ascertain the magnitude of likely effects, the sensitivity or value of

the receiving environment (including people and wildlife) and thus significance

of impacts of the Forestry Programme measures.

Assessments of alternatives to the Forestry Programme as a whole have been

undertaken, along with an assessment of likely cumulative effects of objectives

within the Forestry Programme and likely in-combination effects of the Forestry

Programme with other plans and programmes. Opportunities for improvement

and measures to address possible impacts have also been identified.

What are the alternatives?

Five strategic alternatives have been assessed against the SEA objectives.

These include:

Alternative 1: Continue with the measures described under the current

Forestry Programme 2007-2013.

Alternative 2: Do nothing or ‘zero’ option where Irish Government funding

for a Forestry Programme would be withdrawn.

Alternative 3: Proceed with proposed measures drafted by DAFM for

discussion in March 2014.


internal review in June 2014.


public consultation in August 2014.

It was considered that each alternative had environmental strengths and

weaknesses. Alternative 2 fared the worst on both environmental and socio-

economic objectives, whilst Alternatives 1, 3, 4 and 5 perform similarly against

most of the SEA objectives and were generally positive. Of these three options,

Alternative 5 marginally has the greatest beneficial effects and Alternative 1 the

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least. Alternatives 3, 4 and 5 perform the best in terms of ecosystem service

provision.

The option DAFM chose to take forward to public consultation was Alternative

5. This is because Alternative 5 has a strong emphasis on enhancing

biodiversity, water quality, landscapes, and ecosystem services, as well as

setting out protection for recorded monuments. In addition it has a strong focus

on improving knowledge and understanding of environmental protection and

enhancement both within and outside the forestry community.

How was the public consulted?

The Consultation Draft of the FP was made available for public consultation for

a 4 week period, between 10th September and 13th October 2014. The SEA

Environmental Report was made available alongside the draft FP so that

interested parties, particularly the statutory authorities, could comment on the

likely effect of the FP on the environment.

Consultation responses relating to the SEA and/or environmental aspects of

the FP were received from the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), the

Department for of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht (DAHG) and numerous

other organisations and private individuals. These have been addressed where

appropriate in the final Environmental Report and have led to some changes in

the final FP.

What are the likely environmental impacts of the Forestry Programme?

The Forestry Programme is expected to have beneficial effects as a result of

the establishment and restoration of woodland, investments in forest

infrastructure, the reconstitution and prevention of damage to forests, and

measures to improve the resilience and environmental value of forests. The

Programme is also likely to lead to improvements in water quality of

groundwater and watercourses. Knowledge transfer, information sharing

actions, producer groups, and forest management plans are also expected to

have beneficial environmental effects. Meanwhile, investments in forestry

technology and forest genetic reproductive material will have longer term

environmental gains.

However, the SEA also identified uncertain or potentially adverse effects related

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to the Afforestation and Creation of Woodland Measure, the NeighbourWood

Scheme, the Forest Roads Scheme, the Reconstitution Scheme, the Woodland

Improvement (Thinning and Tending) measure, and the Forest Genetic

Reproductive Material measure. The main uncertain and possibly adverse

effects concern the impact of afforestation, road construction, and forestry

operations on ecology, soil and cultural heritage. These effects are summarised

by sustainability topic below, alongside measures that should be carried out

through the planning system (or by Government departments) to ensure these

effects are mitigated (corresponding measures are shown in brackets).

Adverse/Uncertain Effects Potential Mitigation


Possible adverse and uncertain effects on biodiversity due to afforestation and drainage of sensitive grassland, heath, wetland, and bog habitats; in particular impact on birds requiring open habitat; loss of intermediate value and brownfield sites which lack statutory protection. (1,2b)

Possible adverse effects on wildlife due to disturbance from silviculture, construction of roads, provision of recreational activities and establishment of new production areas. (1,2,3,4,5,6)

Uncertain adverse effects due to introduction of potentially invasive species (1d)

Seed orchards are intensively managed and seed stands may each comprise only one species; whilst maintenance and creation activities may cause disturbance or minor/temporary loss of habitat (10)

Avoid afforestation on protected habitats and the habitat of protected birds and other species, including neighbouring habitats. (1a,2, 10)

Appropriate ecological assessment should be carried out at appropriate times of year and construction work should avoid sensitive periods (e.g. breeding season). (2, 3, 4, 5, 10)

Avoid facilitating access to forestry land where protected habitats, birds, and other species may be present. (3)

Use various media to encourage public to keep to paths and restrict access to sensitive areas during breeding season. (2c)

Update IFS system to include ecological data held by other bodies (1)

Conduct risk assessment to judge merit of introducing Eucalyptus (1d)

Socio-Economics, Health and Quality of Life

No adverse or uncertain effects predicted

N/A

Soil and Land Use

Initial afforestation work, road construction, recreational activities and silviculture may cause uncertain and possibly adverse effects compaction, erosion, nutrient loss, soil contamination. (1,2b,3)

Eucalyptus plantations on fertile land could reduce agricultural land for food

Adhere to industry codes and guidelines regarding soil protection. (1,2,3,4,5)

The potential impact on neighbouring fields should be considered before the planting of Eucalyptus species. (1d)

Avoid road construction on areas designated for geological importance. (3)

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and fodder and reduce nutrient levels in the long term. (1d)

In established forests, silviculture and recreational activities could have a similar effect as above. (2c, 4, 5)

New coniferous afforestation can cause acidification of soils. (1a, 1c, 1d)

Trees planted in drought-prone areas can cause physical damage to soil and neighbouring structures/hard surfaces. (1, 2b)

Use various media to encourage public to keep to paths. (2c)

Water

Possible adverse effect that afforestation, road construction and silviculture can cause pollution and sedimentation of neighbouring watercourses. (1,2b,3,4,5)

Coniferous afforestation can cause acidification of neighbouring watercourses. (1a,1d, 10)

Possible adverse effect of water resource loss due to drainage of peat/wet soils and afforestation with fast growing trees in drought-prone areas. (1,2b,3)

Adhere to industry guidelines, recommendations of recent research in forestry and water quality and requirements of relevant water management strategy in place for the area. (1,2b,3,4,5,10)

Avoid afforestation, road construction in sensitive catchments. Where necessary, establish riparian buffers and special construction works to minimise potential run-off. (1,2,3, 4,5, 10)

More detailed planning and control may be needed for clear-felling / harvesting operations in catchments with good water quality status. (1,2b,3,4,5)

Air Quality

Afforestation work, road construction, forestry work can cause dust and localised emissions. (1,2,3,4,5)

Adhere to industry guidelines (3)

Avoid road construction in areas with high NOx sensitivity (3)

Climate Change

Afforestation work, road construction, forestry work will create minor greenhouse gas emissions. (1,2,3,4,5)

Uncertain effects such as more extreme summer heat, more powerful storms combined with a greater extent of forest cover may provoke more prominent forest fires and windfall. (1,2b)

Greenhouse gas emissions can be reduced by using low emission vehicles and reducing distance to market for products. (1,3)

Firebreaks and silviculture operations, and road construction facilitating access for emergency vehicles will mitigate some of this risk. (1,3,4,5)

Material Assets

Minor raw material requirement for forest road construction. (3)

Minor waste generation from road construction, forestry operations, recreation (1,2,3,4,5)

Adhere to best construction practice and industry guidelines in road building and waste management. (1,2,3,4,5)

Provide bins to minimise litter/waste from recreational activity.

Cultural Heritage

Afforestation work, road construction, forestry work has potential to

Archaeological risk assessments and field inspections, where appropriate, of sites

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adversely disturb undesignated buried and overground artefacts. (1,2,3,4,5)

Submerged archaeology in neighbouring wetlands can be adversely affected by water level change due to afforestation. (1,2b)

and neighbouring wetlands/watercourse where activity may take place. (1,2,3,4,5)

Avoid disturbing the ground on or near sites of historical significance and avoid using areas of historical importance for storing material, stacking timber or as a parking area for machinery. (1a,3,5)


Afforestation can have adverse effects on landscape quality in certain situations. (1,2b)

Construction of forest roads and felling/thinning activity may create temporary loss of visual amenity. (1c,1d, 3,4,5)

Afforestation should be sensitive to local designations and future landscape character designation. Avoid afforestation in wilder/sensitive parts of National Parks. (1a,1d)

Avoid road construction in visible locations, especially in National Parks or other sensitive landscape designations. (3)

Consider landscape impacts during felling/thinning activity (1,3,4,5)


Temporary minor adverse effect of afforestation work, road construction, forestry work on water quality, air quality, climate regulation, soil retention, erosion control. (1,2,3,4,5)

Land use change associated with forestry may permanently affect habitat provision, aesthetic value, and soil quality. (1,2b,4)

Mitigation proposals above will minimise ecosystem service disruption. (1,2,3,4,5)

Lower spatial thresholds for Forest Management Plans (11)

Update Forest Service guidance (2000) to reflect current best practice/legislation (1,2,3,4,5)

The assessment of cumulative effects revealed that (prior to mitigation) there

could be adverse or uncertain cumulative effects from the various measures

promoting afforestation, road construction, and forestry operations in relation to

ecology and cultural heritage.

In-combination effects on the environment between the Forestry Programme

(particularly measures promoting afforestation, road construction, and forestry

operations) and other plans and programmes promoting general economic

development and land use change, growth in the agriculture, fishery, forestry,

and renewable energy sectors, as well as development of the rural

environment. There were also potential in-combination effects with plans or

programmes promoting biodiversity gain in the countryside. The schemes

which could cause in-combination effect include: Border Regional Authority

Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022, Mid-West Regional Authority

Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022, South-West Regional Authority

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Regional Planning Guidelines 2010-2022, Draft Rural Development

Programme (2014-2020), Food Harvest (2020), Draft National Raised Bog SAC

Management Plan, Draft National Peatlands Strategy, Infrastructure and

Capital Investment 2012-2016: Medium Term Exchequer Framework, Strategy

for Renewable Energy 2012-2020, Northern Ireland Rural Development

Programme 2014-2020, and Northern Ireland Regional Development Strategy

2035.

Appropriate Assessment of the impacts of the Forestry Programme revealed

that the afforestation, road construction, and forestry operations measures (1-

6) have potential to have detrimental impacts on Natural 2000 sites. Existing

safeguards already built into these measures and adoption of best practice by

the Forest Service would avoid the majority of these impacts. A

recommendation was made that all proposed forestry projects deriving from the

Forestry Programme should consider the location of Natura 2000 sites and

protected species in their generation, and that these projects be subject to an

assessment of their impacts on Natura 2000 sites.

What are the key recommendations for enhancing the beneficial effects

of the Forestry Programme?

As well as having a strong focus on delivering socio-economic gains from

forestry, the Forestry Programme also has a number of key measures which

seek to delivery biodiversity gain and ecosystem service provision. These will

add significant environmental benefits in comparison to the current programme.

However, if resources allow, even more could be done to maximise the

environmental benefits. Enhancement measures are suggested below, by

sustainability topic; such measures may be regarded as best practice, but

DAFM is under no obligation to consider or endorse these. (Corresponding

Forestry Programme measures are shown in brackets if relevant)

Beneficial Effect Potential Enhancement


Increased planting and restoration of native woodland will have major beneficial biodiversity gains. (1b,4,6)

Areas of Biodiversity Enhancement and thinning/woodland management schemes will also generate major

Consideration to be given to ecological receptors in conjunction with designations, protected species and habitats, local Biodiversity Action Plans and ecological corridors.

Establish links between the RDP EFAs and

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beneficial biodiversity gains. (3,2a,4,5,11)

Forest Genetic Reproductive Material scheme could preserve seed stocks and protect against pest/disease though this is an uncertain benefit. (10)

Aquatic habitats and Freshwater Pearl Mussel will benefit from riparian planting and conifer->broadleaf conversion. (1a,1b,1c, 2a, 2b, 6)

WFD using the Agro Forestry element. (1c)

Avoid felling/thinning in sensitive / protected habitats or where protected species may be present. (1c,1d,2a,2c,3,4,5,6)

Follow Forest Biodiversity Guidelines to leave woody cutting from trees in piles on forest floor to provide valuable habitat. (1d,2a,4,5)

Put bat boxes / bird boxes in NeighbourWoods where these would be beneficial. (2)

Open Agroforestry and Forestry for Fibre schemes to a wider list of native broadleaves and conifers (1c, 1d)

Greater priority to improve the condition of the four Annex I forest habitats present in Ireland and freshwater Annex II species, along with additional resources/training for those conducting project level AA. (6, 7b)

Forest Management Plans should include provisions for preventing tree disease and invasive species. (11)

Socio-Economics, Health, and Quality of Life

Major beneficial effect of revenue and employment from forestry grants, commercial forest products. (1a,1c,1d)

Major beneficial social gains from NeighbourWood and NWS schemes. (1b, 2, 6)

Health benefits from increased recreational opportunity and improved air quality; noise reduction and overall amenity improvements. (1,2b,2c)

Outdoor recreational activities should be encouraged in rural and out-of-town woodlands (where this would not compromise safety or landowner privacy), as well as in NeighbourWoods. (2, 11)

Soil and Land Use

Beneficial effect of afforestation improving soil quality by improving integrity. (1)

Beneficial effect of conversion of coniferous to broadleaf forest reducing soil acidification. (6)

People should be encouraged to keep to paths. (2b, 2c)

Consider imposing similar restrictions/objectives for the reconstitution scheme as for Measures 1 and 5. (4)

Water

Established forests reducing pollutant run-off and watercourse sedimentation is a major beneficial effect. (1,2b)

Conversion of coniferous to broadleaf forest reducing watercourse acidification is a major benefit. (6)

Strategic location of afforestation / conversion can deliver protection to most needy areas, which is a benefit. (1,2b,6)

Avoid creating plantations in sensitive catchments unless adequate and functioning aquatic buffer zones are in place. (1a, 1d)

Use synergies with GLAS scheme, expand scope of IFS to identify optimal areas for protective native woodland strips along watercourses. (1,2b)

Make use of GIS and Ecosystem Service mapping technology to identify most

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appropriate locations for woodland buffer and NeighbourWoods to maximise benefit for water quality and flood regulation. (1, 2b)

Consider imposing similar restrictions/objectives for the reconstitution scheme as for Measures 1 and 5. (4)

Forest management should contribute towards achieving the objectives of WFD River Basin Management Plans and Freshwater Pearl Mussel Management Plans. (5, 11)

Ensure forestry workers, managers and advisors attend EPA training course on catchment management. (7a, 8)

Ensure incentives for lower water-impact conifer species are sufficient (1a)

Air Quality

Beneficial effect of established forests absorbing airborne pollutants.

Expand IFS exercise to target optimal areas for air quality improvement.

Use low emission vehicles and cover cargo to minimise dust and pollution emissions. (3)

Climate Change

Correctly increased forest cover a major benefit by increased carbon sequestration. (1,2b)

Biofuel and fibre streams a major benefit due to reduced demand for fossil-fuel related energy and products. (1c, 1d)

Beneficial effect of climate change adaptation to heat, flood, invasive/pest species provided by riparian buffer plantation, NeighbourWood scheme, overall forest cover, and Forest Genetic Reproductive Schemes. (1,2,4,10)

Establish a specific CO2 equivalent sequestration target. (1,11)

Add more specific measures within afforestation, forestry operations, genetic material streams to increase resilience. (1,5,6,10)

There would be merits in including where relevant, further information on the Forest Environment and Climate Services components of the Forest Genetic Reproductive Material Scheme. (10)

Consider changes to afforestation, reconstitution and woodland improvement measures which support protection from / remedial action as a result of greater frequency and intensity of storms. (1, 2b, 4, 5)

Material Assets

Beneficial effect of biofuel and fibre streams reducing unsustainable use of fossil fuel and peat and meet demand for forestry product. (1c, 1d)

Minor beneficial effect of support for coppicing measures under Native Woodland Establishment / Conservation and NeighbourWoods

Provide more wood recycling centres to public and forest operators. (1)

Provide bins to minimise litter and dog-fouling in areas of recreational activity. (2b, 2c)

Cultural Heritage

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Minor beneficial effect that programme sets out that archaeological remains preserved in situ (1,2,4,5,6)… and establishes native woodland as cultural heritage. (1b,4,5,6)

Consider the setting as well as the individual heritage features. (1, 11)

Prioritise afforestation works to areas which have an established history of woodland cover. (1, 2, 6)

Look for indications of the historic environment on the ground and conduct further investigation where evidence is found; commission specialist surveys where evidence is significant. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Record nature / position of any features found and report to relevant authorities. (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Include long-established boundaries, field banks and walls, and veteran trees in list of protected features (1,11)

Woodland improvement scheme could include further measures to enhance monument access and amenity value (5)

Cultural heritage objectives could be considered in relation to the general afforestation scheme. (1a)


Beneficial effect that some afforestation may improve visual amenity where unappealing views are hidden, diversity is enhanced, and forest cover is sympathetic to surrounding land use (1,2b)

Prioritise afforestation work to areas with establish woodland cover history (1,2b,6)

Expand IFS to include opportunity mapping to target afforestation and NeighbourWood schemes to locations where forest would have beneficial effect (1,2b)


Afforestation and related management will create a major beneficial effect through increased amount of multifunctional greenspace (1,3,4,5,6)

Afforestation and related management will provide a major beneficial suite of long term ecosystem services. The beneficial effects on ecosystem services outweigh the potentially adverse. (1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10)

Enhancement proposals for other topics will also improve delivery of related ecosystem services. (1,2,3,4,5,6,10)

Wider education / knowledge sharing (forest schools, CPD requirement) to include agroforestry, green infrastructure and ecosystem services streams. (7,8)

To ensure that knowledge transfer permeates to all levels of forest management, FMPs could be made mandatory for forests below the 5ha/10ha thresholds. (11)

Forest service guidance should be updated to reflect best practice/legislation (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

Wider range of agroforestry schemes and greater research into this area, climate resilience and integration with practice (1c, 7, 10)

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Will the Forestry Programme have any transboundary effects?

Adverse effects on the ecology and water quality of Northern Ireland are

possible as a result of afforestation, road construction, and forestry operations

taking place adjacent to the border or near catchments and waterbodies which

cross the border. It is not possible at present to identify any effects on specific

receptors as the location of the exact projects likely to be funded under the

Forestry Programme are not yet known. Importantly, the Department of the

Environment in Northern Ireland is providing DAFM with its spatial datasets on

natural and cultural heritage assets so that these can be considered when

applications for forestry development south of the border are made. Likely

mitigation would follow similar measures as set out in the table above, and

Appropriate Assessment screening would be required for plans or projects

arising from this programme with potential effect on Natura 2000 sites across

the border.

What will happen next?

Once the FP has been adopted, an SEA Statement will be produced to provide

information on how the Environmental Report and consultees’ opinions were

taken into account in deciding the final form of the FP. This will also set out

recommended measures to monitor the environmental impact and achievement

of the FP during the years 2015-2020.

ireland’s forestry programme 2014-2020 strategic ......ireland’s terrestrial and marine...

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