Student’s forest showcased in Next Generation Forestry Network
Martin Oakes, a student on the Traditional Irish Music HNC is part of a new network who have stepped up to support forestation in Ireland. His forest was showcased as part of the Next Generation Forestry Network. On the 9th of March 2026 the Next Generation Forestry Network was launched to support Irelands next generation of forest owners
A recent survey of 80 potential next generation forest owners found that many currently balancing careers, family commitments and distance from the forests they will eventually be responsible for.
Delivered by the North East Forestry Group and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, the programme aims to connect future forest owners and support them with practical knowledge, expert guidance and opportunities to learn from others facing similar decisions.
The initiative has been developed in response to the significant generational shift currently taking place in private forestry, as many existing forest owners approach retirement age. Thirty next generation forest owners, with a combined 1,400 hectares of forestry attended the launch in the forest of Martin Oakes, who shared his own family story and approach to managing the woodland.
Attendees also heard from forestry tax specialist Dermot Byrne, who spoke about succession planning and financial considerations for forest owners, and Teagasc Forestry Advisor Kevin O’Connell, who provided practical guidance on forestry management and the technical aspects of owning and maintaining a forest.
The programme will now continue with further activities over the coming months, including additional field visits, an evening information event and online sessions to support participation from people living outside traditional forestry areas.
Speaking about the launch, Next Generation programme coordinator Fiona Sherlock said:
“A forest is not something you inherit all at once. It arrives slowly, often alongside careers, children and distance. This programme is about helping people meet that responsibility with confidence, connection and care, rather than feeling they have to face it alone.”
For more information, visit Instagram.com/futureforestguarians or northeastforestrygroup.ie
About the Next Generation project
The Next Generation Forestry Programme is a national initiative developed by the North East Forestry Group to support people who are set to inherit, co-own or take responsibility for family forests in Ireland. Funded by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Forest Service.