Entries have opened for the RDS Irish Forest and Woodland Awards, which recognise and reward farmers and woodland owners that have adopted climate-smart agricultural practices on their properties.

These practices include sound commercial management, environmental protection, and biodiversity.

The RDS has said that the twin goals of promoting the economic and environmental benefits of good forestry and farming, are fundamental to what it hopes to achieve through its agriculture and rural affairs programme.

There are three prize categories for the awards with a prize fund of €9,000.

The Production Forestry category is open to farmers and landowners using sound silvicultural management on their farms.

While the focus is on the management of the area for wood production, judges will also review diversity of species, particularly the presence of native trees such as ash, birch, oak, willow, etc., to ensure greater efficiency and quality in the development of the sector.

The Teagasc Farm Forestry Award recognises working farmers who are integrating forestry and farming for environmental, social and economic benefits.

The category aims to promote the positive sustainable contribution of forestry as an integral enterprise within the wider farming profile.

It acknowledges the farmer’s role in actively managing the forest and promoting tree planting to strengthen wider farming sustainability.

The Community Woodland Award is designed to encourage and reward projects involving the communal ownership and/or management of forests and woodlands, which have been established and managed in a sustainable way that is beneficial to the local economy and/or environment.

Entry is open to woodland-related community-based projects including participants in the NeighbourWoods Scheme and amenity forestry projects.

Entrants should also be able to demonstrate significant and sustained community input. 

In addition to the Irish forestry awards, other categories include:

Sustainable Farming Sustainable Living Awards

Livestock Awards

Nominations for these awards are received from the Irish Cattle Breeding Federation (ICBF) and Sheep Ireland.

The winner of the three categories will receive €2,000 each and an RDS silver medal. The runners-up will receive €1,000 each and an RDS certificate of merit. Category winners will also receive a specially commissioned trophy.

Entries must be submitted on or before Tuesday, August 10, 2021.  

If an entry is short-listed, judges may arrange a visit to inspect woodlands between August and October. 

The 2022 RDS Spring Agriculture and Forestry Awards will be presented at a date to be confirmed later on this year.