Southern Field Day 2025

The Society of Irish Foresters
in association with:
Arbor Forest Management and Coillte

Topics: Managing Ash Dieback, Storm Eowyn Windblow & Broadleaf Reforestation on a Difficult, Steep, Site

Friday, 10th October 2025

Venues: This field day will visit two forest sites, one in Co. Cork and the other Co. Waterford.
Site 1: Located at Cloongown, Tullylease, Co. Cork.
Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R3SBTBL4abhqhVJ1A

Site 2: Located at Mocollop Glen, Ballyduff, Co Waterford which is 1 hour 15 mins away from Tullylease.
Meeting Point: Fermoy Circle K, Junction 14 on M8 Filling Station to carpool to the forest site which is 15km away.

Site 1: Description
Located: At Cloongown, Tullylease, Co. Cork
Time: 10.30am
Meeting Point: https://maps.app.goo.gl/R3SBTBL4abhqhVJ1A

The day will begin with a visit to an active site which, managed by Arbor, where ash is being removed under the Reconstitution scheme.
On the same site there are also some Sitka spruce blocks that were impacted by Storm Eowyn and were cleared these earlier this year.
Leaders: John Roche and Peter Whooley
Lunch: Please bring a packed lunch and tea/coffee.
Participants are advised to bring suitable clothing and footwear.

Travel for 1hour 15 minutes to Mocollop

Site 2: Description
Time: 2.00pm
Meeting Point: Fermoy Circle K Filling Station (Please carpool to site)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ekquthQrGiXtZqQy9 from 1:30pm
Directions to Site: https://maps.app.goo.gl/oyPypjGrZfmt6TK56
In the afternoon we will visit a Coillte forest at Mocollop Glen, Ballyduff, Co Waterford which is 30 hectares gross area. It is a very difficult and steep site to manage and was replanted with Oak/SP/Hazel in 2020. Tree shelters were used to protect trees from deer, hares, and excessive vegetation and to promote growth. A sensitive stream on site flows directly into the Blackwater River with restrictions on vegetation control due to steepness and water quality. No chemicals were allowed or used during establishment.
From the car park we will be walking around 1.5km into the glen. Please take binoculars with you as it may be very helpful.
Piotr Jonca will give an introduction to the site.
Leaders: John LeGear and Piotr Jonca

4.30pm – Field Day ends.

The assistance of John Roche and Peter Whooley (Arbor Forest Management), John LeGear and Piotr Jonca (Coillte), in organising and facilitating this event is greatly appreciated.

Location Map: Site 1

Location Map: Site 2