{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Forestry Now","title":"Who Dares Wins - Transformation of Sitka Spruce to Continuous Cover Forestry with Seán Ó Conláin","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":2466,"description":"In this podcast I speak to Seán Ó Conláin about planting a 15 acre broadleaf forest in 2004, buying an adjoining mature high yield class conifer plantation (planted 1987) and the risks he took converting this block to continuous cover forestry. Seán explains his background and inspiration, management techniques, thinning interventions, underplanting, windblow of standing timber, observations around nature and enhancing nature on his holding and much more. Seán is a Chair of the Teagasc Forestry Stakeholder Group as well as a committee member at Pro Silva Ireland.The ForestryNow newsletter signupLinksField day report from Seáns forest https://prosilvaireland.com/autumn-field-day-2023/Pro Silva Ireland at https://prosilvaireland.com/ or on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ProSilvaIreland/Department of Agriculture Food and Marine Forestry Information https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/forestry-grants-and-schemes/Sean on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/se%C3%A1n-c-1b24109/Forestry Nowhttps://forestrynow.eu/CHAPTERS[0:00:04] – Introduction & Guest Background[0:05:37] – Forest Structure & Oak’s SignificanceDiscussion about planting patterns, mixing species, the cultural meaning of oak in Ireland, site layout, and adapting to the local landscape’s needs.[0:09:13] – Interventions & Spruce ManagementSean explains interventions since his trees established, including halo thinning, tending around oak, neighbor assistance, and applying for the Woodland Improvement Scheme.[0:12:23] – Spruce Block Purchase & CCF TransitionSean recounts the decision to buy an older spruce block, shifting from clearfell to continuous cover forestry, weighing risks, and starting the transformation process.[0:18:56] – Machinery, Soil, & Harvesting ChallengesChallenges of using heavy equipment on peaty soil, timing interventions to minimize damage, and balancing harvesting with conservation values.[0:19:37] – Deer, Wildlife, & Managing...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/y-Ns7qgeQc4APOd80Zlamk7qjqkdHoEVT6BTEG7fO4A/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84ZmZj/ZWY3Yjg1ZjZiZmYy/ZTNjMGQ5YWZlY2Jh/NWUwMS5wbmc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}