{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"Forestry Now","title":"Resilient Family Forests - CCF in Westmeath with Olive Leavy","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":3270,"description":"In this interview I speak with Olive Leavy a forest owner from Co Westmeath who currently works with Pro Silva ireland. Olive has chosen to manage her forest using the continuous cover forestry method and in this interview we cover all aspects of this including windblow, ash dieback, challenges with harvesting, getting to know your forest, a firewood business, how forestry has enabled her to remain in rural ireland, advice for forest owners and much more.The ForestryNow newsletter signupLinksOlive Leavy on LinkedinPro Silva Ireland at https://prosilvaireland.com/Forestry advice available at Teagasc Forestry at https://teagasc.ie/crops/forestry/DAFM Forestry Information including the Woodland Improvement Scheme including CCF - https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/forestry-grants-and-schemes/Olive on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forestgirl_ire/Forestry Now:https://forestrynow.eu/CHAPTERS[0:00:01] – Introduction & Guest BackgroundDermot introduces the podcast and guest, Olive Leavy, who shares how she became involved in managing her family’s forest.[0:03:10] – Forest Composition & FeaturesA detailed account of the tree species planted, veteran trees, hedgerow management, and unique characteristics of the site.[0:07:01] – Decision to Move to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)Olive describes the emergence of ash dieback, peer influence, and the gradual decision to adopt CCF for resilience.[0:09:39] – First & Second Thinnings: Techniques & AdaptationsExplanation of thinning strategy, adjustments due to site conditions, hazards, and evolving the CCF approach.[0:14:27] – Ash Dieback Impact & Firewood BusinessDiscussion of losing ash to disease, the process of removal, honey fungus, utilization as firewood, and replanting with native woodland.[0:17:47] – Wildlife, Deer Management and Family InvolvementOlive outlines wildlife presence, deer monitoring, impact assessments, and fortunate avoidance of invasive species.[0:21:14]...","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}