Resilient Family Forests - CCF in Westmeath with Olive Leavy

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.


Olive Leavy on Linkedin (https://www.linkedin.com/in/olive-lea...)


Pro 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-a...


Olive on Instagram:   / forestgirl_ire  


Forestry Now:
https://forestrynow.eu/


CHAPTERS
[0:00:01] – Introduction & Guest Background
Dermot introduces the podcast and guest, Olive Leavy, who shares how she became involved in managing her family’s forest.


[0:03:10] – Forest Composition & Features
A 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 & Adaptations
Explanation of thinning strategy, adjustments due to site conditions, hazards, and evolving the CCF approach.


[0:14:27] – Ash Dieback Impact & Firewood Business
Discussion 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 Involvement
Olive outlines wildlife presence, deer monitoring, impact assessments, and fortunate avoidance of invasive species.


[0:21:14] – Woodland Regeneration, Storm Windblow & Forest Stability


Weed control methods, labor required, wind damage, adapting management plans, and planting for structural resilience.


[0:28:29] – Deadwood Creation, Water Protection & Biodiversity
Techniques for enhancing biodiversity, practical water protection measures, machinery setbacks.


[0:34:49] – Government CCF Scheme & Management Support
Participation in the Woodland Improvement Scheme (WIS), available supports, and practical uses for funding.


[0:37:15] – Future Plans & Underplanting
Plans for underplanting, species diversification, tree marking, high pruning, and continuous CCF improvements.


[0:43:29] – Natural Regeneration Under Conifer
Observations of beech, oak, birch, and sycamore natural regeneration, and active management of unwanted species.


[0:46:29] – Firewood Business Insights and Advice for New Forest Owners
Olive’s experience running a firewood business and the importance of hands-on knowledge for management success.


[0:50:09] – Mná na Coille Initiative and Closing Remarks
Initiative introduction, aims to empower women in forestry, survey results, and next steps for increased industry inclusion.