As people grow more and more concerned with environmental protection and management, forestry has become an important and rewarding career choice.

Once upon a time, most of Ireland was dominated by forest. Then people began to cut it down, to clear land for agriculture, to build houses, and for fuel, and by the end of the 19th century Ireland’s tree population had dwindled significantly. However, when people realised the benefits of forests – keeping the air clean, provide habitats for wildlife – the Irish government began reforesting the land. Currently, 9% of Irish land is under forestry, with a plan to increase this to 17% by 2030. Forest managers and forestry workers are responsible for planning and implementing this strategy.

Forestry students learn how to manage and develop forests in environmentally correct ways and to understand how the different components – trees, wildlife, soils, climate, humans – interact together to ensure our forests remain a valuable natural resource for years to come.

 

Education

There are a number of different higher-level qualifications available in forestry and related areas. These include dedicated degrees and higher certificates in Forest Management and Forestry. You can also study Forestry as a subject on a course such as Horticulture or Agriculture. The CAO points required for Forestry range from 200 to 350.

A dedicated higher-level Forestry course includes a combination of general science subjects and more specialised classes. Typically, first year students will have Chemistry, Physics and Biology classes. As the course progresses, they will study subjects such as Silviculture, Soil Types, Ecosystem Management and Forest Biometrics. Practical skills such as forestry maintenance, tree planting, shaping and harvesting, fencing, spraying and pruning can also be part of the course. Some courses feature a six-month work placement where you can practice your new skills and knowledge in the real world.

Students may also study more general subjects such as marketing, tourism and IT, in preparation for working in business and management-related areas of forestry.

Options After Qualification

 

A higher-level qualification in Forestry can lead down several career paths. Potential employers include Coillte (a government-owned forestry company), local authorities, forestry planting and harvesting services, the sawmill and pulpwood sector and private forest owners.

It is also possible to specialise in a particular area of forestry – either by studying at postgraduate level or through finding a specialised job. Environmental management, tourism, agriculture, horticulture, landscaping, research and teaching are all options open to people with forestry qualifications.

The Work

Forestry graduates often begin work in forestry management, where they gain experience in the hands-on, day-to-day business of running a forest. This involves planting trees, site and seed choice, ground preparation and drainage, vegetation control, pruning and thinning. If you work for a forest that earns a living, you may also be involved in tree felling and selling wood for building and carpentry uses.

There are other tasks involved in forestry besides trees. It can be the forester’s responsibility to protect wildlife habitats within the forest. Forest officers and managers can develop and implement plans and strategies for the future wellbeing of the forest. They can also be involved in environmental protection and tourism-related activities, or conduct scientific research into new forestry techniques and developments.

Other forestry graduates work in manufacturing and industry, selecting and producing wood and timber products. After gaining experience, many graduate workers move into consultancy and supervisory roles.

 

Personal Qualities & Work Environment

Forestry careers suit people who are good at science and have a love of nature and the environment. For practical forestry work, you will need to be physically fit and active, while for forestry development roles you will need good analytical and communication skills.

Depending on which career choices you make, you could end up working in a forest, in an office or in a laboratory. Most likely is a combination of all three. Foresters can work long hours, and don’t generally live in the middle of big cities. As the Irish government is committed to increasing Ireland’s forests, there appears to be no shortage of jobs available.

The Money

Newly qualified Forestry graduates can expect to make between €23,000 and €26,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to as much as €50,000.

Jargon

Silviculture: The care and cultivation of forest trees

Ecosystem: All the plants, animals and other living things in an environment, working together as one unit

Forest Biometrics: The collection, analysis and management of data related to forests

Job Titles

Forester

Forest Officer

Forest Worker

Forest Manager

Silviculturalist

Arboriculturalist

Forest Biometric Researcher