I’m delighted to share an important new book for ecological and eco-socially minded forestry in Ireland: A Guide to Continuous Cover Forestry Practice in Ireland by Sean Hoskins (2025). This book may also be of interest to other nations facing the challenge of transitioning away from unsustainable, industrial clear-fell practices.

I’m proud to say that this work has been assembled by my friend and esteemed colleague, Kiwi Sean Hoskins—forester for Hollywood Forest. Many years ago, Sean reached out about joining Pro Silva Ireland. Although he had not been in Ireland long, his passion for ecological forestry was evident—especially when he heard about the involvement of a Kiwi woman (I served on the committee for 10 years, managing the ProSilva Ireland website).

I still remember him calling on a train ride; it was wonderful to hear that familiar down-to-Earth Kiwi accent paired with his deep commitment to being part of a new story for forestry practices. We share a mutual appreciation for growing up near-pristine World Heritage forests of our homeland, Aotearoa New Zealand. It’s no surprise, then, that Sean—now a longstanding member of the Pro Silva Ireland committee—has created this remarkable book. A former journalist for the NZ Whanganui Chronicle, Sean and I often discuss eco-books and eco-novels whenever he visits Hollywood. I always knew he had a book in him! Congratulations Sean!

The timing of this publication is also very special, as it will be launched on Friday, 14 March 2025, in celebration of Pro Silva Ireland’s 25th anniversary. If you’re interested in attending the full-day conference, Continuous Cover Forestry: Delivering Timber, Biodiversity, and Climate Resilience for Ireland – Celebrating 25 Years of Pro Silva Ireland, you are warmly welcome. Seminar registration includes a complimentary copy of the new book!

Reflecting on the past 25 years since Pro Silva Ireland began, I recall many memorable events and conversations with ProSilva foresters from Ireland, the UK, and across Europe, as well as talks with inspiring, pioneering Irish landowners who are adopting a more holistic approach to bringing forests back onto Irish lands and fostering a wiser wood culture.

I also cherish memories of Pro Silva Ireland study tours to Slovenia, Hungary, the Netherlands, Scotland, and Wales, and all across Ireland. I also celebrate significant forest policy changes in Ireland, supported by the Irish Green Party in recent years, that now help landowners’ financially, to transition or establish permanent, Close-to-Nature Continuous Cover forestry. Developing more resilient, diverse forest structures is now so crucial, as recent extreme weather events underline.

And, of course, there has been plenty of warm-hearted laughter and much support for wee Hollywood Forest (still the smallest Close-to-Nature CCF forest in Ireland!) from Sean and the Pro Silva Ireland committee.

It has been wonderful to see our committee and members gain confidence in alternative forestry practices, leading to more beauty, biodiversity, and birdsong in our Irish forests—what will Irish forests be like in another 25 years!