Existing Forests & Estates
Existing forestry provides an extremely attractive investment opportunity. For many at the end of their premium period, it is an opportune time to sell on their forestry asset. For investors looking for a shorter term forestry investment, a semi mature forestry acquisition provides a realistic and tangible asset for those looking for a strong, stable and secure investment.
Green Belt source, acquire and manage these plantations on your behalf.
Semi Mature forestry offers investors access to an asset class with a shorter timeline than new planting. With the advent of forestry premiums, many farmers planted land 20+ years ago and enjoyed the premium returns annually. However, many are now in a position whereby selling their plantation is attractive and this presents an excellent entry point for investment.
Return on Investment
Assessing a semi mature forest provides a full picture of the earning potential from this forest. Green Belt carries out a full inventory on a plantation under consideration and the data collected provides timelines and structures to optimally harvest the timber, achieving strong tax free, capital returns.
Earnings from timber are tax free, and you can expect returns of 5% per annum, compounded over the life time of the investment. A typical entry level for individuals is in excess of €100,000, however, there are options for smaller scale investment.
Institutional investors have been catered for since Green Belt established. The team of professional foresters and administrators, ensures the smooth running of the portfolio, and manages the timescale for applications and licencing agreements with the forest service.
Forestry Grants for Existing Forests
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Woodland Improvement Scheme Hardwoods are an integral part of the national estate. Developing a hardwood plantation can be challenging, but the woodland improvement scheme is designed to enhance your broadleaf plantations. There are two occasions this can be applied for. |
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Road Grants Forest roads are essential to develop sustainable access to your forest as it matures. A grant which covers approximately 80% of construction costs, is offered to allow a high standard of road to be built and developed into the plantation. |
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Tree Felling As part of the forestry experience, harvesting events occur through the lifetime of the platation to develop a plantation to its maximum potential. To facilitate this, a felling licence is required. This licence needs to be completed ideally with the assistance of a professional forester. |
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Reconstitution Scheme for Ash Dieback Chalara fraxinea, known as ash dieback disease, is a relatively newly described fungal disease of ash which was first named in 2006 and has spread rapidly across much of Europe, with the majority of European countries where ash is present now reporting the disease. |
Green Belt Services for Existing Forestry Estates
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Forestry Management Plan Green Belt has developed a Four Year Forestry Management Contract which is specifically designed for farmers. The company will undertake to establish a forest for the farmer utilising the grant paid by the Forest Service. Read more about this service. |
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Thinning & Harvesting Thinning is an essential maintenance procedure for forests and it will enhance the future growth and production of your plantation towards clearfell. Thinning is the removal of a proportion of the trees in a crop. Read more about this service. |
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Timber Marketing Marketing is the process of selling timber to obtain its true fair market value. Achieving a reasonable financial return on a timber investment depends on many factors. Read more about this service. |
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Treament of Ash Dieback Disease The removal and destruction of trees and leaf litter affected by the disease and the reconstitution of the forest with an alternative species to Ash must be undertaken in strict compliance with the Sanitation Action Plan approved by the Department. Read more about this service. |
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Wood Chipping Services Green Belt set up Irish Woodchipping Services in 2008. Irish Woodchipping Service chip on contract and also buy, chip and sell forest material from the forest estate. Read more about this service. |
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Get in touch with Green Belt Head Office to discuss work on existing plantations Freephone 1800 200 233 or Tel: +353 49 854 8000 Our network of professional foresters located nationally are perfectly placed to source opportunities suitable for you and to manage your investment through to clearfell and beyond. |