Tree Marker Training

Tree Marker Training Course. Photo credit: © 2019 Pro Silva Ireland.

Course SR-01 | Tree Marker Training 
Early-stage transformation of Sitka spruce stands to Continuous Cover Forestry (Level 1)

Following a successful pilot in September 2018, we are now delivering a 2-day Tree Marker Training course. From 2019, we are working in close collaboration with Pro Silva Ireland to deliver this course for foresters, woodland owners and forestry students in Ireland. This course focuses on early-stage transformation of conifer plantations to continuous cover forestry. It is designed to provide an introduction to the theory of CCF and the practical steps involved in starting the transformation of a planted stand.  

The Tree Marker Traning course comprises two indoor sessions and two outdoor sessions. The forest has a specially-prepared training plot where all the trees are numbered and assessed in terms of a range of qualitative and quantitative attributes. This forms the basis of hands-on training exercises designed to enhance skills in the development and implementation of tree marking prescriptions. Four training exercises are included in the practical sessions, allowing participants to compare three approaches: low, crown and graduated density thinning. Individual feedback is provided from each exercise.  

Tree Marker Training (Course 01) serves as a foundation for tree marking and stand transformation. In collaboration with colleagues in the CCF community, we are also developing more advanced courses focused on mixed-species stands, habitat/conservation management and later-stage transformations. The aim is to provide a progression route for those interested in extending their skills in the silviculture of CCF. 

PSI CCF Course 2 March 2019
Tree marker training. Photo: © 2019 Brian Browne.

Latest Course

Pro Silva Ireland Tree Marker Training Course, Kilteel, County Kildare, 20-21 January 2023. Please note registration is now complete.

Schedule of Courses

Dates and locations for the Tree Marker Training courses that have been delivered are as follows:

  • Course SR-01-01 – Ystwyth Forest | September 2018 | Completed (with Natural Resources Wales)
  • Course SR-01-02 – Ystwyth Forest | November 2018 | Completed (with Natural Resources Wales)
  • Course SR-01-03 – Kilteel Forest | 20-21 March 2019 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland)
  • Course SR-01-04 – Kilteel Forest | 27-28 March 2019 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland)
  • Course SR-01-05 – Kilteel Forest | 4-5 July 2019 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland/Teagasc Forestry)
  • Course SR-01-06 – Kilteel Forest | 4-5 September 2019 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland)
  • Course SR-01-07 – Kilteel Forest | 11-12 September 2019 | Completed ( with Pro Silva Ireland)
  • Course SR-01-08 – Kilteel Forest | 16-17 September 2020 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland)
  • Course SR-01-09 – Kilteel Forest | 18-19 October 2022 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland)
  • Course SR-01-10 – Kilteel Forest | 20-21 January 2023 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland and University College Dublin)
  • Course SR-02-11 – Whinfell Forest | 27-29 August 2024 | Completed (with Cumbria Woodlands)
  • Course SR-02-12 – Whinfell Forest | 3-5 August 2024 | Completed (with Cumbria Woodlands)
  • Course SR-02-13 – Whinfell Forest | 10-12 August 2024 | Completed (with Cumbria Woodlands)
  • Course SR-01-14 – Kilteel Forest | 23-24 September 2024 | Completed (with Pro Silva Ireland)

The next available Tree Marker Training Course will take place at Kilteel, County Kildare, in Spring 2025. The next available Cumbria Tree Marker Training Courses will take place in March 2025. Please check back for more details in early 2025.

Further Information

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