LC Zvolen At the Northern European Meeting (NERM) 2025

We had an amazing opportunity to participate in the Northern Europe Regional Meeting (NERM) as IFSA LC Zvolen representatives, which this year took place in Ireland on April 13 – 19. It was organized by the amazing Ireland OC team. NERM is an amazing opportunity for IFSA members who are based in Northern Europe to share knowledge and expertise on various forestry topics. It is an interactive event where members socialize, work together, establish new connections, network, run various discussions, share different cultures, and simply enjoy each other’s company.

We participated in NERM in Ireland in order to see how they manage their forests. Around 39 participants were taken to different places in Ireland: Avondale, Cloragh, Ballintemple, Carriganore, Ardkeen, New Ross, Lismore, Fossa, and at least we also travelled to Killarney National Park. In Avondale, we had a very interesting presentation about Irish forestry. After that, we travelled to Cloragh’s forest where we learned about CCF management Systems in an Irish context.

On the second day, we traveled to Ballintemple to learn about large-scale nursery practices in Ireland. We found out that they use very similar nursery methods to those in Slovakia. We then travelled to Carriganore, where we had a very interesting IFSA Workshop led by Steffie from Germany and Benji from Poland. We also had an international night that day where we Slovaks joined forces with Hungarians and Poles, since only one member came from each of these countries. It was amazing to see each other’s culture a little bit.

On the third day, we travelled to New Ross, where we saw alternative tree species selection and implementation in the arboretum, which is dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy. It is a tribute to the life and work of President Kennedy for citizens of Irish origin. We also had the IFSA auction that day, which was very entertaining.

On the fourth day, we went to Lismore to see forestry operations and management decisions of a private company. Later that day, we traveled to Fossa to learn about Agroforestry silvopastoral systems. And actually, on the last day we went to visit Killarney National Park, it was
beautiful.

Overall, the whole experience was very enriching and inspiring, leaving the participants with food for thought. NERM has created an amazing atmosphere for students and young professionals to express themselves, gain new knowledge, and establish long-lasting partnerships and friendships.

By Bc. Diana Englerová member of LC Zvolen from Slovakia.