| Abstract: | In this paper a rate of return analysis is carried out on public forestry in Northern Ireland. Analysis is based on the results obtained in two very different locations: a 100-hectare acquisition in the western part of the province where the quality of land is generally poor and a 10-hectare plantation in the east where soil and other conditions are reasonably good. The species in question is Sitka spruce, an evergreen variety which is planted for commercial purposes throughout the UK. Rate of return figures obtained here indicate that even with narrow commercial considerations, forestry in Northern Ireland is a sound venture and should expand rapidly to moderate the timber deficiency which exists in the province as well as in the UK and the EEC. |
