PTR Company Profile - 2016

Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd.
Forest Sector Consultancy, Management & Research
COMPANY PROFILE
2016
36 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2, Ireland

Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd. – Forest Industry Consultancy, Management & Research Page 2 of 22
Forest Sector Consultancy, Management & Research
Registered Address: 36 Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin 2,
& Office Address Ireland.
Contact Numbers: Office: +353-1-6625621 / +353-87-2633766
Email: ptr@eircom.net
Company History: Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd. (PTR) was officially incorporated on
January 1st 1996. The directors have been working together on
various forestry related projects since 1994.
Directors / Employees: Patrick Purser B.Agr.Sc. (Forestry)
M.Agr.Sc. (Forestry)
Mark Tarleton B.Agr.Sc. (Forestry)
Fionán Russell B.Agr.Sc. (Forestry)
Services Offered: Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd. is a long established firm of
consultant, management and research foresters providing
services throughout the Irish forest sector and farther afield
since 1995. We offer the following forestry related services:
• Forestry Investment Appraisal
• Woodland Establishment & Silviculture
• Forest Resource Inventory & Mapping
• Forest Resource Planning & Management
• Industry Consultancy
• Industry Research & Development
• Forestry and Environment
• Socio-Economic Surveys
• Timber Measurement
• Timber Valuation
• Timber Marketing
• Training in Timber Measurement
Recent Clients: Coillte (Irish Forestry Board)
COFORD (National Council for Forest Research & Development)
NPWS (National Parks & Wildlife Service. Department of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht)
Forest Service (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food)
Teagasc (The Irish Agriculture and Food Development Authority)
Forest Industry Transport Group (FITG)
Irish Forestry Contractors Association (IFCA)
PEFC Ireland
FSC Ireland
SGS Forestry (member of the SGS Group)
Irish Distillers (Pernod Ricard)
Element Power
Wicklow Private Woodland Owners Group
Laois Farm Forestry Group
Wicklow Deer Management Group
FTEI (Forestry Training & Education Ireland)
University College Dublin
Waterford Institute of Technology
The Heritage Council
Timber processing sector (sawmills)
Numerous private timber growers & investors

Directors' Bios
Paddy Purser
Age: 45 PTR director since 1995
Paddy is a founding director of PTR with responsibility for forest management and timber sales services.
He manages a diverse portfolio of forest properties on behalf of our private clients while also working on a
wide range of consultancy and applied research projects, particularly in the area of forest management &
the environment. Paddy has developed wide-ranging experience in all aspects of commercial forest
management in Ireland and has a proven track record in a meeting our clients’ objectives with his “hands-
on” approach to forest management. While Paddy’s formal training has been in managing plantation forests
using a clearfell and replant system, he has been developing skills in Close to Nature Silviculture over the
last 15 years and many of PTR’s clients’ properties are now commencing a conversion to permanent forests
using close to nature silvicultural systems.
Paddy is a founding member and committee member of Pro Silva Ireland. He is a former Council Member
of the Society of Irish Foresters and is a founding member of the Association of Irish Forestry Consultants.
Mark Tarleton
Mark is a founding director of PTR with responsibility for research and training services. He has led an
extensive range of projects in the areas of forest inventory, forest management, timber measurement &
valuation, forest harvesting, forestry information technology, forestry investment and sectoral training needs
analysis. Mark has developed wide-ranging experience in project management and industry consultation,
working with individuals, businesses, state agencies and representative bodies in advisory, training,
research and project management roles. He has proven ability in producing high quality documents and
reports, ranging from public information leaflets to scientific papers.
Mark is a founding member and former chairman of the Association of Irish Forestry Consultants.
Fionán Russell
B.Agr.Sc. (Forestry)
Fionán is a founding director of PTR with responsibility for afforestation and reforestation services and is our
liaison with the Forest Service, Ireland’s forestry sector regulatory body. While he has wide-ranging
experience in all aspects of commercial forest management in Ireland, Fionán has developed particular
expertise in woodland establishment and in the administration of the various Forest Service grant and
premium payment schemes that are supporting the establishment and on-going management of many of
our clients’ forests. Prior to joining PTR, Fionán worked as a timber procurement manager in Balcas
Sawmills (Enniskillen), one of Ireland’s largest timber processors. He also has previous experience in forest
research and the timber processing sector.
Fionán is a founding member of the Association of Irish Forestry Consultants and is an active member of the
Agricultural Consultants Association of Ireland.

Current & Completed Projects
In order to provide a profile of the scope of PTR’s expertise and services, we have presented a
synopsis of some on-going and completed projects. These have been classified into the
following categories:
FOREST RESOURCE & INVESTMENT APPRAISAL ……………… Page 5
FOREST MANAGEMENT ………………………………………………. Page 7
FOREST POLICY & INDUSTRY PLANNING ………………………… Page 9
TIMBER MEASUREMENT & WOODFLOW MANAGEMENT ……… Page 13
ENVIRONMENTAL ………………………………………………………. Page 17
TIMBER HARVESTING …………………………………………………. Page 21
PTR INHOUSE PROJECTS – SOME EXAMPLES ………………….. Page 22
More detailed information on specific projects can be provided on request.

FOREST RESOURCE & INVESTMENT APPRAISAL
Project: Valuation of Large Scale Forestry Fund Prior to Purchase
Description: PTR assisted an Austrian Investor in the assessment and valuation of a Forestry
Fund comprising 23 Forest Properties encompassing 356 hectares of
commercial woodland. The Fund was subsequently bought by the Investor.
Client(s): Austrian Investor
Status: Completed 2012
Project: Compilation of Information Report on the Irish Timber Industry
Description: This report was written following a request from Indufor Oy to provide an
overview of the Irish Timber Industry. The report was structured under four
specific headings: Overview of the Irish Timber Market; Profile of companies
buying wood in Ireland; Analysis on pricing & timber sales methods; Forest
Management Costs. The report formed a basis for further consultation.
Client(s): Indufor Oy, Finland
Project: Economic Potential Analyses for Low Yield Class Sites in Western Ireland
Description: Projection of the internal rates of return for low Yield Class afforestation sites in
the West of Ireland and assessment of the silvicultural and management options
for maximising timber productivity and financial return on such sites.
Client(s): Private forestry investors
Project: Production of a User Interface for Irish Dynamic Yield Models
Description: This work involved the development of a user interface (GROWFOR) for Irish
Dynamic Yield Models. The software interface permits the user to enter forest
inventory data for specific forest compartments and to “grow these data on”
using a specific management regime for a specific period. The interface also
allows for the addition of administrative data concerning the forest property and
timber prices which are used to generate values for harvests specified in the
management regime. A user manual for the interface was also prepared. PTR
provide ongoing training through regular workshops and online support for
GROWFOR users.
Client(s): COFORD, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
Status: Completed 2002. Training and User support services ongoing.
Service:
Sourcing & Valuation of Land for Investors in Forestry and Production of
Development Plans for same
Description: This involves the maintenance of nation-wide contacts in the land market arena,
the identification of available land as suitable for afforestation, in terms of price
and quality, and the production of various forest investment scenarios for
interested clients. Following the successful purchase of such land, a site
specific development plan and financial forecast is prepared.
Client(s): Prospective private forestry investors
Status: Ongoing

Project:
The Development of a Mechanism for use in the Determination of Round
Log Value which takes Account of the Price and Volume Yield of Sawn
Timber
Description: Work commissioned by Coillte to produce a computerised mechanism which
factors price and volume yield of sawn timber into their existing mechanism for
round log valuation. Our experience of the sawmilling sector was a key factor in
securing this contract.
Client(s): Coillte
Project: Study of the Forestry Market in Co. Wicklow
Description: PTR was selected by competitive tender to carry out a market survey of private
forestry in Co. Wicklow. The study involved an assessment of the private
forestry resource in quantitative and qualitative terms. It also involved an
attitudinal study amongst forest owners and a capacity study of the contracting /
forestry labour resource and of the current and potential markets for timber in the
county.
Client(s): Wicklow Private Woodland Owners Group
Project: Study of the Forestry Market in Co. Clare
forestry in Co. Clare. The study involved an inventory of the private forestry
resource in quantitative and qualitative terms. It also involved an attitudinal
study amongst forest owners and a capacity study of the contracting / forestry
labour resource and of current and potential markets. There was a particular
emphasis in the study on those private forests which are approaching the age of
first thinning and on the silvicultural and economic options for these forest and
their owners. The project was managed by a steering group with
representatives from Teagasc, the Forest Service, Coillte, The Irish Farmers
Association, Private Forestry, The Irish Forestry Contractors Association and the
project client, Rural Resource Development Ltd.
Client(s): Rural Resource Development Ltd. (Clare Leader)
Project: Study of the Forestry Market in North East Co. Cork
forestry in North East Cork. The study involved an inventory of the private
forestry resource in quantitative and qualitative terms. It also involved an
attitudinal study amongst forest owners and a capacity study of the contracting /
forestry labour resource and of the current and potential market. There was a
particular emphasis in the study on those private forests which are approaching
the age of first thinning and on the silvicultural and economic options for these
forest and their owners. The project was managed by a steering group with
representatives from Teagasc, the Forest Service, Coillte, The Irish Farmers
Association, Private Forestry and the project client Blackwater Resource
Development Ltd.
Client(s): Blackwater Resource Development Ltd. (North Cork Leader)
Project: Study of Private Sector Forestry Resources in Co. Laois
Description: PTR was selected by competitive tender to carry out a survey of private sector
forestry resources in Co. Laois. The study involved a detailed ground survey of
a sample of farm forestry plantations approaching or at 1st
thinning stage and the
extrapolation of survey results to a county level. It also involved a survey of
forest owners to identify operational and attitudinal issues currently affecting the
counties farm forestry sector.
Client(s): Laois Farm Forestry Group

FOREST MANAGEMENT
Service: Forest Management
Description: PTR currently oversee the management of over 3,000 hectares of private forests
in Ireland. Most of these are commercial woodlands which are required to
produce a regular income for their owners. Management is organised through
the preparation and execution of detailed maps, inventories and management
plans. Management operations which PTR oversee include:
• Forest Establishment
• Early Maintenance of New Forests
• Pre-Commercial Thinning and Improvement
• Forest Inventory & Mapping
• Timber Measurement
• Timber Marketing
• Commercial Thinning
• Hunting Licences and Targets
• Development of Forest Access
• Removal / Control of Invasive Exotic Species
• Forest Valuation
• Transformation from Even Aged Plantations to Permanent Forests
Our formal training has been in managing plantation forests using a clearfell and
replant system. However, over the last 15 years, Paddy Purser has been
developing skills in Close to Nature Silviculture and many of our clients’ forests
are now commencing a conversion to permanent forests using close to nature
silvicultural systems. This is being done in the long term commercial interests of
the forest owners.
Project: Low Impact Silvicultural Systems Project
Description: PTR, represented by Paddy Purser, were partners in this project which:
• established research trials in transforming even aged spruce stands to
continuous cover forestry;
• established the AFI Inventory system in 7 Irish forests being managed using
continuous cover forestry;
• prepared and published 3 different papers on the status of continuous cover
forestry in Ireland, the economics of continuous cover forestry and the
attitude of different stakeholder groups to continuous cover forestry.
Client(s): COFORD, Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine
Service: Forest Establishment & Management Services
Description: Establishment and management of coniferous and broad-leaved forestry for
various clients. This work involves planning and implementing forest operations
and administering government (Forest Service) grant applications. With the
current difficulties being experienced by the Irish farming sector in relation to
CAP reform coupled with the attractive forestry grant and premium schemes
presently available, more land owners are considering the forestry option. As
higher quality land becomes available to Irish forestry more flexible management
approaches are required, particularly due to the fact that many land owners now
want to play a more active role in developing and managing their plantations.
PTR provide a forestry consultancy & management service tailored to the
requirements of each client.
Client(s): Private land owners, farmers and forestry investors
Status: Ongoing

Service:
Forest Inventory, Mapping & Management Planning of Private Forest
Estates
Description: PTR provide a forest mapping and planning service for private timber growers to
satisfy the government’s (Forest Service) requirement for the submission of
management plans with general felling licence applications. Digital mapping of
forest management units is carried out through fieldwork and the use of ortho-
rectified aerial photography. Comprehensive stand inventories and 5 year
management plans are subsequently produced. PTR’s services in this area
have been employed by a number of large (>250 ha.) woodland owners who
have subsequently retained our consultancy services to assist in the
implementation of their management plans. This is a nationwide service.
Client(s): Private forestry owners / managers
Status: Ongoing
Project: Production of Irish Oak for Coopering Purposes
Description: PTR are contracted by Irish Distillers to supply sustainably harvested, coopering
quality Irish oak for production of Whisky Casks. This is for a premium quality
Whisky named Midleton Dair Ghaelach which was launched in 2015. Each cask
produced and bottle of Whisky sold is traceable back to a tree felled in the wood
which is managed using close to nature forest management techniques. Each
forest estate from which oak is supplied will have a unique brand.
Client(s): Irish Distillers Ltd. (Pernod-Ricard)
Status: 4 batches (estates) completed to date, 1 estate launched, 2 more estates in
pipeline.

FOREST POLICY & INDUSTRY PLANNING
Project: Development of PEFC Irish Forest Management Standard
Description: PTR were selected by competitive tender to assist a technical group in the
drawing up of a new Irish forest certification standard for sustainable forest
management. The standard has been completed, has been through the PEFC
vetting procedures and is now an active Forest Management Standard in
Ireland.
Client(s): PEFC Ireland
Project:
Development of Forest Stewardship Council Irish Forest Management
Standard
Description: PTR were invited to participate in a multi-disciplinary standard development
group charged with the drawing up of a new Irish forest certification standard for
sustainable forest management. When completed, the standard will be used in
independently certifying forests as being sustainably managed.
Client(s): FSC Ireland
Status: Commenced 2008 – ongoing
Project:
Assessment of Sustainability of Oak Supplies for Coopering for Irish
Distillers
Description: PTR were asked by Irish Distillers to carry out a generic assessment of the
sustainability of oak supplied for coopering in the Eastern USA, Spain and
Portugal. The expansion of production at the Irish Distillers plant in Midleton,
Co. Cork will require significantly greater quantities of oak for barrel making than
previously used and it is essential for Irish Distillers that this supply is
sustainably sourced.
Client(s): Irish Distillers Ltd. (Pernod-Ricard)
Status: Phase 1 Completed 2012; Phase 2 – ongoing
Project: Provision of Expert Forestry Services in Wind Farm Development Projects
Description: Patrick Purser has worked on a number of wind farm projects located on forest
properties in counties Galway, Cork, Clare, Roscommon and Tipperary in
Ireland. PTR provide expert input into issues concerning felling licence
legislation, forest management planning, contractual arrangements with the
Forest Service for grant aided forests, tree height assessments & modelling, and
tree crop stability modelling following wind farm development.
Client(s): Private Land / Forest Owners, Element Power, Fehily Timoney & Co., ESB
International, Coillte, Finavera Renewables Inc., Jennings O’Donovan &
Partners and WindProspect
Status: Ongoing
Project: Training Needs Analysis with specific reference to Harvesting of Thinnings
Description: PTR was selected by competitive tender to carry out a training needs analysis
for the Irish timber harvesting sector. The study assessed current and future
training needs for timber harvesting machinery operators, with particular
emphasis on those employed in thinning operations. This involved a review of
existing training resources available, an assessment of the likely levels of activity
within the sector over the next decade and the development of a plan to
accommodate forecast demand while ensuring that training systems
accommodate the need for ongoing developments in technology and operational
management systems. A new vision for operator training was presented.
Client(s): Forestry Training & Education Ireland (FTEI)

Project: Irish Forestry Sector Training and Education Needs Analysis
Description: PTR was commissioned by competitive tender to carry out a forestry sector wide
training and education needs analysis in order to identify current training
priorities within the industry and to assist in the development of a plan for the
sustainable delivery of education and training resources into the future.
Predicting future developments and associated training needs helped to form a
more strategic approach to the provision and funding of training and, in the
context of funding limitations, implementation of more informed prioritisation of
training provision. A critical analysis of prevailing training structures and funding
arrangements helped to identify improved systems of training delivery to meet
future needs.
Client(s): Forestry Training & Education Ireland (FTEI)
Project: Irish Forest Policy Review – Heritage Council
Description: PTR was selected by competitive tender to work on a multi disciplinary team that
conducted a wide-ranging review of current Heritage Council forest policy. This
review was implemented to reflect the changing context of forestry and to
provide a vision for the future development of forestry in Ireland, with a particular
emphasis on the national heritage.
Client(s): The Heritage Council
Project: Irish SFM Certification Protocol
Description: PTR was selected by competitive tender to draft a Sustainable Forest
Management Certification Protocol specific to Ireland. This document provides
Irish forest owners with a guide which can be followed when seeking sustainable
forest management certification by an independent body such as the Forest
Stewardship Council (FSC). PTR worked with the Irish SFM Audit Protocol
Steering Committee.
Client(s): The Forest Service (Department of Agriculture & Food)
Project:
Irish Forest Management Specialists to SGS Forestry (UK) during Coillte
QUALIFOR Programme Certification Process
Description: Provision of local (Irish) forest management knowledge to SGS Forestry, the
Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) accredited certifier engaged in Coillte’s FSC
certification process. This project involved reviewing the woodland management
activities and associated documentation of Coillte, in the context of its
compliance with the SGS QUALIFOR Programme.
Client(s): SGS Qualifor (UK)
Project: Peer Review of FSC Certification Report
Description: PTR was requested to carry out a peer review of a final certification report
prepared by SGS Qualifor on an Irish Forest Management company seeking
group certification (Forest Stewardship Council) of Sustainable Forest
Management for a number of their clients. The review required a full and
thorough knowledge of the certification standard against which the assessment
was made and an intimate knowledge of Irish forestry and its stakeholders.
Client(s): SGS Qualifor (UK)

Project: Georgia Forest Development Project
Description: PTR were joint consultants with ALBA Trees PLC (a major UK tree nursery) on
this project. The aim of the project was to establish approximately 8,700 ha.
(3,100 ha. of afforestation and 5,600 ha. of reforestation) in nine State Forestry
Department districts in Georgia. Our work involved overseeing the
establishment of a new nursery facility, the standardisation of afforestation and
reforestation plans, the co-ordination and logistical planning of the project over a
five year period and the production of technical guidelines for all procedures and
operations involved in afforestation and reforestation in Georgia.
Client(s): Georgian Forest Sector Development Centre
Georgian State Forestry Department
World Bank
Project: An Efficiency Analysis of the Irish Timber Procurement Sector (OptiLog)
Description: PTR were the lead consultants on this project which, following an intensive
survey of stakeholders and operations in the Irish timber procurement sector,
developed strategic recommendations for a phased evolution of the timber
supply chain into a more streamlined and cost effective process, characterised
by optimal utilisation of our timber harvesting, haulage and supply chain
management resources.
Client(s): The Irish Timber Council
Coillte
COFORD
Project:
Development of Operational Costing Structures Specific to the Forest
Service Native Woodland Scheme
Description: Development of sustainable costing structures for woodland development and
management operations specific to the Forest Service Native Woodland Grant
Scheme.
Client(s): The Forest Service (Department of the Marine & Natural Resources)
Project: Development of Forest Service Bio-Diversity Premium
Description: Development of mechanisms to assess the levels of revenue foregone (and thus
compensation premiums payable) by managing woodlands for bio-diversity and
conservation rather than for timber production.
Project:
Review of Government (Forest Service) Policy on the Threshold Yield
Class of 14 for Woodland Establishment Grant Aiding Purposes in Ireland
Description: This study was commissioned by the Forest Service in order to provide an
independent and objective justification of the Forest Service policy to grant aid
woodland establishment sites with the potential to achieve a minimum Yield
Class of 14. The study primarily focused on low level blanket bog sites along the
Atlantic sea board of Ireland. The assessment involved a review of the
biophysical, economic and environmental issues and consultation with relevant
bodies, including County Councils, fisheries boards, Coillte and the private
forestry sector.
Project: Cost Benefit Analysis of Proposed Investment in Sawmilling Machinery
Description: Several projects, undertaken for various sawmilling clients, have involved the
quantification of physical and financial differences in sawn yields from milling
production lines under existing and proposed (simulated) configurations.
Client(s): Irish sawmilling ventures
Status: Ongoing

Project:
Development of a Rate Setting Mechanism for Contracted Forestry
Operations
Description: This project involved the development of a computer-based model for
determining contract payment rates for forest establishment, harvesting and
haulage operations based on contract specific input variables.
Client(s): The Irish Forestry Contractors Association
Project:
Development of a Production Based Payment System for Sawmill
Operational Staff
Description: PTR were commissioned to assist in the design of a new bonus payment system
for operatives in a hardwood processing facility. Specifically, PTR designed
methods to monitor operational performance in key processes. New
performance indicators were developed along with systems to compile and
analyse the required data.
Client(s): Coillte
Project:
Development of a Strategy for the Economically Viable Adherence to Irish
Road Haulage Legislation within the Irish Timber Industry
Description: PTR has been working with the Forest Industry Transport Group to research and
develop strategies to ensure the long-term economic viability of timber haulage
operations in Ireland in the light of increasing operational restrictions due to
revised environmental and health & safety legislation.
Client(s): Forest Industry Transport Group (FITG), comprising:
Coillte, the Irish Forestry Contractors Association, the Irish Timber Council, the Irish Timber Growers Association, Medite, the Forest
Service (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries & Food), University College Dublin and a number of regional Government
administrations (County Councils).
Status: Commenced 1999 – ongoing
Project: Co-ordination of activities of the Forest Industry Transport Group (FITG)
Description: The FITG was formed in February 1998 to address issues specific to timber
haulage in Ireland. The main function of the group is to provide a forum for
debate of all issues relevant to timber haulage, to share information on topics of
common concern and agree collaborative action. The group has been
responsible for producing the Code of Practice for Timber Haulage and more
recently (2014) the Good Practice Guide for Managing Timber Transport PTR
have been instrumental in the co-ordination of the group activities since its
inception.
Client(s): Coillte
Status: Commenced 1998 - Ongoing
Project:
Review of Government (Forest Service) Funded Training Courses Offered
by Coillte, Teagasc & Enterprise Ireland
Description: This review was commissioned by the Forest Service to assess the training
courses currently provided by the above agencies at a technical level and to
assess their relevance in the context of the developing Forestry Sector. An
analysis of the cost effectiveness of specific courses and the quality of record
keeping by the training agencies also formed an important part of the project
brief.
Project: Survey of Farm Woodland Owners in the Republic of Ireland
Description: This work was carried out as part of a COFORD funded project entitled
"Management Requirements for Farm Woodlands". The survey visited 120 Irish
farmers involved in private forestry in 26 counties. Interviews were conducted in
order to compile data relating to current requirements of farm forestry
participants for management information & advice.
Client(s): University College Dublin

TIMBER MEASUREMENT & WOODFLOW MANAGEMENT
Project:
WoodFlow – Implementation of More Efficient and Secure Log
Transportation Administration Systems
Description: PTR project managed Coillte’s “Woodflow 2014” project which introduced new
state-of-the-art paperless systems to manage more efficiently and securely log
transportation operations from their forests to their customer mills. Using on-
truck computers and satellite tracking technologies, Coillte have linked their in-
house ICT systems to the Irish log haulage fleet to create a real-time “smart
timber security” system. This new system will form the basis for improved
efficiencies in Woodflow management and centrally dispatched log haulage
operations. As well as providing project management services, PTR also
contributed to project work packages relating to industry engagement and
consultation, software design specification and software user acceptance
testing.
Client(s): Coillte
Project:
Recommendations for the Most Appropriate Measures for Standardised
Volume/Weight Timber Measurement Procedures at Sawmills
Description: Consultancy process involving a review of existing non-standard sawmill based
timber measurement procedures in Ireland and the subsequent development of
procedures for a nationally standardised volume/weight measurement system.
Recommended procedures were adopted by the industry and are currently in
use.
Client(s): Coillte
The Irish Timber Council
Project:
Implementation & Control of a Nationally Standardised Volume/Weight
Timber Measurement System
Description: This contract was awarded to PTR by Coillte to implement and control a
volume/weight system of timber volume measurement in a nationally
standardised manner. It has involved the development and documentation of
new Standard Operating Procedures, the implementation of these procedures in
the 16 largest Irish sawmills, the continuous monitoring and maintenance of
standards set and the development of a more centrally administered system of
volume/weight timber measurement. This contract is now in its fifteenth year.
Client(s): Coillte
Status: Commenced 1996 - ongoing
Project: Implementation of New Automated Weighbridge Systems
Description: PTR provided consultancy and project management services to assist in the
development of initiatives to rationalise operations relating to timber weighing
transactions at Coillte’s customer mills. This involved the procurement of state-
of-the-art weighbridge transaction interface systems resulting in a move to a
driver operated transaction process with minimal requirement for input by Coillte
staff. PTR ensured that the rollout of Automated Weighbridge System (AWS)
technology was compatible with the ongoing implementation of the nationally
standardised Volume/Weight Timber Measurement System (see above). PTR
continue to provide project management services relating to new AWS software
functionality development arising from Coillte, processing sector and haulier
requirements.
Client(s): Coillte

Project:
Quality Control of Timber Intake at two Panel mills owned by Coillte
(MEDITE & SMARTPLY)
Description: This work involves auditing the quality of timber at the point of intake to the
Coillte Panel board mills, Smartply and Medite. These mills account for
approximately one third of all the timber harvested in Ireland annually and the
timber is used in the production of Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and Medium
Density Fibreboard (MDF), mainly for export.
Client(s): Coillte
Status: Ongoing
Project: Investigation into Telemetric Data Communication Systems
Description: PTR worked with Coillte’s Harvesting Development team to investigate the most
appropriate state-of-the-art technologies for the effective real-time
communication of data to and from timber harvesting machines. The study
tested various wireless communication technologies under Irish conditions,
including satellite and 3G/GPRS.
Client(s): Coillte
Project:
A Feasibility Study into the use of Terrestrial Laser Scanning Technology
in Pre-Harvest Timber Measurement Operations (TreeScan & ForestScan)
Description: This project aimed to demonstrate the potential for terrestrial laser scanning
technologies in the compilation of pre-harvest timber measurement data for use
in sawmill simulation systems. Moving the point of tree scanning from the
sawmill to the forest has the potential to provide both timber growers and
sawmillers with more accurate data for end use decision making prior to timber
harvesting. PTR were technical consultants on this project, providing timber
measurement, data analysis and reporting services.
Client(s): COFORD; Waterford Institute of Technology (TreeScan)
UCD; TreeMetrics (ForestScan)
Project: Coillte Timber Measurement Strategy 2012
Description: Development of a Timber Measurement Strategy outlining a programme of
continuous improvement for Coillte’s timber measurement & PEPing (Potential
End Product estimation) systems in order to best serve the changing needs of
Coillte’s strategic, tactical and operational planning processes.
Existing timber measurement & PEPing systems were critically reviewed and
problems were highlighted in the context of existing and planned timber supply
models. New timber measurement & PEPing requirements associated with
planned timber supply model changes were defined and an overview of required
timber measurement interventions was presented.
Strategic developments necessary to deliver new or adapted timber
measurement PEPing systems to meet the new planning requirements were
outlined. A phased development timeline was prepared, identifying the required
actions and key delivery and decision points regarding the adoption of new
PEPing systems.
Client(s): Coillte
Service: Forest Inventory and Timber Measurement Skills Training
Description: PTR provide inventory and timber measurement skills training to students, forest
owners and forestry professionals. Our courses incorporate the practical
implementation of timber measurement standards and the incorporation of
technology to improve accuracy and reduce costs.
Client(s): University College Dublin, Waterford Institute of Technology,
Teagasc, Coillte, private sector forestry professionals.
Status: Ongoing

Project:
International Review of Currently Employed Timber Measurement Systems
for Sale of Round Timber
Description: This work was funded by the Forest Service with support from the Irish Timber
Council, Coillte, the Irish Timber Growers Association, the Irish Forestry
Contractors Association and COFORD. It involved a detailed review of timber
measurement systems currently employed in Ireland and abroad with a view to
developing and documenting national timber measurement standards in Ireland.
The review included an assessment of existing harvester head measurement
technology with particular reference to its suitability for Irish timber harvesting
conditions.
Project: Production of an Irish Timber Measurement Manual
Description: This work was a continuation of the project documented above. It involved the
development and publication of an Irish timber measurement manual
documenting nationally standardised measurement procedures. The Timber
Measurement Manual was published by COFORD in 2000.
Project: Testing of Irish Dynamic Yield Models
Description: New Irish Dynamic Yield Models for three different species were tested by PTR
for a number of different management scenarios. Comparisons were carried out
with British Forestry Commission Static Yield Models and with verified Irish
timber volume production data.
Client(s): COFORD
Project:
Assessment of Mean DBH (Diameter at Breast Height) Estimation Methods
Currently Employed in the Irish Timber Industry
Description: This study assessed various methods of mean DBH estimation with a view to
recommending a cost-effective system in which statistical confidence could be
placed. Findings and recommendations resulted in the national standardisation
of Coillte’s DBH estimation for timber sale advertisement purposes.
Client(s): Coillte
The Irish Timber Council
Project:
Review and Redesign of Coillte’s Standing Timber Measurement
Procedures for the Compilation of Timber Sale Advertisement Data
Description: PTR worked with Coillte to redesign timber measurement procedures used in
compiling timber sale advertisement data. The work focused on relating
measurement intensities and associated costs to timber sale values and
introducing efficiencies in measurement data capture and compilation. An
automated decision making model was developed to prescribe various timber
measurement procedures to Coillte’s management units in a company-standard
manner. PTR was retained to help in the process of implementing redesigned
procedures across Coillte’s forest management structure.
Client(s): Coillte
Service: Timber Measurement and Valuation
Description: PTR offer a comprehensive timber measurement, valuation and marketing
service to timber growers and purchasers.
Client(s): Private timber growers
Timber purchasers
Coillte
Status: Ongoing

Project:
Study of the Potential for Harvester Head Measurement to Provide Coillte
with Timber Volume Data for Invoicing Purposes
Description: This study assessed the potential for harvester head measurement data to be
used by Coillte for invoicing purposes and the potential costs of such a system.
The work involved analysing the accuracy of harvester head measurement data
and compiling an up-to-date inventory of harvester head measurement systems
and their current capability vis-à-vis volume measurement and auditability. The
work was carried out in conjunction with forest harvesting contractors, machine
suppliers and Coillte staff.
Client(s): Coillte
Project: Harvest Volume Residue Assessment on Coillte Timber Sale Sites
Description: This study quantified the volume and nature of timber left on site after the
completion of harvesting operations in sales of timber sold standing to Coillte’s
sawmilling customers and measured using volume/weight measurement
procedures. The results were used to quantify the influence of residual timber
volumes on agreed sale prices.
Client(s): Coillte
Status: Phase 1 completed 1997
Phase 2 completed 2001
Project: Standing Timber Quality Assessment of Coillte Sales
Description: This project involved the development of Standard Operating Procedures for
Coillte’s standing timber quality assessment operations, reflecting, as close as
was practical, the system of quality assessment previously employed by the
company which relied on intuitive assessments being carried out by experienced
forestry personnel.
Client(s): Coillte
Project:
Review of Production Processes and the Harmonisation of Measurement
Methodologies at a Palletwood Sawmill
Description: This project involved an initial review of production processes, the identification
of points of measurement, and recommendations in relation to the harmonisation
of timber volume measurement methodologies at a palletwood sawmill. Physical
and financial yield models were developed for existing production processes and
theoretical simulation exercises were developed in respect of alternative
production processes.
Client(s): Laois Sawmills Ltd.

ENVIRONMENTAL
Project:
Forestry Advisor to KerryLIFE Project – “Sustainable Land Use
Management for the Conservation of the Freshwater Pearl Mussel”
Description: Purser Tarleton Russell Ltd. were selected by competitive tender as the forestry
advisors to this 5 year project. KerryLIFE is a demonstration project to restore
the endangered freshwater pearl mussel populations in the Blackwater and
Caragh river catchments in south Kerry. This is a partnership project between
Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Department of Agriculture, Food
and the Marine, Forest Service, South Kerry Development Partnership Ltd,
Coillte Teo, Teagasc and Pobal. The project is co-funded by the EU LIFE+
Nature programme.
Client(s): National Parks and Wildlife Service, Department of Arts, Heritage and the
Gaeltacht
Status: Ongoing
Project: Forestry Management for the Freshwater Pearl Mussel Margaritifera
Description: Paddy Purser assisted in researching and preparing guidance on forest planning
and operational measures in relation to freshwater pearl mussel catchments.
This was part of a Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) and EPA funded
project with Trinity College, Evelyn Moorkens and Faith Wilson as partners. The
project required a recognised expert in forest management and in transformation
from Even Aged Plantations to Permanent Forests. National and international
experience in close to nature strategies for forest management and experience
in writing management plans for forests in the context of the freshwater pearl
mussel was also specified as essential.
Client(s): Department of Agriculture (Forest Service) & Environment Protection Agency
(EPA)
Project:
Development of Forestry Measures for Freshwater Pearl Mussel
Catchments
Description: Paddy Purser, in conjunction with Evelyn Moorkens and RPS were selected by
competitive tender to develop appropriate forest management measures in a
number of Fresh Water Pearl Mussel catchments in Donegal and Tyrone. The
project is funded by INTERREG and through Donegal County Council and the
Northern Ireland Environment Agency.
Client(s): RPS, Donegal County Council, Northern Ireland Environment Agency
Project: The Development of Guidelines on Forest Harvesting and the Environment
Description: This project involved a comprehensive review of the potential environmental
impacts associated with timber harvesting and forest road construction under
Irish conditions. It resulted in the drafting of recommended planning and
operational procedures for minimising the adverse effects of these operations.
These recommended procedures have been incorporated into the Forest
Service Code of Best Practice and the Forest Service Guidelines on Forest
Harvesting.

Project: Forest Management Plan for the Wicklow Mountains National Park
Description: Patrick Purser and Faith Wilson (ecologist) were selected following a competitive
tender to prepare a management plan for woodlands in the Wicklow Mountains
National Park. The plan covers a 20 year period with the objective of
transforming existing woodlands to native woodland.
Client(s): The National Parks and Wildlife Service (Department of the Environment,
Heritage and Local Government)
Project:
Development of Practical Methods of Integrating Sustainable Forest
Management Principles into Current Forest Inventory and Planning
Procedures (PractiSFM)
Description: This project was jointly led by PTR and a team from University College Dublin.
The project aimed to develop practical means whereby non-timber forest values
can be assessed and enhanced through the practical adaptation of forest
inventory and management procedures. The project was focused on the
development of field methodologies for non-timber inventory data capture and
the development of decision support tools for use in optimal resource planning.
Client(s): COFORD
Project:
Assessment of Forest Management Options for Lesser Horseshoe Bat
Habitat in Co. Kerry
Description: Paddy Purser was requested by the Vincent Wildlife Trust to advise on potential
future forest management options for a woodland in their ownership near
Kenmare, Co. Kerry. The management priority is to improve the woodland as a
habitat for various bat and mammalian species, in particular the lesser
horseshoe bat.
Client(s): Vincent Wildlife Trust
Project:
Site Assessment and Operational Prescriptions Prior to Forest Harvesting
Operations in a Fresh Water Pearl Mussel Catchment
Description: Paddy Purser, in conjunction with Faith Wilson completed a site assessment and
provided necessary precautionary operational prescriptions prior to a forest
harvesting operation in the Clady Catchment, Donegal. These prescriptions
were for inclusion in a forest harvesting operational plan.
Client(s): ESB
Project:
Preparation of a Paper on the Potential Impact of Climate Change on Irish
Forestry
Description: Paddy Purser is the principal author of a paper on the potential Impacts of
Climate Change on Irish Forestry which formed part of the Irish Environmental
Protection Agency’s “Climate Change Report – Scenarios and Impacts for
Ireland” that was published in 2003. The research conducted in preparing this
paper required a clear appreciation of the major technical issues concerning
carbon fluxes and climate change issues, particularly in relation to their potential
impact on temperate and continental Europe.
Client(s): Environmental Protection Agency in association with NUI Maynooth

Project: Report on Effects of Rising Deer Populations
Description: Following a competitive tender, PTR in conjunction with Faith Wilson (ecologist)
and Dr. Ruth Carden (deer expert) were selected to prepare a report on
• deer population trends;
• an assessment of current and potential deer damage to woodlands in both
ecological and economic terms;
• an outline of other negative impacts of uncontrolled deer populations such
as Lyme disease, the spread of bovine TB to cattle, collisions with vehicles
on public roads and damage to other crops (agricultural and commercial
forestry).
The report has been used as a basis to lobby the relevant authorities to develop
a new policy with respect to deer management.
Client(s): Woodlands of Ireland
Project: Strategy for the Wicklow Deer Management Group
and Dr. Ruth Carden (deer expert) were selected to prepare a strategy for the
Wicklow Deer Management Group. The report points the way to a more
practical modus operandi whereby the WDMG starts to be effective in achieving
sustainable deer populations in Wicklow. The report includes the following:
• An outline of what is known of current deer management practice and
ecology in Wicklow;
• A review of international practice with regard sustainable deer management
planning and implementation;
• A summary of the different habitats and other biodiversity elements in
Wicklow that are impacted by deer;
• A review of existing deer management in Wicklow and a discussion of issues
that should inform how the WDMG should approach deer management on a
strategic basis;
• Practical recommendations (and associated budgets) on how best to
proceed as a common interest group including a proposed timetable for
these works.
Client(s): Wicklow Deer Management Group
(An Organisation made up of Coillte, The National Parks and Wildlife Service, the Irish Farmers
Association, the Irish Timber Grower Association, the Irish Deer Society and the Wicklow Deer
Society)
Project:
Review of Native Woodland Scheme in Relation to Native Upland Gully
Woodland
Description: Paddy Purser in co-operation with ecologist Faith Wilson conducted this review
with a focus on the specific case study of the Upper Dodder Catchment in
County Dublin. The review examined how the Native Woodland Scheme might
be adapted in order to cater for upland gully woodland restoration projects in
important catchments with a view to enhancing ecological, landscape and water
regulation services.
Client(s): Woodlands of Ireland
(An Organisation equally funded by The Forest Service in the Department of Agriculture, The
Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service in the Department of Environment)

Project:
The Preparation of an Ecological Assessment and Forest Management
Plan for Woods at Derrynafulla, Glengariff, Co. Cork
and Dr. Evelyn Moorkens (Malacologist) were selected to prepare this plan. The
objective of the project is to prepare a management plan for:
• The removal of conifer species from the site over time;
• The transformation of conifer woodland to native woodland over time where
appropriate;
• The maintenance and enhancement of existing native woodland area;
• The retention of existing meadow areas;
• The removal of rhodedendron from the site;
• The retention and enhancement of any other habitats for biodiversity value.
Client(s): National Parks and Wildlife Service

TIMBER HARVESTING
Project:
Assessment of Current and Future Needs of Mechanised Harvesting in
Ireland
Description: This project involved the quantification of the current production capacity of the
national (Irish) timber harvesting fleet and the expected future infrastructural
requirements based on forecasted timber production figures.
Project: Forest Harvesting Machine Classification
Description: An extensive review of all modern harvesting machines in Ireland was conducted
in order to establish criteria which would allow machinery to be categorised in
relation to their suitability for specific timber harvesting work, for the purpose of
allocating government grants for machine purchase.
Project:
International Review of Systems of Harvesting, Tailored to Small-Scale
Forestry, and the Application of such Systems to the Irish Forest Industry
Description: PTR were the lead consultants on this project to review systems of small-scale
harvesting in use throughout Europe, North America, New Zealand and South
Africa. The main challenges for the private small-scale forestry sector lie in the
development of organisational structures as well as the motivation of small-scale
forest owners to become involved in the management of their forests. The
project included the dissemination of information to interested parties and the
generation of debate on the topic through workshops and reports.
Client(s): COFORD
Project: Quality Control Audits of Coillte Harvested Timber Sales
Description: PTR conducted a nationwide cycle of on-site audits of Coillte harvested timber
sales to assess the quality of harvesting operations being carried out and to
audit Standard Operating Procedure compliance in relation to Harvest Plan
documentation, harvesting contractor implemented log quality control
procedures and environmental compliance procedures. Findings were reported
in a predefined and standardised format on a quarterly basis.
Client(s): Coillte

PTR INHOUSE PROJECTS – SOME EXAMPLES
Project:
Introduction of Electronic Timber Measurement Equipment to the Irish
Forest Industry and Associated Research, Development & Marketing
Description: This work has involved the establishment of links with two Finnish Companies
(Savcor Forest Oy and Masser Oy) and the introduction of their labour saving
forest management and timber measurement systems into Ireland. Their
products are being designed, adapted, tested and marketed in Ireland by PTR.
Client(s): Sawmills, Coillte, Consultant Foresters, University College Dublin, Waterford
Institute of Technology, Teagasc, Harvesting Contractors
Project: Development of www.timbersales.ie Website
Description: www.timbersales.ie is a free web-based roundwood timber marketing service for
private timber sales in Ireland. It provides a much needed link between the
timber seller (forester or forest owner) and buyer (sawmill, board mill or
contractor) and serves as a one-stop-shop for those involved in timber
marketing, sales and purchasing in Ireland. This site provides a facility for
timber sellers to advertise their timber sales on an on-line catalogue and timber
buyers to view this catalogue. Any time a new timber sale is posted to the
website, an email is automatically issued to all registered timber buyers. Timber
sellers can advertise parcels of standing or felled timber by using the on-line
sales data entry form. Timber buyers can review information about the latest
available sales posted to the on-line sales catalogue. The website also hosts an
energy wood catalogue and a hardwood catalogue sponsored by COFORD.
The site was designed and is operated and promoted by PTR.
Project:
Development of Kiln Dried Hardwood Firewood Business
(Forest Fuels Ltd.) trading as HotLogs (www.hotlogs.ie)
Description: PTR are 75% shareholders in Forest Fuels Ltd., producers of Hotlogs, a kiln
dried hardwood firewood product which guarantees moisture content less than
20%. The product is sold throughout Ireland both in wholesale and retail bags.
The business has developed fast as the preferred supplier to owners of fuel
efficient wood burning stoves, open fires and to restaurants using fires for both
flame cooking and ambiance. Forest Fuels Ltd. was the first company to be
certified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI) under the Irish
Wood Fuel Quality Assurance (WFQA) Scheme.

PTR Company Profile - 2016

Recomendados

Recomendados

Mais conteúdo relacionado

Destaque

Destaque (20)

Semelhante a PTR Company Profile - 2016

Semelhante a PTR Company Profile - 2016 (20)

PTR Company Profile - 2016