LATEST NEWS

Observing healthy regrowth from coppiced #Teak trees. Optimal shoots are selected from the stumps for onward growing. Minimal #soil disturbance from timber extraction, leaving root network intact.#ecosystems #ForestHealth
#SRC #silviculture #alwaysgrowing #sustainable

Air dried #timber in our log yard off-reserve ready to billet. Providing a turnkey solution, delivering returns through sustainable forestry management in a holistic manner. #AlwaysGrowing #SRC #reforestation #greengrowth #buylegaltimber #benefitshare 🇬🇭#SDGs

Carrots and beetroots are just some of the food we grow alongside teak seedlings in the nursery. Ensuring our employees, casual staff and their families, have access to fresh nutritious food year-round. Making #sustainableLiving commonplace.
#healthbenefits #selfsufficient #SDGs

Our nursery irrigation system is proving invaluable, with 2021 off to a #growing start.

✅Irrigating germination beds
✅70,000 soil filled bags awaiting germinated seeds for transplant
✅50,000 transplanted seedlings
✅32,000 seedlings ready for the field

#AlwaysGrowing🌱🌳🌱🌳

Proud to be supporting local startups in the community. Eric now employs 3 full-time staff in the Ofinso Quarters and Eric's sister has just started her own business as a direct result. #opportunities #growinghana🇬🇭 #growwithghana #greenjobs #communitymatters

However good the nature #genetics, nurture #silviculture is fundamentally important. #Sustainable #forest #management has multiple health and well-being benefits for people and trees.
#SRC #SDGs #FLEGT #ThursdayThoughts

#Commercial thinning operations are determined by the size of the trees, site fertility and how dense the stand is. Continuing to deliver our products, services and the values necessary to sustain our forests for a #resilient future. Always #growing. #GreenJobs #SFM #SRC #SDGs

Reflecting on a challenging 2020, we have continued to #grow the business in Ghana and the U.K. We would like to say a huge #ThankYou to all our staff, syndicate and contract growing clients, our suppliers and our buyers for their continued #support. Delivering a superb year!🌳🇬🇭

Today, we pause our #forestry operations as it is a taboo day (these vary by district). Respecting #indigenous and #cultural beliefs is part and parcel of our sustainable forest management at Afram. Keeping traditions alive is enshrined in our growth.
#Ashanti🇬🇭#respect

Ghana's Forest Plantation Strategy Annual Report 2019 is now available to read online: https://www.fcghana.org/library_info.php?doc=126&publication:GHANA%20FOREST%20PLANTATION%20STRATEGY%20-%20ANNUAL%20REPORT%202019

Proud to be a continuing part of Ghana's growth🌱🌳🇬🇭 #PrivatePlantationDeveloper #Commercial #BenefitSharing #reforestation #carbon #greenjobs #SDGs #TimberTrade

Extraction of thinning #timber is going well. Quality and size of our 2011 planted #teak is impressive. With good silviculture we are producing straight boles with minimum knots. Promoting sustainable forest management.
Happy #ForestryFriday!
#GrowingtheUseofWood #GreenJobs #SRC

In #Ghana apprenticeship training has long been recognised as an important means of skills acquisition. Providing on-the-job training opportunities to gain transferrable #skills. #Development in all areas of plantation forestry. We learn together, we grow together.
#SDGs🇬🇭

2021's planting currently thriving in our nursery. Selected seeds from seed orchards results in better form, growth rate, superior characteristics and #planthealth. Optimising growth through Ghana's tropical #climate and our irrigation methods. #AlwaysGrowing #TimberTuesday #Teak

Successful climate-smart forestry has to strike the right balance between short and long term goals. We need to appreciate that #social and #ecological interests are inextricably intertwined.
#Teak #resilience #SFM #SoilHealth #SDGs #Timber #Trade #GreenJobs #AlwaysGrowing #SRC

Introducing graded and selected #seed into our in-house nursery for 2021 planting. First #germination figures are excellent, in the order of 85%.🌱🌱🌱 #AlwaysGrowing #provenance #FORIG #SDGs #timber #quality🇬🇭

Managing soils so they are sustainable for future generations. Restoring degraded lands through sustainable reforestation. A healthy soil is a living soil.
#mulching #nutrients #ecosystems #vegetation #biodiversity #planthealth #productivity #WorldSoilDay

Landscape #restoration should enhance and diversify local livelihoods. Providing jobs, training and income to #forest communities. A modern addition to a #traditional way of life.🇬🇭

#AlwaysGrowing #SDGs #Reforestation #Afram

Excited to welcome Graham Preece to the management team. As Mere’s new Head of Forestry, Graham will be splitting his expertise and wealth of experience between the U.K. and Ghana.

#Sustainability #ecology #tropicalforestry #GreenJobs #reforestation #ForestManagement

Thinning and pruning, if carried out judiciously, improves wood quality with fewer knots and bends, less taper and more heartwood. #valueadding #forestry #plantations #Teak #sustainable #Timber #Trade #FLEGT-VPA #SDGs

From drone flying to a geography lesson on the steps of Aggie Serwaa Hotel, Ofinso 🇬🇭. We learn together, we grow together. Knowledge sharing from our own experiences is often the best way to learn and to teach. Next generation of foresters. Happy #ForestryFriday

That was then - 2011🌱
This is now - 2020🌳

Delivering financial returns through timber #trade whilst creating growth opportunities for rural economic development.

#betterwithforests #CarbonSequestration
#plantation #people #prosperity #planet #SDGs #GrowinGhana #GrowwithGhana

With #plantations operational 365 days a year, it's important to keep machinery and vehicles in good working order. Providing relevant training, harnessing full productivity of equipment. #MechanicMonday #maintenance #Sustainable #Forestry #GreenJobs

From germinating quality seeds to commercial thinning operations, Afram is a constant hive of activity. Ensuring our plantation stands the test of time. Always growing, always learning. Working with nature. Happy #ForestryFriday. #SFM #SDGs #FLEGT

Young #teak stands thriving in Ghana's tropical climate. Improving growth rate and quality through year-round #silvicultural management. Ensuring we can continually deliver high quality timber to satisfy the increasing demand from the markets.#greenjobs #SoilHealth #TimberTrade🇬🇭

Timber value can be improved through the use of superior planting material, proper site selection and best #management practices. The quality of #plantation grown #teak is determined by log dimension and proportion of #heartwood in the cross-section.
#SoilHealth #SRC #TimberTrade

Increasing light availability by thinning is important for stimulating growth of #teak >5 years where crown competition is present. With good #silviculture our stands will continue to produce #timber for many decades to come. #soilnutrients #plantations #sustainableyield #FLEGT🇬🇭

Commercial thinning has recommenced of sustainably grown and managed #Teak at Afram, under our rotational coppicing programme. These logs have been harvested from trees Mere planted in the ground in April 2011. #GrowInGhana #GrowWithGhana #SRC #FLEGT #TimberTrade

Excellent service at Kotoko International Airport, COVID-19 tested and through airport in under 30mins! @gh_airports are doing a superb job in prioritising and promoting a safe and healthy environment for all passengers. #FlySafeFlyConfident #ACI #AHAaccredited #businessghana🇬🇭✈️

As we #BuildBackBetter the demand for sustainably grown timber will increase. We grow on degraded land in a long-term partnership with Ghana Forestry Commission and the community, creating a sustainable supply of #resilient teak and relieving pressure on natural forests.🇬🇭#FLEGT

We make a conscious effort to maintain existing indigenous and native trees during site preparations, leaving mother trees in tact to foster regrowth and assist in nutrient sharing. #biodiversity #mycorrhizalnetwork #symbiosis #BetterwithTrees #AlwaysGrowing #SDGs

During the establishment phase of young #Teak, intensive weeding, replanting of any under-performing trees and low pruning is carried out to ensure good plant survival towards canopy closure. #Management #Maintenance #SoilHealth #Mulching #SustainabilityDay #AlwaysGrowing

The business of growing is inclusive. The growing of the business is inclusive. #GreenJobs #Teak #AfricanTeak #Tectona #BeyondAid #Trade #SDGs

Natural regeneration growth rates of our coppiced #Teak are proving successful. Regrowth from stumps of teak thinned less than 12 months ago are already reaching 5-6 metres in height. Pruning improves stem form and wood quality. #AlwaysGrowing #SoilHealth #CarbonStorage

Requiring less power than a flail, the Cyclone Mower @MajorEquipment is fuel-efficient, environmentally sound, robust and easily maintained. Precision mowing in the plantation at its finest. #BuiltToLast #Mulching #SoilHealth #SoilStability #GreenJobs #AlwaysGrowing

#Restoration and #Reforestation must take into account the social and economic dynamics of the community. Women play a vital role in the success of reforesting degraded lands and building resilience against #ClimateChange. At Afram we work together for a brighter, greener future.

Increasing demand for wood products is one of the main drivers for investment in forest management. We must see a decline in harvesting from natural forests with the emergence of #sustainablymanaged plantation forests as the major source of wood supply. #BuyLegalTimber #FLEGT-VPA

Many congratulations to Hugh Brown, Director of Operations at Ghana Forestry Commission, on receiving the Yale School of the Environment Prospect Street Award! Hugh proves invaluable to Mere's #reforestation of degraded land at Afram Headwaters. #ClimateChange #Sustainability

The next generation of oxygen producers thriving in the 2020 rainy season. Happy #CleanAirDay2020🌱 #AlwaysGrowing #ForestManagement #SoilFertility #ClimaticConditions #ThursdayMotivation

Restoring tree cover will typically increase and stabilise rainfall patterns at regional scales. Every tree contributes moisture, but marked changes in rainfall requires large-scale changes. Correct tree for location. #Reforestation #Climate #LandManagement #Broadleaf #SoilHealth

Our #DAF trucks are proving a big success with both plantation staff and the local community, allowing movement round the plantation whatever the weather. Standby generators in place, ready to support our workshop and worker's village #economicdevelopment #SDGs #energyfortomorrow

Delighted to welcome our new Head of Timber Sales, Andrew Stanworth. Andrew brings decades of practical hands-on experience, dealing with all aspects of #tropicaltimber sales. A real asset and expert in African #Hardwood supply. #AlwaysGrowing

Hands-on training opportunities and skills development results in livelihood outcomes that are valued and productive. Growing the rural economy with sustainable commercial forestry. #Careers #AlwaysLearning #NatureBasedSolutions

#Reforestation is a scientific process, it is not just planting trees. Knowledge of climate, landform, environment and soil type are required. To re-establish a #forestcommunity it is important to select tree species that will thrive. #RightTreeRightPlace #TropicalHardwood

Our working forests provide opportunities to learn and develop, whilst creating a sense of community and belonging. Providing social, economic and environmental benefits through long-term commitments. #BetterwithTrees #GrowingtheuseofWood #workingtogether #SDGs

Establishing trees follows planting. #Teak is a light-demanding species, so regular weeding is essential through the early stages. #VegetationManagement #MechanicalWeeding @MajorEquipment

Restoring degraded lands through large-scale #reforestation enhances and diversifies livelihoods and improves well-being. #JobCreation #KnowledgeShare #GrowwithGhana #EqualOpportunitiesEmployer

On target for our 2020 planting season. The rains have been plentiful and growing conditions are perfect 🌦️
Replacing any under-performing or failed saplings with beat-up stock🌱#GrowingtheuseofWood #AlwaysGrowing

Improving accessibility of fire rides and roads. Preparing the site for effective fire management before the onset of the dry season. #SustainableForestManagement #WildfirePrevention #ForestryMaintenance #FLEGT

Creating longterm rural employment on plantations can provide stability in uncertain times. Making career progression opportunities possible for all. #GreenJobs #AlwaysGrowing #SDG #FLEGT #GrowWithGhana🇬🇭
Happy #ForestryFriday😃

2-year old healthy teak stands enjoying Ghana's tropical climate. Tending trees post-planting stimulates healthy, vigorous growth. #SustainableForestManagement #SRC #HealthySoils #SustainableGrowing

Specially designed adjustable precision sprayer on our #MF390. Controlled weeding at 30cm either side of planting, leaving vegetation in centre rows between trees to protect against soil erosion. Mechanical weeding in addition to hand-weeding and #MajorCyclone #MasseyMonday

Maximising log value through our pruning regime. Producing clean, knot-free stems and long clear boles with good heartwood to sapwood ratio. #Silviculture #FastGrowth #Carbon #Teak #SRC #FLEGT compliant🌳

Forest plantations are crucial in moving away from natural forest wood supply. The private sector play an important role in ensuring timber is sustainably grown, managed and harvested under a legal framework, ensuring quality legal timber is brought to market. #TimberTrade #FLEGT

Regenerating degraded landscapes can restore water and soil quality whilst creating a functional forest corridor for wildlife. Young trees can benefit from larger established root networks, sharing nutrients through stable soils. #SustainableBusiness #FLR #SRC #WorldWaterWeek

#Teak is valued because it can withstand weather conditions and resists decay. Ideal growing conditions include a tropical climate with generous daily sunshine. Teak trees also prefer fertile, well-drained soil. #Silviculture #SRC #ThursdayThoughts

Each tree species has its own reactions and growth performance in response to environmental conditions, such as rainfall and soil characteristics. #Teak is known for its ability to withstand the elements throughout its long life. #Adaptability #ClimateChange #RenewableResource

Even with the best planting and management, a percentage of trees will not survive the first season. In commercial forestry where it's important to maximise timber production on a site, replacement of any failed or underperforming saplings is essential #Beatup #ForestryFridayFact

Considering our environmental impact everyday. Using timber offcuts to build maintenance sheds. #Bamboo used for seedling nurseries. #Sustainability #BuildingGreen #GrowingtheuseofWood #EnvironmentMatters

Ripped and ready for planting in Compartment 19. Soil conservation with minimum disturbance. Ripping ensures any rainfall is immediately stored in the soil profile. Also provides a good environment for seedling roots by aerating the soil. #SoilFertility #Reforestation #LandPrep

Agyekum, one of Mere's Plantation Managers, has a small ankle fracture. Our Ghana MD, Paul, visited him at his home with fruit, medication and well-wishes from the UK head office. Agyekum was keen to share a glimpse into his normal working week👇👇👇
https://www.mereplantations.com/47082-2/

2018 and 2019's planting is looking really well. Stand #Management and #Maintenance is ongoing to ensure tree growth, stem quality (so ultimately timber grade) and tree health are all inline with forecasts🌱💚🌳#GrowingtheuseofWood #SoilFertility #reforestation #PlantHealth2020

Narrowed wheel setting on the MF290 with #MajorCyclone allows for precision mowing between trees- Planting density 2.5m x 2.5m. Josephine’s loving her new role 😍🚜🌳 #WomenInForestry #MechanicalWeeding @MajorEquipment

Implementing #FLEGT policies. Legal and sustainable timber ensures the sustainability of supply for industry, securing forestry jobs over a much longer term. Working with the next generation on reforestation #YouthDay2020

🙌 New @FAEUSAInc Forestry mulcher has finally arrived on the plantations🇬🇭. Benefits of mulching:
1⃣Reducing impact to landscape
2⃣Preventing erosion
3⃣Long-term improvement to the soil
Let's get to work...
#forestrymachinery #VegetationManagement