What’s the point of growing Alder?

A question that perhaps a forest owner should ask before planting any species?

whats the point of growing oak? cherry, lime, you name it.

As for the Alder,

it is a fast growing hardwood,

It tolerates wet soils and fixes nitrogen,

It is a pioneer species and therefore useful in conversion of land to forest.

bushcraft toothbrushes can be made from its twigs (high tannins clean teeth)

The bark can be used in leather tanning,

The timber is durable underwater and was used in crannóg construction,

The timber takes preservatives well, cuts and finishes nicely, and has a lovely red brown tones.

there do not seem to be established markets for this timber in Ireland, although there is research going on at Letterfrack.

In other parts of the world it is a popular material for hobby woodworkers, and used commercially in the frames of soft furnishings.

tim

I've made charcoal with Alder, It makes light charcoal that burns really evenly, ideal for BBQ, but for metallurgy or forging, less than ideal.

tim

Would Alder be the best option for firewood for a wettish 2500 sq metre plot that is currently in grass ? Its part of a large garden with too much grass to be cut and I want to use the area productively?

If you leave a block of willow fall on wet ground it'll grow.

I had a small leak in a shed one time, two willow blocks on the floor were sprouting.