Today, I am joined by Darius Sarshar, Principal at SLM Partners. In this episode, Darius makes a compelling case for Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) as a regenerative, climate-resilient alternative to clear-fell forest management models. We explore when CCF makes sense and how it delivers both strong financial returns and meaningful ecological benefits, boosting IRRs, enhancing biodiversity, and generating carbon credits. By maintaining a permanent forest canopy, CCF enhances resilience to storms, drought, and pests, while fostering natural regeneration. From a financial perspective, it evens out and brings forward timber revenues, generating earlier, steadier cash flows. This episode is essential for investors seeking a smart, nature-aligned approach to timberland.

Quote

"Continuous cover forestry is about managing complexity—with biodiversity, resilience, and timber income all improving over time. It’s not just sustainable—it’s sensible."

Useful Resources

The ForestLink newsletter signup

SLM Partners

White Paper: Investing in Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) in Europe

Darius Sarshar on LinkedIn

Favorite tree: Sitka Spruce (Picea sitchensis)

Production Team

Founding Director and Host: Shauna Matkovich - The ForestLink

Producer and Editor: Magdalena Laas - Unscripted Creatives

Chapters

[00:00] Welcome & Introduction

[00:31] Darius’ Favorite Tree: Sitka Spruce

[01:44] Darius’ Career Journey & About SLM Partners

[04:11] Emerging vs. Core Markets: Lessons from the Tropics

[05:24] Why Europe Is Underrepresented in Forest Investment

[08:12] Challenges & Opportunities in European Forestry

[11:08] Intro to Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF)

[13:39] Where is CCF Applicable? Site & Species Suitability

[16:04] Policy, Regulation & Societal Drivers for CCF

[18:01] Why SLM Adopted CCF: Research & Evidence

[19:52] Financial Performance: CCF vs. Clearfell

[23:54] Monocultures to Mixed Forests: The Transition Strategy

[25:40] Carbon Benefits & Carbon Credit Eligibility

[28:55] Timber + Carbon Strategy: Is the Regime Different?

[30:42] Active Management Benefits: Timber, Carbon & Biodiversity

[33:14] Social Impact of CCF: Jobs, Communities, and Recreation

[35:44] Addressing Concerns: Disturbance & Soil Compaction

[39:07] Investor Education: Risk, Data & Demand for Authenticity

[42:14] Final Reflections & The Growing CCF Movement

[44:33] Darius’ Actionable Advice to New Forest Investors

[45:28] Closing & Next Episode Teaser

Sound Library

Nature by MaxKoMusic/Soundcloud

Sopwell Woodlands and Scohaboy Bog SAC, Cloughjordan, Co Tipperary, IRELAND by wild_rumpus/Soundcloud

Ambient Documentary by Sound Guru (Pixabay)

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