Heritage Council

Woodlands of Ireland

Woodlands of Ireland was established in 1998 to focus attention on Ireland's native woodland resource. As the new millennium was approaching, the group provided a focal point for the Millennium Woodland Project.

The current focus on native woodlands is derived mainly from conservation and forestry interests. Forest ecosystems contain animals and plants that are not found elsewhere and which deserve special attention. However, focusing on individual species is not enough — the whole ecosystem must be maintained in order to conserve its many inhabitants. Many of Ireland’s woodlands are currently under threat from a number of quarters, principally the invasion of non-native species, especially rhododendron and laurel, overgrazing by deer and livestock, and developments resulting in clearance. Urgent action is required to control these threats and to secure the long-term future of affected woodlands. The establishment of new native woodlands will be encouraged to allow the expansion of this habitat type. Though some efforts have been made to manage and enhance existing native woodlands, it has generally been very localised and fragmented. The history of these woodlands is not a happy one — by the turn of this century, less than 1% of Ireland's once extensive native woodland resource remained.

The primary objective of Woodlands of Ireland is to generate public awareness of native woodlands and to develop management strategies aimed at ensuring their future viability. The restoration and rejuvenation of Ireland's existing semi-natural estate is a priority.

Two crucial aspects of Woodlands of Ireland’s work are its technical publications and the hosting of annual training courses on the planning and management of native woodlands. For further information, contact:

Declan Little, Project Manager
Woodlands of Ireland
Seismograph House
Rathfarnham Castle
Dublin 14
Phone: 087-668-5823
woodsofireland@iol.ie
http://www.woodlandsofireland.com