Woodlands of Ireland

Background

Native woodlands represent a unique and valuable cultural, ecological and economic resource. They were once intimately associated with our culture but are now in danger of becoming a forgotten legacy of our past. For thousands of years the landscape of Ireland was covered by a mosaic of forest composed of oak, ash, elm, hazel, yew and other native trees, only a tiny fraction of which remains today. Around 6,000 years ago over 80% of the landscape was clothed in native woodland. Today, the native woodland resource is in multiple ownership and scattered throughout the island. Until very recently, there was a lack of national focus in regard to their identity, their welfare, their long-term sustainability, societal interaction and the need to restore the resource to its former status. 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.


	Background Native woodlands represent a unique and valuable cultural, ecological and economic resource. They were once intimately associated with our culture but are now in danger of becoming a forgotten legacy of our past. For thousands of years the landscape of Ireland was covered by a mosaic of forest composed of oak, ash, elm, hazel, yew and other native trees, only a tiny fraction of which remains today. Around 6,000 years ago over 80% of the landscape was clothed in native woodland. Today, the native woodland resource is in multiple ownership and scattered throughout the island. Until very recently, there was a lack of national focus in regard to their identity, their welfare, their long-term sustainability, societal interaction and the need to restore the resource to its former status. 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 current focus on native woodlands is mainly derived from conservation and from forestry interests. It is well known that forest ecosystems contain species that are not found elsewhere and 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 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 area of this habitat type to be expanded.