Initiatives

Woodlands of Ireland has been involved in two key projects that aim to meet our objectives. They are;

1.1. The development of a millennium project on native trees and woodlands, which resulted in the People's Millennium Forests project, and

2. 2. The development of a primarily conservation-oriented scheme targeted specifically at native woodlands that would be open to public and private owners. This has led to the new 'Native Woodland Scheme', which was further developed, launched and administered by the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture and Food.

 

 

1. The Peoples Millennium Forests project

Submissions were invited from the public, which resulted in over 30 proposals from numerous sources, including individuals, State-bodies, research institutions, NGOs and private enterprises. Amongst others, proposals included the restoration of existing native woodlands, the creation of new native woodlands and the establishment of native tree nurseries. Subsequent to the refinement of these proposals, submissions were made to the National Millennium Committee and to AIB Bank in 1999. Approval was sanctioned and funding provided, which amounted to €5.1 million (IR£4 million). Coillte Teo., the Irish Forestry Board, was given responsibility to manage the project in partnership with Woodlands of Ireland. A Project Management Board guided the project throughout its duration and consisted of the sponsors (the National Millennium Committee, AIB Bank and the Forest Service), the project manager, (Coillte Teo.) and partner organisations (Woodlands of Ireland, National Parks and Wildlife Service of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Heritage Council and environmental non-governmental organisations (ENGOs)).

The primary objectives of the project was the creation of awareness amongst the general public and the restoration and creation of sixteen native woodlands nationwide, including two in Northern Ireland. In addition, a range of ancillary programmes, including education, involvement, public relations and local promotions were implemented in an effort to engage the general public in a variety of different ways.

A certificate was issued to every household informing them that a tree had been planted in their name at one of the sixteen woodland sites. The success of the project will only be fully realised in years to come because of its long-term nature, though already, the response from the general public has been overwhelmingly positive.

2. The Native Woodland Scheme

Initial guidelines for a native woodland scheme were drawn up by Woodlands of Ireland, especially its Technical Advisory group in conjunction with ENGOs, foresters, ecologists and others working in this field. At the behest of the Steering Committee, it was submitted to the Forest Service in 1999 and was received favourably. Subsequently, the Forest Service formed a Native Woodland Development Group (NWDG), which included relevant statutory bodies, professionals and Woodlands of Ireland.

The scheme was officially launched in October 2001 and though it was initially curtailed by funding restrictions in the first two years of its operation, it is expected to address the management of at least 5,000 hectares of native woodland by the end of 2006. This will include the restoration of existing native woodlands, the creation of new native woodlands and the establishment of native riparian woodlands. Woodlands of Ireland provide technical support to the Forest Service for the scheme, especially in the development of a Native Woodland manual and accompanying 'Technical Bulletins' publications, woodland management initiatives, training and nursery stock production.