Woodlands of Ireland is delighted to mark National Biodiversity Week 2026 by hosting four engaging events that highlight the importance of Ireland’s native woodlands, hedgerows, biodiversity research, and sustainable land management. Running from 15–22 May 2026, these events bring together researchers, landowners, practitioners, communities, and anyone with an interest in protecting and restoring Ireland’s natural heritage. From webinars and field visits to seed collection and practical demonstrations, this year’s programme reflects Woodlands of Ireland’s commitment to education, collaboration, and biodiversity action.
Friday, 15 May 2026 – Webinar
Carlow Catchments Hedgerow Survey Results & Ash and Elm Research Updates in Ireland
Join Woodlands of Ireland for a lunchtime webinar to mark the first day of National Biodiversity Week 2026 and learn about two elements of native tree cover in Ireland.
The first presentation will be focused on the ‘Carlow Catchments Hedgerow Survey’ with Neil Foulkes, Hedge Conservation and Management consultant and Joe Gowran, CEO of Woodlands of Ireland. And the second presentation will be focused on ‘Ash and Elm in Ireland: Protecting and Restoring Our Native Trees Together’ with Dheeraj Rathore of the Teagasc Forest Development Department. This webinar offers an opportunity to hear directly from experts and learn about practical actions that can help protect these important native species.
- Learn more about this webinar.
- Register for this webinar.
Wednesday, 20 May 2026 – Co. Mayo
Naturalness, Humans and Woodland Diversity
Join Woodlands of Ireland for an engaging and informative day out on the topic of ‘Naturalness, Humans and Woodland Diversity’, taking place during National Biodiversity Week at the beautiful setting of Enniscoe House, Prospect, Castlehill, Co. Mayo (F26 EA34). Led by ecologist Aidan Corcoran, this event will explore key woodland ecology concepts through both an indoor presentation and an outdoor guided walk. Participants will gain insight into plant succession, the role of disturbance in shaping woodland ecosystems, and the principles of coppice silviculture as a traditional and sustainable woodland management practice.
This event offers a valuable opportunity for anyone interested in native woodlands, biodiversity, and ecological processes to deepen their understanding in a practical, field-based setting.
- Learn more about this webinar.
- Register for this event.
Thursday, 21 May 2026 – Co. Kilkenny
Seed Collection and Sustainable Plant Production Networking Meeting
Woodlands of Ireland organises Technical Advisory Panel group networking meetings on topics related to native tree cover. One of these groups was set up during the pandemic on the topic of seed collection and sustainable plant production. Initially, these meetings took place online during the pandemic and now in person throughout the island of Ireland with site visits to native tree nurseries. This networking meeting will take place at The Acorn Project, Graine Native Tree Nursery, Co Kilkenny. There will be a site visit to the native tree nursery as well as an Elm seed collection portion of the event for the Acorn project.
If you are interested in attending this networking meeting, please email info@woodlandsofireland.com with your interest.
Friday, 22 May 2026 – Co. Carlow
Hedge Habitat Zones in a Farmed Landscape: An Introduction to the Hedgerow Appraisal System
Join us on May 22nd, International Day for Biological Diversity, during National Biodiversity Week 2026 at Teagasc Oakpark, Carlow for a day of biodiversity talks and field trips with a focus on Hedgerows.
Hedgerow networks are perhaps the most characteristic feature of the Irish landscape and give character to an area, providing aesthetic appeal and creating a sense of place. They define agricultural and other lands and knit the landscape into a patchwork quilt. They also provide valuable refuges for biodiversity in a landscape dominated by large tracts of intensive agriculture and function as an alternative habitat for numerous woodland plant species. In addition, hedgerows have the potential to act as corridors for regular movements and dispersal of birds, mammals (especially bats) and invertebrates through the landscape.
These events reflect Woodlands of Ireland’s ongoing commitment to restoring native woodlands, supporting tree cover research, and encouraging sustainable land management practices throughout Ireland. Whether you are a landowner, practitioner, student, researcher, or simply passionate about biodiversity, we invite you to join us during National Biodiversity Week and be part of the conversation about Ireland’s ecological future.
Woodlands of Ireland Supporter Membership
For anyone supportive of our work to promote the conservation, active management and expansion of native woodlands on the island of Ireland, you can now become a Supporter Member of Woodlands of Ireland. This means joining an all-island community of people who care deeply about our woodland’s ecological heritage.
Your support directly contributes to ensuring that Woodlands of Ireland continues to promote the protection, restoration, and active management of Ireland’s native woodlands through our training events, workshops, field trips, conferences and other networking gatherings.
See the four options available from Individual, eNgos/Community groups, to Student/Concession and Corporate/Institutional members
Charity number: 20079079 | Company number: 499781