Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030 Public Consultation

By /

Woodlands of Ireland is a partnership-based environmental charity founded in 1998, dedicated to native woodland conservation and expansion. Previously, Woodlands of Ireland, in conjunction with a range of public and private sector stakeholders, had developed a 5-year native woodland strategy for the period 2016 to 2020, which is now overdue for updating. You can view this document here: A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020.

Factors for Consideration:

Since that time, grant-aided native woodland establishment has grown to form c.40% of afforestation activity, while the native woodland conservation scheme has struggled to gain significant ground. Here are several factors which need to be considered in an updated strategy for 2026-2030:

  • Native Woodland Conservation, Climate Resilient Reforestation, Native Forest Establishment, Emergent Woodland, Woodland Improvement Thinning, Continuous Cover Forestry and Neighbourwood grants are some existing funding mechanisms in the RoI Forestry Programme 2023-2027, which support the better management and expansion of woodlands largely composed of native species.
  • The challenging EU Nature Restoration Law (NRL) legally bound woodland targets in the 2026-2030 period (10,000ha of recreated Oak woodland and c.4000 ha of alluvial (wet) woodland by 2030) require planning, implementation and workforce training and development for long-term maintenance in both the public and private sectors.
  • Opportunities for timber production from native woodland and close to nature silviculture systems applied to them require consideration in a range of sites.
  • A comprehensive tree cover education and training strategy is needed to achieve the DAFM Forestry Programme, EU Water Framework Directive and EU NRL targets.
  • Irish Environmental Network (IEN)/ Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) and Public Participation Network (PPN) member groups’ input is welcome and essential.
  • Many new organisations have emerged to populate the fertile ground of native tree cover expansion in recent years and need to be included in this consultation.

Submit Your Views:

To seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders in the creation of this new strategy for native woodlands, Woodlands of Ireland are conducting an online public consultation from now until Friday, 16th January 2026, followed by webinars in February and a March gathering. To contribute, you can choose one or all of the following options:

(1) Make your views known to Woodlands of Ireland through info@woodlandsofireland.com

(2) Complete the questionnaire below by 16th January.

(3) Contribute to webinars in February 2026, dates to be confirmed.

(4) Attend an in-person discussion group in March 2026 focused on the bullet points above and additional points raised from the consultation, location and date to be confirmed. 

Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030 Consultation Form

To seek input from a diverse range of stakeholders in the creation of Native Woodland Strategy 2026-2030 for native woodlands, Woodlands of Ireland are conducting a public consultation from now until Friday 16th January 2026.

Name(Required)
2. Do you work or volunteer in any aspect of native woodland conservation or expansion?(Required)
3. Do you agree that having a native woodland strategy is important and useful?(Required)

4. Are you familiar with the expansion of the native woodland sector of the forest industry since the opening of the Native Woodland Scheme in 2001?
6. Are you concerned about the societal capacity to achieve the challenging EU Nature Restoration Law targets for the recreation of 10,000ha of Oak and c.4,000ha of alluvial (wet) woodland to be achieved by 2030?
FSCC Discussion Document

If you wish to become more involved in Woodlands of Ireland activities, please see our supporter membership options.

Scroll to Top