Projects

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Completed

The Native Woodland Scheme (NWS)

The NWS addresses the restoration of existing native woodlands and the creation of new native woodlands. Woodlands of Ireland provide technical support to the Forest Service for the scheme.

Hedge Project

Ireland is unique both in Europe and the world in terms of density of hedges on earthen banks as concluded by Muller (2013) https://wallhecke.de/en While there is state/semi-state interest in calculating the carbon store potential of the hedge habitat zones in Ireland currently due to the Climate Change Crisis, the sustainable management of the resource […]

Lichen Project

The Lichen project which commenced in 2021, examines the concept of “Ancientness” using cryptogamic botany* information to complement extant data in Irish Woodlands, and involves an experimental approach to induction training of the 2 staff members of Woodlands of Ireland, by Howard Fox and Maria Cullen. This was an ambitious undertaking to visit and collect […]

Uplands in Gleann Bheithe – Birch valley, Glenveagh National Park, Co. Donegal with Doire bheag -Little Oakwood/ Derrybeg townland on the upper left and Binnakilty wood on the upper right side in neighbouring Doire Leathan – Narrow Oakwood / Derrylahan townland.

Gaelic language place names and associated literature

Gaelic language (teanga na Gaeilge) place names and associated literature: their intrinsic value in contributing to understanding the essential nature of land conserved or managed as woodland in the past present and future. This section of the website is for the ongoing accumulation and presentation of information regarding how recognising the meaning of Gaelic words […]

The Millennium Forests Celebrating 10 Years 22nd May 2011: Guided walks took place today in a number of People's Millennium Forests country-wide to celebrate a decade of progress in the People's Millennium Forests Project. To coincide with the celebration of the Millennium in 2000, sixteen woodlands around Ireland, comprising fifteen hundred acres, were chosen as the People's Millennium Forests. 1.3 million young trees of native species were planted on the forest sites that were dedicated in perpetuity to the people of Ireland. The saplings that were planted in 2000 have now begun to enter the next stage of their development creating young, vibrant, native woodlands rich in both plant and animal life. The celebration of these forests today is timely given that is International Day for Biological Diversity. Photo Chris Bellew / Fennells

The Peoples Millennium Forests project

Submissions were invited from the public in 1998, which resulted in over 30 proposals from numerous sources, including individuals, State-bodies, research institutions, ENGOs 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, which is the largest native woodland project ever, to date

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Ireland

Woodlands of Ireland was a member of the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Ireland (see ‘Links’), the company established to develop an agreed FSC-approved forest standard for Ireland.

Landscaping with native species

This project consists of a website (http://www.eco-landscapes.com/) and was initiated in 2011 in partnership with Ecological Landscape Design Consultants and finalised early in 2013.

Key Projects – summary

Woodlands of Ireland addresses key tasks through the development and implementation of projects. Some of these are minor projects that are completed within one or two years. Other projects are large and may span many years. A description of ongoing and completed projects is provided.

Natural Capital Values of Native Woodlands

Woodlands of Ireland procured a report on the Natural Capital Values of Native Woodlands (see ‘Publications’). This report was undertaken by Optimize Ltd and will be used to highlight generally unseen values and lobby for further funds for the native woodland sector.

National Hedgerow Database

Woodlands of Ireland co-ordinated the development of a National Hedgerow Database in conjunction with the Hedgelaying Association of Ireland. As part of this process a publication on Hedgerow Surveying and Data Appraisal was completed early in 2013 (see ‘Publications’).