What a Real Native Woodland Scheme Might Look Like

Ray Ó Foghlú, Hometree’s Development Lead, reflects what a real native woodland scheme might look like. Whilst the 2023-2027 Forestry Programme comes with a new emphasis on native species, a meaningful commitment to our last remaining native woodlands is missing. Ireland’s total forest cover is around 12%, but our true native woodlands are thought to be as low as 1.5%. Although they occupy a small area, they are quite evenly distributed, showing up in most parishes, or even townlands, clinging on in river valleys, rocky outcrops, and in wet places.

EducationBaiba Šustere18 April 2024Native Woodlands, Uplands

Dinnseanchas Immersive Residency

The Dinnseanchas project is tasking a group of artists to engage with the difficult themes of biodiversity loss, agricultural policy and practice, and to support an envisioning process that includes the voices of upland communities.This is no small challenge, and we're delighted to have such a capable and talented group of artists working on the project.

DinnseanchasBaiba Šustere17 April 2024Uplands, Immersive Residency

Current Forestry Policy is Hostile to Native Woodland Creation in the Uplands

Ireland's uplands have a unique aesthetic, one unfamiliar to visitors from Europe and North America. While trees grow thousands of meters up into the Alps or the Appalachians, our mountains stand bare. This landscape is so familiar to us now that many, even those who know the land would contend that trees simply won't grow there— 'it’s too exposed,' 'the soil is too poor’.

EducationBaiba Šustere25 January 2024Native Woodlands, Uplands

The Wildwood Seed Project: the Search for Atlantic Hazelwoods, Part 2

Two intriguing points about the Hazel tree are: one, it just doesn’t know when to grow old; two, it doesn't even have the decency to grow as a majestic tree. Though I feel a disservice towards not giving it a fair hearing. So, let’s talk about Hazel!

Education, Tree NurseryBaiba Šustere14 September 2023Native Woodlands, Seed Bank, Uplands

Hometree Blog

A place where we can share our work and offer you a greater insight into nature restoration, tree planting, biodiversity and a variety of projects that are fundamental to addressing both Ireland’s declining biodiversity and the unfolding climate challenge.

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