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A Strategy for Native
Woodlands in Ireland
2016-2020
Woodlands of Ireland
July 2016
woodlands
OF I R E L A N D
Woodlands of Ireland is a Private Limited Company with Charitable Status (Company No. 499781, Charity No. CHY 20013) operating with co-funding from the Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine, the National Parks & Wildlife Service of the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, and the Heritage Council. It operates in a partnership format involving those with an interest in protecting, enhancing and expanding Ireland’s native woodland resource. See www.woodlandsofireland.com
A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
Summary
Native woodlands are an important part of Ireland’s ¾¾ To promote the strategic creation of protective
natural heritage, history and culture, and are unique native woodlands on sites adjoining
in terms of their biodiversity. They are home to watercourses, in order to maintain and improve
specialised woodland animals, birds, insects and water quality and to contribute towards the
plants, including red squirrel, pine marten, great mitigation of increased flooding predicted as a
spotted woodpecker, narrow-leaved helleborine result of climate change.
and wood millet, to name but a few. They also
¾¾ To promote the management of native woodland
provide numerous ecosystem services such as
using continuous cover forestry techniques,
the protection and enhancement of water quality
to realise high quality, indigenous hardwoods
(a function that benefits rivers, streams and lakes
and softwoods, especially birch, alder, oak and
and their many inhabitants), the conservation of
Scots pine.
our indigenous woodland genetic resource, quality
native wood production, climate change mitigation ¾¾ To advocate the incorporation of non-timber
(including flood control and carbon storage), social, uses, including biodiversity, habitat linkage, the
recreational and educational opportunities, and protection of water quality, flood control, carbon
the creation of corridors between semi-natural storage, recreation, health benefits, eco-tourism
habitats at a landscape scale (e.g. between native and the visual landscape, into native woodland
woodlands and wetlands, bogs and species-rich planning and management.
grasslands). It is estimated that the natural capital of ¾¾ To ensure that climate change and invasive
native woodlands is currently worth between €100 species (in particular, non-native deer, grey
and €140 million per annum, and that this is only squirrel and rhododendron) are taken into
a fraction of the considerable potential that can be account in native woodland policy, legislation,
unlocked if the full range of provisioning, regulating, planning and management.
supporting / habitat and cultural services are fully
harnessed. ¾¾ To support adaptive measures and research to
counteract tree pests and diseases that threaten
Woodlands of Ireland, a partnership-based native woodlands, such as the ash dieback
environmental charity dedicated to native woodlands, disease and Phytophthora ramorum.
has developed a 5-year native woodland strategy
with input from key government bodies and native ¾¾ To lobby for native woodland research that will
woodland stakeholders. The key elements of this underpin the future sustainability of the resource,
Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020 and to highlight relevant research by hosting a
are as follows: National Native Woodland Conference.
¾¾ The promotion of the ecosystem service values ¾¾ To integrate native woodland wood and non-
of native woodlands and their potential to deliver wood values into the relatively new Natural
these services, amongst policy-makers, the Capital policy agenda.
forest industry and the general public.
The achievement of these measures will be
¾¾ To promote the utilisation of available and supported through government grants and private
potential financial resources to conserve funding initiatives. The primary funding mechanism
existing high value native woodlands (ancient is the Forest Service Native Woodland Scheme
woodland, old or long-established woodland, package under the current Forestry Programme
riparian woodland, and specific types of young 2014-2020, which has provision of almost €24
emergent (or ‘scrub’) woodland), and to expand million for the conservation of 2,000 hectares of
the resource through the establishment of new existing native woodland (including conversion from
native woodlands. conifer forest to native woodland) and the creation
1.
Woodlands of Ireland
of 2,700 hectares of new native woodlands. The exciting opportunities for learning about woodland
Forest Programme sets out a target of 1,070 ecosystems and for appreciating the associated
hectares under the ‘public woodland’ category of natural, historical and cultural heritage, particularly in
the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme. Within and around urban centres. This Strategy advocates
this context, this Strategy for Native Woodlands the development of up to 15 of these ‘cross-over’
advocates the restoration by the National Parks projects, with a particular focus on the creation of
& Wildlife Service of 500 hectares of woodland new native woodlands in urban areas.
designated as Special Areas of Conservation
The implementation of this Woodlands of Ireland
(SACs) and Natural Heritage Areas (NHAs). It
Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-
also advocates the restoration by Coillte of 300
2020 requires an even more intensive application
hectares of old / long-established woodlands, and
of the partnership approach so evident in recent
the conversion of 200 hectares of existing conifer
years across a range of native woodland related
forests into native woodland, in areas adjacent
initiatives. All relevant stakeholders must work
to watercourses important for Freshwater Pearl
together to unlock the potential of native woodlands
Mussel and salmonid populations.
highlighted in the Strategy. These stakeholders
Regarding the allocation to the private sector under include public bodies (Forest Service, National
the Native Woodland Conservation Scheme, this Parks & Wildlife Service, Heritage Council, Coillte,
Strategy advocates that 400 hectares is targeted at Environmental Protection Agency, Loughs Agency
woodlands listed as priority natural habitats under and local authorities), the environmental NGO
Annex I of the Habitats Directive. Furthermore, sector, and the private sector (including landowners,
the private sector will be engaged in Freshwater professional ecologists and the forestry sector, from
Pearl Mussel catchments in an effort to achieve nursery growers to forestry companies to hardwood
a target area of 140 hectares between now and end-users).
2020, focused on the protection and enhancement
If fully implemented by all partners, this Strategy
of water quality. A further 360 hectares is targeted
for Native Woodlands in Ireland will not only help to
in the Forestry Programme at emergent or ‘scrub’
secure the future of our native woodlands, but will
native woodland, to enhance the biodiversity value
also create sustainable indigenous jobs, mostly in
of this habitat and to create the basis for compatible
the eco-tourism, forestry, wood processing and craft
wood production in the future, in order to generate
sectors. It will also benefit local communities and
income for landowners.
assist in realising government policy and in meeting
With respect to the creation of new native woodlands Ireland’s obligations to various national, European
under the Native Woodland Establishment Scheme, and international legislation and obligations. In
most of this (i.e. 1,200 hectares) should be effect, it constitutes a visionary and ambitious
targeted at greenfield sites adjacent to SAC and approach aimed at reinforcing the ‘new dawn’ that
NHA woodlands, with a wood production remit on has occurred in recent years regarding our native
sites with fertile soils, complimenting the primary woodlands, for the benefit of both current and future
biodiversity objective. A target area of 1,000 hectares generations.
is also advocated for new woodland focused on the
protection of water quality.
An exciting new development in the Forestry
Programme, and one which this Strategy fully .
endorses, is the integration of the Native Woodland
Scheme package and the NeighbourWood Scheme.
This will enable the creation and restoration of
new and existing native woodlands equipped
with appropriate recreational and interpretative
facilities, under partnership projects involving public
bodies, landowners and local communities. This
will promote healthy outdoor recreation and create
2.
A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
Introduction
Native woodlands are a vital facet of Ireland’s natural, a national inventory and classification system for
historical and cultural heritage, and are unique in native woodlands at that time. Wood production
terms of their inherent woodland biodiversity and and conservation values continued to be viewed
the complex ecosystem services they provide. They as separate, unequal entities. As afforestation
support the realisation of wider ecosystem functions with predominantly non-native conifer species
including genetic conservation, the protection and gathered pace in the 1980s, woodland conservation
enhancement of water quality, aquatic habitats remained the ‘poor cousin’ and received little focus
and in-stream species, the creation of linkage until the beginning of the implementation of the EU
between semi-natural habitats at a landscape level, Habitats Directive and the onset of more favourable
and climate change mitigation. With appropriate economic conditions in the late 1990s. Since then,
management, they also generate quality wood and numerous initiatives, together with positive changes
non-wood products, provide a unique setting for in the wider policy context, have created a far more
outdoor recreation and environmental learning, and favourable environment for native woodlands.
contribute to rural livelihoods and local economies. However, a coherent, cross-sector strategy is now
needed, to provide a clear, strategic focus and to
Until recent years, Ireland’s native woodlands
ensure that investment and effort are used to best
suffered from a lack of coordinated vision,
effect in securing a better future for this key national
particularly as national forest policy was primarily
resource.
focused on afforestation due to the country’s very
low level of forest cover. Old native broadleaf The Woodlands of Ireland (WoI) project, comprising
woodland was generally perceived as having little interested native woodland stakeholders, is an
or no timber value, while conservation and other initiative established in 1998 to address the
values were generally overlooked. In the late 1970s, sustainable management and expansion of native
the then Forest and Wildlife Service conducted woodland. By working closely in partnership with
initial site surveys of numerous native woodlands other professional organisations, statutory agencies
nationally but resources for management were and individuals, the organisation has been to
very limited. This was exacerbated by the lack of the forefront in the initiation and development
Photo 1 It is almost certain that upland
marginal river catchments, such as the
Glencree Valley in Co. Wicklow, were
clothed in native woodland for centuries.
Today, only small sparse pockets of
native woodland remain within these
landscapes.
3.
Woodlands of Ireland of numerous native woodland initiatives and projects since its inception, including the People’s Millennium Forests Project and the Forest Service Native Woodland Scheme. In the context of recent progress, current policy and legislation, and available resources for native woodlands, WoI decided in 2014 that it is now timely to devise a 5-year native woodland strategy to address the future development of this sector. As WoI involves a wide cross-section of native woodland stakeholders, including statutory agencies, native woodland practitioners and landowners, it is uniquely placed to develop, advance and promote such a strategy. This document sets out the Woodlands of Ireland Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland for the next 5-year period, compiled as a result of extensive consultation with stakeholders and drawing together the various legislative, policy and funding opportunities and measures that now exist. It is expected that the strategy will be supported by most native woodland stakeholders, including key government agencies and departments with stated responsibilities and commitments in the area. 4.
A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
Section 1: Towards a National Strategy
for Native Woodlands
Overview Service. The project was managed by Coillte in
partnership with WoI and restored 16 semi-natural
The surveying and management of native woodlands nationwide, totalling over 600 hectares
woodlands have been ongoing since the 1970s, and including six Special Areas of Conservation
principally on state-owned land, but there has been (SACs). The project also had a significant public
a major upsurge in activity since the year 2000. Key relations, outreach and educational remit that
initiatives have included the People’s Millennium directly engaged with school children and the
Forests (PMF) Project, the Forest Service Native general public, thereby generating considerable
Woodland Scheme, the first National Survey of public awareness of the value of native woodlands.
Native Woodlands by the National Parks & Wildlife
Service (NPWS) (Perrin et al., 2008), Coillte’s EU Building on a proposal initially developed by WoI,
LIFE Nature Woodland Restoration Project and the Forest Service Native Woodland Scheme (NWS)
Woodland History Survey of its entire estate, and was launched in 2001, offering financial support
the implementation by NPWS of its ongoing native for the conservation and appropriate restoration
woodland management programme. Some of these management of existing native woodlands, and the
initiatives are described further below. establishment of new native woodlands on open
greenfield sites. It initially provided resources for
The advent of the new Millennium was seen both the private and public sectors but in recent
as an opportunity to highlight the poor state of years, due to budget restrictions, funding has been
Ireland’s native woodlands and to act accordingly largely limited to the establishment of new native
through a dedicated project. This was initiated by woodland by private landowners. Nevertheless,
the then-newly established Woodlands of Ireland since 2001, over €20 million has been invested in
organisation, which developed a millennium project native woodlands through this measure, with many
proposal for corporate and public sponsorship. old, biodiversity-rich woodlands being appropriately
This subsequently evolved into the PMF Project, a managed for the first time in centuries.
€6.35 million initiative sponsored by the National
Millennium Committee, AIB Bank and the Forest During the period 2000 to date, approximately
Photo 2 People and landscape: Diverse
native woodland on a small lake island,
previously a crannóg in pre-Christian
times. Loughtown Lough, Lisdromarea,
Co. Leitrim. (Photo NPWS)
5.
Woodlands of Ireland
6,500 hectares of native woodland restoration and commissioned a report on the natural capital values
1,500 hectares of native woodland creation have of native woodland, including biodiversity, wood
been achieved under all of the above initiatives and production, recreation and carbon sequestration.
projects, the majority under the NWS. In order to Native woodlands contribute between €100 million
professionally ‘upskill’ the sector, WoI in conjunction and €140 million to the Irish economy annually,
with the Forest Service have implemented a with considerable potential to provide additional
programme of NWS targeted training courses since value, particularly in relation to water quality, wood
1999 (most recently, in December 2014 - see www. production and recreation (Bullock & Hawe, 2014).
woodlandsofireland.com/native-woodland-scheme- With regard to hedgerows, and heritage hedgerows
training). Over 850 people – including foresters and in particular (i.e. hedgerows of ecological, historical
ecologists, landowners, statutory personnel and and landscape significance, particularly those
researchers – have participated in these courses derived from old woodland and predominantly
and have gained a shared understanding of native comprising native trees and shrubs), a National
woodland ecology and appropriate management. Hedgerow Database was established in 2013 at the
These courses also provide accreditation to foresters National Biodiversity Data Centre, with supporting
and ecologists who want to develop applications guidance on hedgerow survey and assessment
under the NWS. A wide range of technical information (Foulkes et al., 2012).
notes and publications have also been produced
All of this work has been underpinned by initiatives
by WoI in partnership with a wide range of relevant
to advance the management and operational
experts, to enable informed decision-making by
skills base and to facilitate the production of
woodland owners and practitioners in relation to
native provenance trees and shrubs. In essence,
native woodland establishment and management.
the building blocks are now in place to develop a
Since 2000, the level of awareness amongst the cohesive and detailed national strategy for Ireland’s
general public in relation to native woodland has native woodlands. WoI has been centrally involved
increased. This has been achieved through the in most of the initiatives described above and will
PR and outreach programmes of the PMF Project, continue to support the sector in future.
the work of environmental non-governmental
organisations such as the Native Woodland Trust and
Crann, engagement with the public during National Policy development and the
Tree Week and Tree Day, features on national radio
and television (including the EcoEye programme), need for a national strategy
publications for schools, and information days. The In the early years of policy development specifically
increasing awareness toward environmental issues relating to native woodland, only general targets
generally in recent years has also contributed were set regarding the expansion and restoration
towards the public’s understanding of the value of of native woodlands. Under the NWS, the Forest
semi-natural habitats, including native woodlands. Service vision in 2001 was to create 15,000
The first National Inventory of Native Woodlands hectares of new native woodland and to restore
commenced in 2003 and was completed in 2008 15,000 hectares of existing native woodland within
under the auspices of the NPWS (Perrin et al., the National Development Plan 2000-2006. These
2008), with co-funding from the Forest Service. were highly ambitious targets, given that the
Coupled with a new woodland classification system capacity of the newly-emerging native woodland
(Cross et al., 2010) and the resources made sector was limited. To date, the NWS has supported
available for woodland management and creation, the creation and restoration of over 4,000 hectares
this important initiative provides a sound technical of native woodland. This progress was based on
basis for developing a detailed national native the ongoing integration of expertise and knowledge
woodland strategy, by providing a baseline against regarding woodland ecology and forest planning
which future progress can be measured. / management, which is needed to achieve the
necessary synergies and to identify best practice
A number of related initiatives also contribute
in relation to native woodland management. It was
toward the development the strategy. Recently, WoI
also made possible by increasing the supply of
6.A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
native provenance planting material for native trees In summary, a clear and focused strategy for
and shrubs, from acceptable sources within the Ireland’s native woodland resource is now possible
island of Ireland. and necessary, given the following factors:
The first National Biodiversity Plan in 2002 set a 1. Limited resources are available under the Forest
general target of increasing the broadleaf component Service Native Woodland Scheme package to
of total annual afforestation to 30% by 2007 (NPWS, manage and expand native woodlands, and
2002). It also set a target for the creation of 15,000 these resources need to be targeted strategically
hectares of new native woodland under the NWS. and effectively to ensure maximum value for
Although very general in nature, these targets can the investment involved, in terms of protecting
be viewed as the first strategic objectives for native and expanding the resource and delivering
woodlands in Ireland. associated ecosystem services.
This level of expansion and the significant change 2. The first National Survey of Native Woodlands
it will make to the country’s landscape must be has now been completed, and this provides
underpinned by a sound ecological knowledge ‘baseline’ information regarding the current state
base. This is also required if Ireland is to meet of the resource and threats facing it, and how best
its obligations to conserve its Annex I woodland to conserve, restore and strategically expand it,
habitats under the EU Habitats Directive. In the past, through linkage with existing woodlands.
the formulation of any national strategy for native
3. The groundwork needed to underpin the
woodlands would have been severely hindered
development of the sector and to further promote
by the lack of an extensive inventory of sites and
capacity-building in terms of management,
a detailed classification system, both of which are
knowledge and expertise, is now well-advanced,
now in place. The need for these two key resources
through the availability of technical support
was recognised by NPWS, as reflected by listed
and guidance, the provision of training, the
actions in the National Biodiversity Plan (NPWS,
development of a list of NWS Foresters and
2002). Nevertheless, until recently, there was only
Ecologists, and increasing supplies of planting
a limited, strategic targeting of resources at specific
material from acceptable sources within the
native woodland types, in particular the creation of
island of Ireland.
riparian woodlands. There exists a need for a more
cohesive focus or prioritisation in relation to native 4. Recognition is growing of the importance of
woodland types - including rare woodland types, native woodlands in terms of the range of
ancient woodlands and old woodlands(*) - and in ecosystem and other services they can deliver
relation to where new native woodlands should be to society, over and above biodiversity. These
best located to maximise ecosystem services such include the protection of water and soil, flood
as landscape-scale habitat linkage (e.g. between control, carbon sequestration, landscape
existing native woodlands and other semi-natural enhancement, the underpinning of historical
habitats) and the protection of water. However, and cultural heritage, opportunities for local
this is now being addressed under the Forestry amenity, tourism and environmental education,
Programme 2014-2020 (DAFM, 2015a), where the realisation of quality wood and non-wood
criteria under the Native Woodland Conservation products, and the promotion of health and well-
Scheme are in place to strategically target available being. This is creating multiple opportunities for
funding to defined site types prioritised due to ‘buy-in’ by other sectors not directly involved
intrinsic biodiversity value and the potential for wider in woodlands and forestry. Examples include
habitat linkage, water protection and the provision initiatives to protect water and fisheries, natural
of public amenity and environmental interpretation. capital projects developed by the business
*Ancient woodland sites are those included in the inventories of ancient woodland, based on the oldest reliable national information.
This extends back to 1600 for England and Wales. The Republic of Ireland does not currently have an ancient woodland inventory,
though estate records and the Civil Survey of 1654-1656 do provide evidence of ancient woodlands. Therefore, a provisional date of
1660 has been set, based on the earliest reliable national records. Based on the first Ordnance Survey of Ireland, woodland dating
from 1830 is termed ‘old woodland’ or ‘long-established woodland’.
7.Woodlands of Ireland
community, health sector initiatives to encourage
outdoor recreation, and measures adopted to
comply with climate change commitments.
8.A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
Section 2: Legislative Context and
Conservation Status
Overview the designation of SACs. Outside of SACs, these
species are protected (under the Environmental
Ireland is one of the least forested countries in Liability Directive, transposed through S.I. No.
Europe. Only c.11% of its land area is under forest 547 of 2008) against damage which impacts their
cover, the majority of which comprises commercial favourable conservation status (or ability to achieve
conifer plantations. Only c.2% of the country is that status) (e.g. damage that reduces the natural
covered by what is termed ‘native’ or ‘semi-natural’ range of the species). There are a number of Annex
woodland (i.e. woodland dominated by native tree II species, including the Killarney fern (Trichomanes
species), and much of this is highly fragmented and speciosum), the yellow marsh saxifrage (Saxifraga
modified. This scarcity of native woodland is the hirculus) and the river lamprey (Lampetra fluviatilis).
result of millennia of human activity (Perrin et al.,
2008). The National Biodiversity Plan (NPWS, 2002 &
2011) is the key national policy instrument that
Native woodlands and their conservation, protection underpins legislation relevant to biodiversity,
and management fall under a number of key species and habitats, including native woodlands
national and international legislative instruments, and their associated flora and fauna. National
including the Wildlife Act 1976 (amended in 2000), Forestry Programmes operated by the Forest
the Birds & Natural Habitats Regulations (S.I. No. Service, including the current 2014-2020
477 of 2011), the EU Habitats Directive (92/43/ programme, have also proved crucial in providing
EEC) and the Convention on Biological Diversity. grants and premiums in support of native woodland
The National Parks & Wildlife Service (NPWS) of establishment and management, and resources for
the Department of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht a range of associated measures that underpin the
is the government agency primarily responsible native woodland sector.
for the enactment of conservation and biodiversity
legislation. The Forestry Act 1946, which (inter
alia) controls tree felling, is also pertinent to native
woodlands and is implemented by the Forest Service
Convention on Biological
of the Department of Agriculture, Food & the Marine Diversity
(DAFM). This piece of primary legislation is due to
As a contracting party to the Convention on
be replaced shortly, with the commencement of the
Biological Diversity (CBD), Ireland is committed to
Forestry Act 2014.
measures to conserve biodiversity, including native
The conservation of biodiversity in Ireland, including woodlands, under the following themes:
native woodlands, has been strengthened and
¾¾ Conservation of ecosystems, habitats and
expanded by European law, most notably by
species in their natural surroundings, both
the Birds Directive (2009/147/EC), the Habitats
inside and outside protected areas (in situ
Directive, the Water Framework Directive (2000/60/
conservation)
EC), the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Directive (85/337/EC, as amended), the Strategic ¾¾ Conservation of the components of biological
Environmental Assessment (SEA) Directive diversity outside their natural habitats (ex situ
(2001/42/EC), and the Environmental Liability conservation)
Directive (2004/35/EC). ¾¾ Impact assessment
These directives all require the consideration, during ¾¾ Identification and monitoring
project development and assessment, of potential
impacts on biodiversity. Species listed in Annex II of ¾¾ Sustainable use of ecosystems, species and
the Habitats Directive are animal and plant species other biological resources
of Community interest whose conservation requires ¾¾ Adoption of incentive measures
9.Woodlands of Ireland
¾¾ Research and training and Hazel/ash scrub/woodland (i.e. woody facies of
limestone pavement).
¾¾ Public awareness and education
In relation to native woodlands, the basic legal
¾¾ Policies and mechanisms for equitable sharing
designation for wildlife under the Habitats Directive,
of benefits of genetic resources
transposed into Irish law, is the SAC. These are the
¾¾ Facilitating access and transfer of technology prime wildlife conservation areas within the country,
¾¾ Exchange of information and are considered to be important at a European
level. Those protected species and habitats giving
¾¾ Technical and scientific cooperation rise to the designation of an SAC are referred to
¾¾ Access to and safe use of biotechnology as ‘qualifying interests’. In Ireland, approximately
6,500 hectares of native woodland are designated
¾¾ Provision of financial resources to achieve
as SACs under the EU Habitats Directive, including
the CBDs objectives, both nationally and
the five Annex I native woodland habitat types
internationally.
listed above. Individual species relevant to native
woodland, such as the Killarney fern, can also
be listed as a qualifying interest. Conservation
EU legislation management plans are available for many SACs
The Habitats Directive and the Birds Directive (see www.npws.ie/protected-sites/conservation-
together form the cornerstone of Europe’s nature planning/available-plans).
conservation policy. This policy is built around two In addition, under Article 17 of the Habitats
pillars: the Natura 2000 network of protected sites Directive, each Member State is obliged to report
(i.e. SACs and Special Protection Areas (SPAs), to the European Commission on the status of listed
which are applicable to birds), and a strict system habitats and species every 6 years. In particular,
of species protection. The Habitats Directive maintaining and / or restoring habitats and species
protects over 1,000 animal and plant species to a favourable conservation status is a priority. The
and over 200 ‘habitat types’ (e.g. special types of latest status report (NPWS, 2013) indicates that
forests, meadows, wetlands, as listed in Annex I of there has been some progress since 2007 (NPWS,
the Directive) which are of European importance. 2008) with respect to Yew Woodland and Bog
These Annex I habitat types include five woodland Woodland, primarily due to policy and management
habitats relevant to Ireland: Old Oak Woodland; Bog initiatives. There are also improving trends for other
Woodland; Residual Alluvial Forest; Yew Woodland; woodland types, even though they still score ‘bad’.
Table 1 Summary table showing the assessment summary and overall status for EU Habitats Directive
Annex I habitat types relevant to native woodland in Ireland, for the year 2013 (from NPWS, 2013), with
the overall status for the year 2007 (from NPWS, 2008) included for comparison. (Priority habitat listed
under Annex I indicated by asterisk (*).)
Habitat name and code (as Structures Future Overall Overall
Range Area
per Annex I) & Functions Prospects status 2013 status 2007
Old oak woods (91A0) Favourable Bad! Bad! Bad! Bad! Bad
Bog woodland* (91D0) Favourable Favourable Favourable Favourable Favourable Inadequate
Residual alluvial forests*
Favourable Bad= Bad! Bad! Bad! Bad
(91E0)
Yew woods* (91J0) Bad! Bad! Bad! Inadequate! Bad! Bad
Limestone pavements*
(containing hazel & ash
Favourable Inadequate" Inadequate! Inadequate! Inadequate= Inadequate
woodland – woody facies of
limestone pavement) (8240)
10.A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
The EU Priority Action Framework underpins the of woodlands proposed as NHAs, while National
Habitats Directive and addresses the co-financing Parks and Nature Reserves account for 2,854
of Natura 2000 sites, including Priority Woodlands hectares and 2,628 hectares, respectively (Fahy &
(see ec.europa.eu/environment/life/news/ Cross, 2005). (Note that these areas overlap and
newsarchive2012/documents/n2000paf.pdf). the figures are not cumulative.)
The European Landscape Convention of the Council The Forestry Act 1946, which is implemented by the
of Europe, which sets out to promote the protection, Forest Service, is the key piece of primary legislation
management and planning of European landscapes governing forest practice. An important provision of
and to organise European cooperation on landscape the Act is the system regarding the licensing of tree
issues, came into force in 2004. Subsequently, a felling, which is a key activity in bringing about change
National Landscape Strategy for Ireland 2015-2025 within a woodland resource. The Forestry Act 1946
was adopted in 2015. Native woodland restoration is due to be replaced over the coming period upon
and expansion are clearly relevant to this National the commencement of the Forestry Act 2014, which
Landscape Strategy, given, for example, the role also includes primary provisions for afforestation and
of native woodlands in underpinning many of our other forest activities. It is envisaged that the new
iconic landscapes. Act will strengthen safeguards afforded to protected
species and habitats (including native woodlands
Other legislation that is particularly relevant to
and related features of forest biodiversity, such
native woodlands include the EU Floods Directive
as heritage hedgerows) and other environmental
(2007/60/EC), which entered into force in 2007.
receptors such as water, during key forest activities.
This directive aims to reduce impacts by taking a
sustainable, catchment-based approach to the
assessment and management of flood risk. The
national Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and
Management (CFRAM) programme was developed
to meet the requirements of the Floods Directive,
and native woodlands can play an important,
protective role in this process.
National legislation
The Wildlife Act, which is implemented by the NPWS,
provides for the protection and conservation of wild
fauna and flora in Ireland, and for the conservation
of a representative sample of important ecosystems.
Under the Act, the Minister responsible for nature
conservation may afford protection to all wild species
of fauna and flora. The basic designation for wildlife
under the Wildlife Act is the Natural Heritage Area
(NHA). Many sites are proposed NHAs (pNHA) as
they have not yet been legally designated. NHAs
and pNHAs are areas considered important for
the habitats and species they contain and which
require protection. Examples of important species
of flora and fauna afforded protection and found in
native woodlands are the narrow-leaved helleborine
(Cephalantera longifolia) and pine marten (Martes
martes). In addition, there are native woodlands
protected in designated National Parks and Nature
Reserves. There are approximately 23,764 hectares
11.Woodlands of Ireland 12.
A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
Section 3: A Strategy for Native Woodlands
Origins limited and transient impact. Raising awareness
must therefore be an important element of this
Following the identification of the necessity and Strategy for Native Woodlands. The potential for
opportunity for developing a national strategy for corporate funding to establish and / or manage
Ireland’s native woodlands, a scoping document native woodlands is also a useful mechanism to
was compiled and circulated in February 2014 to generate ongoing publicity.
the WoI Technical Working Group (TWG), and
written submissions were received from a number In addition, native woodlands need to be ‘re-branded’
of individuals (see Appendix). The WoI TWG to bring them into the mainstream of forestry, to
comprises nearly 40 experts, practitioners and tackle their perception as areas of low economic
stakeholders from a broad range of disciplines, value and as simply providing biodiversity and
experience and backgrounds. A meeting of the recreation. For example, Danish foresters regard
TWG subsequently took place in March 2014, at native broadleaf woodlands as areas for quality
which additional suggestions were made. This timber production. This shift in attitude has begun in
document incorporates input received from the Ireland as a result of the increased level of proactive
WoI TWG. In addition, subsequent to a meeting of native woodland management in recent years, and
the WoI Steering Committee in June 2014, further due to the promotion of this potential by training
submissions and suggestions were incorporated undertaken in support of the NWS. However, further
into the document (Appendix). The publication of effort is required to sustain this trend.
the 2014-2020 Forestry Programme in January 1. WoI will continue to promote native woodlands
2015 allowed for the completion of the strategy, through written contributions to relevant journals
by providing resources for the management and and publications aimed at both the general
expansion of native woodlands, under the NWS public and at specific target audiences, including
package. farmers and woodland owners (e.g. regarding
opportunities under NWS Establishment and
NWS Conservation).
General measures 2. Promotion will also be targeted via television
A number of key measures to underpin the (e.g. EcoEye) and radio programmes, whenever
management and expansion of native woodlands the opportunity arises.
are outlined in the following section. Subsequently 3. As relevant and appropriate, WoI will also
in Section 4, specific resources for native woodlands contribute to seminars and field meetings in
allocated under the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 order to promote native woodland and ways in
are extrapolated and expanded to address the key which the resource can be used to contribute
measures below and within the context of national towards particular concerns or objectives of
forest policy and the National Biodiversity Plan. target groups (regarding protected habitats
and species, water quality, erosion control,
flood mitigation, landscape enhancement,
A. Promotion wood production, etc.). Examples include
The promotion of native woodlands - including their presentations at Water Framework Directive
natural, historical and cultural value, their future forums and input into forestry field days.
potential contribution, and the requirement for
ongoing resources - needs to be carried out on an
ongoing basis to incrementally increase the general
public’s awareness and appreciation of this unique
resource. Once-off initiatives in this regard have a
13.Woodlands of Ireland
Photo 3 The relaunch of the People’s
Millennium Forests Project in 2011 at
Ballygannon Wood, Rathdrum, Co.
Wicklow. This flagship native woodland
project is the biggest in this sector
to date and has promoted native
woodlands widely amongst the general
public.
B. Government funding, schemes 1. The scenario of doubling the native woodland
and corporate sponsorship cover to c.25% of current forest cover (160,000
hectares), as outlined in the Woodlands of
The only government-funded initiative to address Ireland report The Natural Capital Values of
native woodlands specifically is the Native Woodland Ireland’s Native Woodland (Bullock & Hawe,
Scheme package. This package, available from the 2014) is considered a realistic target. This can
Forest Service of the DAFM, under the 2014-2020 be achieved via the NWS in combination with
Forestry Programme, comprises: other schemes and private investment projects
¾¾ NWS Conservation, aimed at restoring existing over a 30-year period. It is important to highlight
native woodlands and the conversion of non- that a significant portion of this area will be
native conifer forest to native woodland; and actively managed for quality wood production,
using silvicultural systems compatible with the
¾¾ NWS Establishment (as represented by Grant
primary role regarding ecosystem protection
& Premium Categories 9 and 10 of the general
and enhancement.
Afforestation Grant & Premium Scheme), which
supports the creation of various types of new 2. NWS Conservation focuses on the restoration
native woodland on ‘greenfield’ sites. of existing native woodlands and the conversion
of conifer forest to native woodland, with a
See www.agriculture.gov.ie/forestservice/
focus on areas of greatest biodiversity value
grantsandpremiumschemes2015-2016/ for details.
and environmental sensitivity. WoI will continue
Other funding streams will be investigated to to provide technical support to the Forest
address native woodlands, e.g. private funding, Service and to promote the scheme within
key projects / partnerships, and other government the public and private sectors. Under NWS
schemes, such as the Green, Low-Carbon, Agri- Conservation, available resources will be
Environment Scheme (GLAS), available from the targeted at sites in order of priority / importance,
DAFM under the Rural Development Programme i.e. ancient woodlands, designated woodlands,
2014-2020 (see Bullet 5 below). rare woodland types, old / long-established
There may be potential for tapping into private funds woodlands, riparian woodlands, and emergent
to develop native woodland projects, especially / scrub woodland. NWS Conservation provides
under Public / Private Initiatives (PPIs). the foundation for the critical mass of native
woodland management expertise that has been
14.A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
built up over the past decade. This expertise is a entitled Released GLAS Specification for GLAS
vital component for the sustainable management Tranche 2 (DAFM, 2015b). WoI will promote the
of the native woodland resource, and has a uptake of this option at every opportunity, and
beneficial ‘knock-on’ into other aspects of the remains open to providing technical advice and
wider forestry sector. WoI will continue to support training in support of its application, if requested.
the Forest Service in the further development
6. The continuity of supply with respect to the
and implementation of NWS Conservation,
availability of native trees and shrubs is vital to
which in turn will sustain specialised jobs in this
support the restoration of existing woodlands
sector.
(including sites undergoing conversion from
3. The creation of new native woodland should conifer forest to native woodland) and the
also be promoted in marginal, upland areas creation of new native woodlands. Government
for protective, landscape and biodiversity support measures and annual forecasts of
objectives. Low-density tree cover mimics future stock requirements to the nursery sector,
the natural character of native woodland in are pre-requisite to ensuring adequate supplies.
these landscapes (i.e. scattered, open native With new funding available under the Forest
woodland cover). Gullies / streams and locally Service Seed Stand and Seed Orchard Scheme,
fertile, sheltered areas should be targeted, there is an opportunity to make seed collection
particularly within Acid Sensitive Areas (ASAs). in Ireland more efficient, and to mobilise seed
This would enhance landscape value, create to the nurseries. WoI will work with all relevant
upland woodland habitat, reduce the potential bodies, including the Forest Service, seed
for soil erosion and landslides, contribute to stand owners (both Coillte and private), seed
flood control, and enhance and protect aquatic collectors and nursery providers, to increase the
habitats. NWS Establishment may not be collection and mobilisation of seed appropriate
applicable to all upland and ASA sites, but WoI for use under the NWS package. Specifically,
will continue to seek opportunities for realising private sector nurseries need greater access to
this vision through other projects. seed stands, particularly in Coillte woodlands,
in order to collect native seed. WoI proposes to
4. In lowland areas, new native woodlands, in
address this through its Seed Subgroup in 2016
conjunction with other flood control measures,
and 2017.
may help to alleviate flooding impacts by slowing
overland flood waters and by reducing peak 7. For ecological and genetic biodiversity reasons,
flows. There is also considerable potential for heritage hedgerows and hedgerows that are
converting low-lying conifer plantations within connected to native woodland should utilise
riparian / alluvial areas into native woodland, Irish provenance planting stock. However, this
allowing inundation and reinstating natural is not a requirement under the relevant options
floodplain dynamics. Flooding is predicted of the current GLAS programme, i.e. ‘Coppicing
to become more frequent in the future due to of Hedgerows’, ‘Laying of Hedgerows’ and
climate change. Working with nature has the ‘Planting New Hedgerows’. WoI will continue
potential to be an effective approach where used to highlight this issue with the DAFM in
in combination with other measures (berms, 2016, to seek amendments to the underlying
water storage ponds, etc). In order to deliver specifications for these options.
meaningful results, this approach will require
8. Through partnership and where appropriate at
coordination amongst multiple landowners /
a site level, the management (via continuous
farmers and with various bodies at a catchment
cover forestry (CCF)) of publicly-owned native
and sub-catchment level.
woodlands for quality wood production should
5. The new DAFM GLAS programme includes be promoted, to expand this market and to
an option ‘Planting a Grove of Native Trees’, advance awareness of sustainable wood
to provide a valuable pocket habitat and production using shelterwood, selection and
opportunity for carbon sequestration. The coppicing systems. This measure is particularly
specific requirements are set out in the document focused on Coillte-owned woodlands (including
15.Woodlands of Ireland
old / long-established woodland sites), where with new native woodlands could potentially be
the primary aim of wood production is advanced managed with private funds in combination with
in parallel with the provision of ecosystem the NWS package. A proposal along these lines
services (primarily biodiversity) and amenity. will be presented to US stakeholders in 2017.
This would require funding from Coillte alone
and / or investment through PPIs. The latter
could combine private funding and the long- C. Native woodlands and water
term leasing of property to interest groups. In recent years, the potential role of new and
9. The creation and restoration of new and existing existing native woodland, including woodland within
native woodlands in and around urban areas riparian areas, in the protection and enhancement
in partnership with local communities, with a of water quality, the conservation of instream
focus on the provision of easily-accessible species of protected status (e.g. Freshwater Pearl
amenities and readily-available opportunities for Mussel (FPM), salmonids and otter), and the control
interpretation and environmental awareness- of flood water and bankside erosion, has come into
rising, have a real potential to engage the sharp focus. This role is envisaged both at a site
general public directly. There are multiple level (e.g. the conversion of existing conifer forest
opportunities for woodland establishment within into native woodland to protect a nearby population
the existing land bank (both public and private), of FPM) and at a wider strategic level (e.g. the
including sites within designated greenbelts positioning of new native woodland at key points
and along watercourses, former landfill sites along a watercourse, as part of a wider programme
and post-industrial ‘brownfield’ sites, along of activities to improve the overall waterbody status
with sites within existing parks, open spaces, under the EU Water Framework Directive).
school grounds, etc. The newly-revised Forest 1. The creation and restoration of new and
Service NeighbourWood Scheme has particular existing native woodlands should be targeted
relevance in this regard, and WoI will explore at aquatic-based SACs designated for FPM
this application with the Forest Service and with and salmonids. Targeting can be strategically
urban-based local authorities between now achieved at a landscape level, based on close
and 2020. Partnerships involving funding for partnership and a shared understanding of native
woodland establishment and management, and woodland establishment and management, the
for the installation of recreational facilities (under requirements of the protected species, and the
the NWS package and the NeighbourWood types of landuse pressures (particularly those
Scheme), supplemented with additional relating to commercial forestry and agriculture)
funding (including the long-term commitment of that can be mitigated. Other related benefits can
resources) from local authorities, the corporate also be gained, such as landscape enhancement
sector and other sources (including PPIs), will and wider habitat linkage. WoI will support this
be explored. Other potential measures include objective by offering technical support to the
the provision of open access in return for EU KerryLIFE Project on FPM throughout the
tax breaks. WoI developed a website in 2013 project’s duration, and to similar projects and
specifically targeted at local community groups initiatives, as appropriate.
and local authorities, to facilitate the creation of
new native woodlands and other habitats (see 2. Regarding the planning and ongoing
www.eco-landscapes.com), and this online management of riparian native woodlands and
resource will be of particular relevance under the management of Forest Service-stipulated
this sub-measure. Aquatic Buffer Zones (ABZs, also referred to
as ‘water setbacks’), WoI will cooperate with
10. WoI will develop a proposal in 2017 to encourage Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Loughs Agency
private sponsorship from the Irish-American in selecting sites for the NWS and other related
community for the creation and restoration of new mitigation projects on an ongoing basis until
and existing native woodlands. This may involve 2020. This work will focus on maximising the
PPI projects where privately-owned native water protection role of native woodland and
woodlands and greenfield sites established
16.A Strategy for Native Woodlands in Ireland 2016-2020
Photo 4 Sensitive timber harvesting
(manual / chainsaw felling) and horse
extraction close to an upland stream as
part of a research project on riparian
zone management, Donard, Co.
Wicklow.
also on avoiding potentially negative factors, is Coed Cymru, a cooperative in Wales (www.
such as over-shading, potential siltation, the coedcymru.org.uk). This cooperative approach
spread of invasive species, and risks associated could be mobilised at a national level in Ireland due
with windblown trees in riparian zones. to the small size of the native woodland estate here.
3. WoI will engage with Irish Water regarding 1. On appropriate sites and as a component of the
its policy on native riparian woodlands and most appropriate native woodland type, there
water quality protection, though participation will be a focus on Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris)
on the Irish Forum on Natural Capital (www. as a native conifer with potential to yield modest
naturalcapitalireland.com) in 2016 and 2017. returns via timber production.
4. WoI will also highlight with the Environmental 2. More emphasis on the production and
Protection Agency and other relevant bodies, management of minor species such as birch
the potential role of new and existing native (Betula pubescens and B. pendula) and alder
woodlands (including riparian woodlands) in (Alnus glutinosa) is required. This and the
protecting and enhancing water quality within preceding action regarding Scots pine will be
the context of the second cycle of the Water addressed via the seed sub-group of the WoI
Framework Directive in Ireland, to promote the Technical Working Group, and engagement with
use of the NWS in relation to the protection of seed producers, nurseries, woodland owners,
water. and the expansion of the Registered Seed
Stands for these species.
3. With the commercial exploitation of cutaway
D. Sustainable management for wood bogs by Bord na Móna (BnM) in its final phase,
and non-wood products a considerable area of cutaway bogs, especially
A cooperative approach is required in order in the Midlands, will be developed into native
to integrate woodland management, hardwood woodland predominantly comprising birch,
mobilisation, processing and supply, and Scots pine, alder and willow (Salix species).
downstream product development. WoI will continue These areas should be managed to maximise
to lobby on an ongoing basis to provide seed capital woodland biodiversity, wood production,
to develop a hardwood cooperative to advance recreation, eco-tourism and landscape
these objectives. An example of this approach enhancement. BnM and Coillte are central to
17.Woodlands of Ireland
addressing this issue. A number of Midland bog (FLG). The continuation of work between the
sites should be developed as native pioneer Forest Service and counterparts in the UK to
birch forests. In addition, many production forest develop strategies for species and provenance
restock sites have been inundated by natural selection, is encouraged. Research projects
regeneration of birch which is suppressing the such as CLIMADAPT and the British and Irish
replanted conifers. Thinning to create birch high Hardwoods Improvement Programme (BIHIP)
forest would create valuable native woodlands are examples of successful cooperative
at lesser expense than attempting to re-establish research relevant to the area and beneficial for
conifers, while also creating the basis for the both jurisdictions. WoI will continue to monitor
production of merchantable quantities of quality these initiatives through its participation on the
birch timber. WoI will liaise with Coillte and BnM FLG and the Northern Ireland Native Woodland
to encourage the adoption of this approach and Group.
assist in selecting suitable sites from now until
3. Monitoring of reported flood mitigation benefits
2020, if adopted.
associated with newly-established riparian
4. A minimum area of oak and hazel coppice woodlands should be undertaken in order to
woodlands (regionally distributed) for build up an evidence base to support policy and
demonstration purposes is proposed, as this practice in this regard, especially as climate
would support sustainable wood production change research predicts more frequent and
and a focus on this traditional form of woodland more intense rainfall events. WoI will highlight
management. WoI will advance this measure similar initiatives in other countries (e.g.
with the Muintir na Coille (www.muintirnacoille. Scotland) and the need for research specific
ie) and other relevant stakeholders in 2017. to the Irish context, with the DAFM Research
Division, Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Loughs
Agency, the Office of Public Works and NPWS.
E. Climate change, legislation and 4. A more proactive and integrated approach is
Invasive Alien Species (IAS) required regarding legislation and subsequent
1. Climate change has implications across a broad enforcement, and the need for a strategic
range of woodland-related interests, including approach and practical measures, to address
woodland dynamics, water quality, invasive the threats to native woodlands posed by
alien species, and tree pests and diseases. The IAS, especially rhododendron (Rhododendron
impact of climate change and the robustness ponticum), cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus),
of new and existing native woodlands should Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and
be addressed, especially with regard to the Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera).
adaptability of native species and the suitability There are also increased risks arising from
or otherwise of non-indigenous provenances. interactions, e.g. rhododendron infestation and
The impact of invasive species and pests and Phytophthora ramorum. In addition, the threats
diseases on our native woodlands is also an posed by naturally regenerating non-native
issue related to climate change (coupled with trees such as lodgepole pine (P. contorta), Sitka
increased international trade) that needs to be spruce (Picea sitchensis), western hemlock
addressed. (Tsuga heterophylla), common beech (Fagus
sylvatica) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus)
2. As climate change impacts and mitigation
need to be addressed, as these species pose a
strategies are likely to be similar in both
threat to woodland viability, depending on soil
Ireland and Britain, a cooperative approach
type and location.
to associated research and development is
therefore appropriate. This is particularly the 5. The EU Regulation 1143/2014 on Invasive Alien
case in the aftermath of the UK referendum on Species came into force in January 2015, and a
EU membership. WoI will continue to promote list of priority IAS concern will be drawn up and
research in this area through its participation managed by Member States by 2016 using risk
on the Forest Service Forest Liaison Group assessments and scientific evidence. Areas that
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