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A new project will see 1,500ha of bog on Bord na Móna land which is no longer used for peat production being transformed into native woodland.
The project by Coillte Nature and Bord na Móna will see approximately 600,000 native trees being established across the 1,500ha over the next three years.
The focus will be on growing a mix of native Irish trees such as Downy Birch, Scots Pine, Alder and other broadleaves (Hazel, Holly etc).
Our land is one of our most powerful tools in responding to the climate challenge
The Bord na Móna lands identified for the project are in counties Offaly, Laois, Westmeath and Tipperary. Teams from Coillte Nature and Bord na Móna will work together to provide the management, forestry, nursery and technical expertise to establish and maintain the woodlands.
Land is a powerful tool
Launching the project, Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment Richard Bruton said: “This joint project will see bogs no longer used for peat production, transformed into rich, native woodlands.
“Our land is one of our most powerful tools in responding to the climate challenge. This project is a great example of how we can better use our resources to step up our response, to what is the most crucial issue of this generation.
“Not only are woodlands crucial to absorb carbon emissions, but they are essential for preserving Ireland’s biodiversity. The focus of this project is on native Irish trees and animal species,” he said.
Huge contribution
Also commenting on the project was Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed. He said the project will bring a range of environmental benefits through the use of native species and will provide a huge contribution to meeting the afforestation targets under the Government’s Climate Action Plan.
“Projects of this scale and ambition will be the drivers to achieving the goals of this plan and I would encourage all public bodies to think about how they might engage in tree planting.
These areas, once established, will provide an excellent resource for existing and future generations to enjoy as these woods develop into the future
"I would encourage them to engage with my Department where they will find a full range of supports,” he said.
Minister of State at the Department Andrew Doyle said the project provides an excellent opportunity to increase the area of Ireland’s broadleaved woodland.
“These areas, once established, will provide an excellent resource for existing and future generations to enjoy as these woods develop into the future.
"Bog woodland habitats associated with existing wetlands and open space will provide a refuge for a wide range of flora and fauna increasing biodiversity in these landscapes.”
Carbon
Chair of Coillte Bernie Gray said Coillte Nature will have a strong focus on carbon sequestration, species diversification, biodiversity and the development of forestry recreation activities.
Chief executive of Bord na Móna Tom Donnellan said the company is decarbonising its business and changing how it manages bogs across Ireland.
We plan to have a new Bord na Móna estate that provides a new extensive rich habitat for native plants and animals
“This very welcome joint initiative with Coillte aligns with our new approach to business, estate management and our plans to rehabilitate a total area of 35,000ha of peatlands by 2025.
“By this time we plan to have a new Bord na Móna estate that provides a new extensive rich habitat for native plants and animals and that also uses our resources in a sustainable way to support a thriving green economy.”
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