What The Hell Happened To Ireland’s Forests?

Once upon a time, Ireland’s green hills were populated with thick forestry. Almost 80% of the country was covered in native woodland, we’re talking oak, ash, birch and so more for as far as the eye can see. Yet today, Ireland sits at the bottom of the table in Europe for tree coverage at a measly 11%, with only 2% being native greenery. We’re crying out for some wood, but where did it all go?

Of course, there is a glaring answer which sits at the backbone of the Irish culture, economy and landscape, agriculture. Agriculture became essential to Ireland, with subsistence farming and cultivation being so common. However, of course, the Brits were at it as usual. The British need for smelting Iron, which required charcoal, led to most of the remaining forestry in Ireland being decimated. By 1925 Ireland was sitting at a shocking 1% forest coverage, giving way to the rolling hills we’re so familiar with.

This has also come with a stark reduction in the biodiversity of animals we’ve got on our Island. It wasn’t just snakes that St.Patrick seemingly drove away from Éire. We’re talking Grey Wolves, Brown Bears, Eurasian Lynx and that’s not even considering the 450 species of bird, countless insects and reptile species, all harboured within the shelter of Irish forests.

In an effort to remedy this, farmers were given grants to plant trees, leading to farmers planting the most efficient trees in terms of growing and taking up land space. Non-native trees which once again worsened Irish biodiversity and pushed out native Irish forestry

So What Can We Do?

The issue of reforestation is not only about planting lots of trees but also putting emphasis on native forestry. Reforest Nation is Ireland’s leading activism group for returning Ireland to its former forested glory. One million trees have already been planted by the company, ethically and fairly priced. Witha. gaol to plant 10 million trees by 2030, the company is appealing to the public to help with the initiative and donate trees to Ireland. Growing from a volunteer-led initiative in the local village of Termonfeckin, Co. Louth has grown into a global project, exponentially growing year-on-year.

This initiative is more than just tree planting for me. As a youth, like many others in my generation, I was deeply affected by issues of deforestation and the climate crisis. Committing my life to aiding the planet brought me a sense of peace and purpose.”- said Gearóid McEvoy in a statement on Reforest Nations website.

Rewilding Ireland would be pointless without the reintroductions of the species which once called the land their home. Nephin Beg Range, Co. Mayo has been the first area dedicated to habitat restoration. Although unlikely to happen, conversations of the reintroduction of the Eurasian Lynx and Grey Wolf to the island have been had, especially to deal with the sever overpopulation of deer we’re experiencing. The combatitive nature of agriculture vs wildlife will mean that it is an uphill battle to see green forests cover Ireland again. We’re not asking for our 80% back, but maybe edging closer to the EU average of 39%.