Project Woodland is currently developing a shared national vision for the next forest strategy for Ireland.
Over the next three months, extensive public consultation will take place where the views of a wide range of stakeholders will be sought.
Any future Forest Strategy will examine the range of forest types found in Ireland and provide a number of strategic actions which will take account of the principles of sustainable forest management as defined by "Forest Europe", including the re-planting policy.
Forests managed for commercial timber and for biodiversity will be a key component of the next forest strategy. The felling and reforestation of trees is regulated by the Forestry Act 2014 and adherence to environmental standards is required.
Ireland's existing Forestry Programme has a suite of measures aimed at protecting and encouraging all sustainable harvesting activities which includes thinning, continuous cover forestry and clearfelling.
The next Forestry Programme, which is currently being prepared, will continue to provide funding to encourage increased take up of alternative harvesting systems, such as continuous cover forestry where appropriate. The species used to replant felled sites will depend on the objectives of the site and forest owner. Where commercial forestry is the objective a range of species can be planted, which includes Sitka spruce.
Although Sitka spruce is an important component of our forest estate, comprising over 51% of the area, there are a wide range of other species found. Broadleaved species account for over 28% of the national forest area. New forests planted in 2021 had over 40% of the area planted with broadleaves.
The important role of native woodlands is well recognised and my Department is acutely aware of their importance for national biodiversity. These forests provide an important store of forest genetic resources that need to be conserved and expanded.
My Department through the native woodland conservation scheme and the Forest Genetic Resources Reproductive Material Scheme facilitates the conservation of indigenous native forests.
The next Forestry Programme and Forest Strategy will continue to highlight the importance of conserving our native forests and the need to encourage a wider range of harvesting systems, including clearfelling, thinning and continuous cover forestry.
