We have planted Ireland's first MICROFOREST, a ten by ten metre area of dense planting, replacing lawn at our school to encourage biodiversity.
We have been researching forest in Ireland...sadly we are bottom of the European league, read more here. |
SOME INFO FROM WIKIPEDIA
about our Native Trees. Researched by the Green Committee Before the arrival of the first settlers in Ireland about 9,000 years ago, the land was largely covered by forests of oak, ash, elm, hazel, yew, and other native trees.[34] The growth ofblanket bog and the extensive clearing of woodland to facilitate farming are believed to be the main causes of deforestation during the following centuries. Today, about 12% of Ireland is forested, of which a significant majority is composed of mainly non-native coniferous plantations for commercial use.[35] Ideal soil conditions, high rainfall and a mild climate give Ireland the highest growth rates for forests in Europe. Hedgerows, which are traditionally used to define land boundaries, are an important substitute for woodland habitat, providing refuge for native wild flora and a wide range of insect, bird and mammal species.[36] Glendalough valley in County Wicklow Agriculture accounts for about 64% of the total land area.[37] This has resulted in limited land to preserve natural habitats, in particular for larger wild mammals with greater territorial requirements.[38] The long history of agricultural production coupled with modern agricultural methods, such as pesticide and fertiliser use, has placed pressure on biodiversity.[2] |