Forests for Nature

  • Importance of Biodiversity – There is a growing global recognition of the need to protect and enhance biodiversity. The Coillte estate is home to a wide range of native animals and plants. It consists of a varied tapestry of different habitats, ranging from conifer forests, mixed and broadleaved forests to open bogs, heathlands, lakes and rivers.
  • Measuring Biodiversity – Coillte uses a BioClass system for assessing and classifying biodiversity on the estate. BioClass enables us to identify habitats, rant their importance and prioritise them for management and biodiversity enhancement.
  • Protecting and Enhancing Biodiversity – Coillte’s BioForest Programme, which sets out to not only protect but also enhance and restore Biodiversity across our estate, includes for example, Continuous Forest Cover Forestry, invasive species control and bog restoration.
  • Large-scale Nature Restoration Projects – Coillte also delivers large-scale biodiversity nature restoration projects across Ireland focused on afforesting, restoring, regenerating and rehabilitating. These projects include:
    • The Wild Western Peatlands
    • Restoring Hazelwood
    • The Midlands Native Woodland
    • The Dublin Mountains Makeover