Community Woodland Initiative

The Native Woodland Trust is pioneering a new initiative to create community woodland reserves in each county of Ireland

These reserves will be planted with native Irish woodland species. These oaks, alder and spindle will then grow along with the local community as the reserve transforms into a thriving natural community space. The planting of these woodlands is direct action towards increasing the amount of native woodland habitat in Ireland. Native woodland is a scarce habitat within the Irish landscape and its protection and enhancement is the primary goal of the Native Woodland Trust. Importantly, through the planting of these reserve we are also creating a natural resource for the local community - a place to walk, relax play and learn.

It is the intention of the Native Woodland Trust to have community engagement from the very beginning of the woodland creation. Upon the establishment of each new reserve the Trust will run a series of local gatherings at which members of the community can meet Native Woodland Trust representatives in order to learn about the organisation and discuss the development of the community reserve. By engaging local communities with the planning, planting and care of these reserves we hope to inspire a spirit of community environmental stewardship and a sense of ownership of the woodland.This initiative facilitates people in taking direct action to reverse the trend of habitiat destruction in Ireland through empowering activites such as tree planting, habitat care and wildlfe monitoring. It is our aspiration to grow local the Native Woodland Trust Branches to care for develop and enjoy each reserve. 

For more information about this initiative or setting up a local branch please contact Kieran at kiearn.flood@nativewoodlandtrust.ie or on 0871953629.

Check out the latest community woodland event here!