Background

The vital role of trees, woods and forests to life on earth has never been more evident. They are crucial to the functioning of the planet’s climate system, they store carbon and release oxygen, are a source of food, shelter and materials, provide genetic resources on which all of us depend, and are home for much of the world’s biodiversity.

In addition they are a source of inspiration and awe, a cultural touchstone which stirs within us a sense of our place within the natural world. Protecting and restoring trees, woods and forests is an imperative for our future well being and that of all life on earth.

Ireland has very little woodland cover, with only 8 per cent compared with a European average of 44 per cent. Of this, the majority is recently planted conifer plantation and a little as 0.1% is Ireland’s original woodland. The remaining broadleaved woodland is scattered and fragmented, but forms a precious natural heritage from which we can rebuild woodland cover.

Vision

To celebrate a new dawning in relationships on the island of Ireland we propose to create new native woodland on the border between two countries. The new found peace presents opportunities for increased co-operation between Northern Ireland (NI) and the Republic of Ireland (ROI). This initiative will give communities of all persuasions the opportunity to come together and celebrate a new start for the people of Ireland while at the same time doing something positive to protect and enhance our native woodland heritage.

Planting a tree is a simple statement of hope. We think everyone should have the chance to plant a tree as they grow up. If we all do this, we can change our landscape for the better and help inspire children with a lifelong passion for trees and wildlife. The tree planting in this project will hold special significance as it will represent a gift of life between communities who have endured centuries of tension and hostility.

We are excited by the prospect to drive forward a vision to create a hundred acres of native woodland on land near the border between the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Communities either side of the border will be invited to participate in the project from designing the new wood to the physical planting of trees on organized days, and later to acting as volunteer wardens to maintain and protect the woods. School children from both sides of the community will have the chance to make gifts of trees to one another and work together to make a significant change to their landscape and lives through creation of new native woodland freely open for everyone to enjoy.

The project will provide opportunities to invite several hundred school children out to special woodland discovery days during which they will participate in environmental games and will learn how to plant trees. The days will be designed to inspire in them a love of nature and a sense of the difference each and every one of them can make. For schools in more deprived areas, we hope to be able to offer travel bursaries to ensure that no one is excluded. The school events will be delivered by professionals with great experience of engaging children in environmental education. Children attending will also receive educational materials developed in partnership with schools which link into the national curriculum. In addition more informal community tree planting days will be run during which hundreds of people can work together to create their wood.

This unique initiative will provide tangible opportunities that will grow and develop over time. The wood will be a symbol of unity and a haven for biodiversity. Through a variety of activities we will encourage the involvement of thousands of people at a practical level.

The Partners

Native Woodland Trust (NWT)

The Native Woodland Trust (NWT) is Ireland’s leading charity dedicated to the conservation of Ancient Woodland. We are unique in having acquired our own property for tree planting and in holding tree planting events every year for the past four years. We have also contributed to the conservation of woodlands in Ireland with the significant find of a large Ancient Woodland in Co. Kerry which was previously unknown and unprotected.

The Woodland Trust (WT)

The Woodland Trust (WT) is Northern Ireland’s leading woodland conservation charity. We have vast experience of creating community woodlands all across Northern Ireland including the creation of 51 native woods to celebrate the new millennium. We are now responsible for maintaining 52 native woods, totalling nearly 1,000 acres. All of our woods are freely accessible to the public. Over the last decade we have planted ½ million trees and involved over 50,000 people in practical outdoor activities.