This post will provide a synopsis of the proceedings of Ireland’s first native woodlands conference in 2004. This was the first major conference with a dedicated focus on native woodlands in Ireland and provided an opportunity to look back, take stock, and look forward. The following papers were presented at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology from September 8th-11th 2004. A compilation of over 30 papers from an array of experts in native woodland history, ecology, conservation, and management from Ireland, the UK, and mainland Europe was put together in a publication of conference proceedings. You can download the full Proceedings, or a synopsis as well as download papers by theme or individually below. The full proceedings can also be obtained on a CD-ROM, send Woodlands of Ireland an email at info@woodlandsofireland.com and we can arrange postage. (Postage costs will be covered by the recipient). Woodlands of Ireland will host a 2024 conference from October 1st-3rd in Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan. The conference is open for booking with more information at the following LINK.
Conference Papers
Papers are grouped under five different themes to present a comprehensive overview of Ireland’s native woodlands; past, present and future. The views expressed in the papers are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Woodlands of Ireland. You can discover more about the Conference proceedings in our 2005 publication in PDF format available as a digital download. The conference themes are outlined below:
Theme 1: The Background to Native Woodland Development in Ireland (Click to Download all papers in this theme)
This theme explores the development of woodlands in Ireland from the last Ice Age and the different factors that have influenced its change and ultimate demise. Papers in this section explore human interaction with woodlands from the first colonisers of the island of Ireland to medieval times. In his paper Emmet Byrnes,
Archaeologist with the Forest Service, encourages people to explore the physical evidence that often remains in many places, indicating historical changes and former uses of woodlands. A more recent account of the native woodland business in County Wicklow from the 17th century is portrayed, giving an insight into this once vibrant woodland culture. A ‘deep-rooted spiritual connection’ that our ancient ancestors had with trees is revealed in addition to an insight into current perceptions on trees and woodlands.
- Native Woodland Composition and Dynamics: A Long-term perspective based on a Holocene Pollen Profile from Inis Óirr, Aran Islands, Western Ireland by Michael O’Connell and Karen Molloy. (Click to Download)
- Forests and People in Ireland’s Stone Age by Seamas Caulfield (Click to Download)
- The Use of Ireland’s Woodland in Medieval times by Fergus Kelly (Click to Download)
- Funny Bumps in the woods! Using Archaeology to identify historical changes and uses in our Native Woodlands by Emmet Byrnes (Click to Download)
- The Native Woodland Business in County Wicklow from the 17th century by Michael Carey (Click to Download)
- The Culture and Spirituality of Woodlands by David Hickie (Click to Download)
Theme 2: The Ecology and Current Status of Ireland’s Native Woodlands (Click to Download all papers in this theme)
This theme paints the background to Ireland’s native woodland in a European context and details our native woodland plant communities. The biodiversity associated with native woodlands is explored including flora, fauna, fungi and lichens. Coillte’s woodland history survey is examined in addition to the national native woodland surveys in Ireland and Northern Ireland. These surveys provide a platform for native woodland development thus assisting in the evolution of national strategies and local biodiversity action plans.
- Ireland’s Native Woodlands in a European Context by John Cross (Click to Download)
- Irish Native Woodlands in a European Context by Daniel L Kelly (Click to Download)
- Fauna of Semi-Natural Woodlands in Ireland by Don Cotton (Click to Download)
- Irish Native Woodlands and their Associated Fung and Lichens by Paul Dowding (Click to Download)
- Woodland History of the Coillte Estate – Survey and Policy Development by Aileen O’Sullivan (Click to Download)
- A National Survey of Native Woodland in Ireland: Using the 2003 data to evaluate the Conservation status of sites by JR Martin, GT Higgins, PM Perrin (Click to Download)
- Back on the Map: Search for Northern Ireland’s Ancient Woodland by Sian Thomas, Yvonne McElarney, Gillian Hunt, Richard Smithers (Click to Download)
Theme 3: Legal Framework and Policy Development (Click to Download all papers in this theme)
National and international mechanisms that offer legal protection to native woodlands are examined. Current initiatives within the Environmental NGO sector that raise awareness on and promote the development of native woodland policy in Ireland are explored. Woodlands of Ireland review the progress achieved to date with regard to protecting and expanding Ireland’s native woodlands, outline current issues that need to be addressed and discuss possibilities for the future. The importance of using native provenances to restore and establish native woodlands is also explained. The Native Woodland Scheme, the main financial instrument available to landowners to conserve, enhance and expand native woodlands is discussed in detail.
- The Legislative framework protecting Ireland’s Native Woodlands by Janice L Fuller (Click to Download)
- The role of e-NGO’s in promoting the development of Native Woodland policy, Creating awareness and Instigating change by Mide Gerrard (Click to Download)
- Woodlands of Ireland: Origins, Activities and Vision for the Future by Cara Doyle (Click to Download)
- Native Woodland and the use of native provenances by John Fennessy (Click to Download)
- Funding a future for Ireland’s Native Woodlands: The development and application of the Native Woodland Scheme by Kevin Collins (Click to Download)
Theme 4: Current Initiatives in the Development of Ireland’s Native Woodlands (Click to Download all papers in this theme)
As a result of the loss of our former woodland culture, the knowledge and expertise of woodland management has been discontinued for some time. The experiences of more recent efforts to revive some of our most precious native woodlands are shared, including those at Brackloon Wood, Co Mayo and the People’s Millennium Forests. Native woodland restoration and establishment under the Native Woodland Scheme are presented from different perspectives.
- A New Dawn for Native Woodlands: Brackloon Wood, Co. Mayo – Pilot site for the Native Woodland Scheme by Declan Little (Click to Download)
- Restoring Native Woodlands: The Experience from the People’s Millenium Forests Project by Michael Doyle (Click to Download)
- Ballyvary: Native Woodland Establishment under the Native Woodland Scheme by Joe Gowran (Click to Download)
- Charleville: The owner’s perspective of the Native Woodland Scheme by David Hutton Bury (Click to Download)
- The Native Woodland Scheme from the Forestry Contractor’s Perspective by Liam Byrne (Click to Download)
Theme 5: The Future of Ireland’s Native Woodlands (Click to Download all papers in this theme)
Riparian woodland management requires future research and development in Ireland. Dr Philip Mc Ginnity of the Marine Institute presents a strategic approach to developing our riparian woodlands. An account of the experience of riparian woodland management in Scotland is also offered. Papers explore the main threats to the development of native woodland in Ireland, including the management of invasive trees and shrubs in addition to damage caused by deer, rabbit and hare. The potential of commercial wood production from native woodlands is examined and the potential of non-wood products is investigated. To conclude, an account of progress of native woodland development in the UK is presented.
- Expanding Native Woodlands: A Strategic approach using Rivers and Lakes as part of a Forest Habitat network by Philip McGinnity (Click to Download)
- Borders Forest Trust: native Woodland Restoration in the South of Scotland by Hugh Chalmers (Click to Download)
- Managing the threat of Invasive Plant Species to Ireland’s Native Woodlands by Therese Higgins (Click to Download)
- Managing the threat of Mammals to Ireland’s Native Woodlands by John Mc Curdy (Click to Download)
- Potential Wood production from Ireland’s Native Woodlands by Leonard Gallagher (Click to Download)
- The Potential for non-timber Forest Products in Ireland by Sasha van der Sleesen (Click to Download)
- Native Woodland Development: The UK experience by Gordon Patterson (Click to Download)
Download the full publication here
You can read each of the papers in full on our 2005 publication on the conference proceedings which is available in PDF format. Alternatively you can receive the proceedings on a compact disc format. If you prefer the CD format, please get in contact with Woodlands of Ireland at info@woodlandsofireland.com (Postage costs will be covered by the recipient). Woodlands of Ireland held a second conference in 2018 with the presentations available in video format. You can discover more about the proceedings and the conference overview.