Woodlands of Ireland has hosted three conferences since it was formed in 1998. These conferences serve as dynamic platforms for sharing knowledge, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation in the conservation and management of Ireland’s native woodlands. These events bring together a diverse audience, including environmental professionals, policymakers, academics, community groups, and other stakeholders passionate about preserving our natural heritage. See a brief synopsis of each conference, click the highlighted links for more detail.
Native Woodlands Conference 2004: "Ireland's Native Woodlands"
The first conference by Woodlands of Ireland was held from September 8th to 11th 2004 at the Galway-Mayo Institute of Technology. The overall conference was called "Ireland's Native Woodlands" and it was organised to create an awareness of the urgent need for the conservation and management of Ireland’s native woodland resource. 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 event took place during Heritage Week and also coincided with the centenary year of Irish forestry. Discover more by reading the conference proceedings.
Native Woodlands Conference 2018: "20 Years A-Growing"
The second conference by Woodlands of Ireland was held on April 30th and May 1st, 2018 at the Glenview Hotel, Delgany, Co. Wicklow. The conference, titled ‘20 Years A-Growing’, was organised by Woodlands of Ireland to celebrate two decades of work to restore, manage and create new native woodlands in Ireland. Presentations from leading Irish and international experts covered a wide range of topics, from managing native woodlands and hedgerows to flood management, woodlands for water protection, the recent arrival of the great spotted woodpecker, invasive species and climate change, ecosystem services, seed-saving, deer ecology, and rewilding. Discover more by reading the conference proceedings.
Native Woodlands Conference 2024: Woodlands of Ireland Conference
The third conference by Woodlands of Ireland was held from October 1st to October 3rd, 2024, at the International Scouting Centre, Castle Saunderson, Co. Cavan. It was a gathering dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of Ireland's native woodlands. It built on the success of the previous Conferences in 2018 and 2004, with a focus on 3 themes: Ancient Woodland on the island of Ireland - distribution and condition; Protective Tree Cover in catchments and Community Involvement in Forest Management. Discover more by reading the conference proceedings.
