Native Woodland Management in Ireland

Native Woodland Management in Ireland

Woodlands that serve landowners, wildlife, and the future

Managing a native woodland is both a privilege and a responsibility. These forests are Ireland’s rarest and most ecologically valuable habitats — living legacies that can thrive for generations, if properly cared for.

But managing a woodland doesn’t mean leaving it alone. In fact, most native woodlands require skilled, ongoing management to maintain their ecological integrity, deliver value to the landowner, and quality for the future.

At Ecoplan Forestry, we specialise in native woodlands. We believe management should be tailored, practical, and honest — grounded in ecology, guided by values, and always focused on the landowner’s long-term interests.

Ecoplan’s Role as Your Woodland Consultant

When you engage Ecoplan, you’re not hiring a grant-chaser. You’re partnering with a forestry consultant who sees the whole picture — the woodland, the wildlife, the paperwork, and the person who owns it.

We offer expert advice on:

• Understanding your woodland’s current condition
• Accessing Native Woodland Conservation or Establishment grants
• Improving Forest Biodiversity and long-term forest value through Ecoforestry and Sustainable Forestry
• Wildlife and Habitat Management
• Avoiding costly mistakes made by less experienced or self-interested players.

Too often, woodlands are managed to serve the forester, not the forest. At Ecoplan, we work solely for the landowner — and we give independent, site-specific advice based on what’s best for your woodland and your goals.

Two Main Woodland Pathways (Forestry Grants)

Choose the option that best suits your needs:

➤ Native Woodland Establishment

If your site is suitable for new native woodland creation, this Department of Agriculture scheme offers strong financial incentives. Ecoplan handles everything from ecological design and grant paperwork to planting and maintenance — ensuring your forest is eligible, well-planned, and genuinely native.

➤ Native Woodland Conservation

If you already have an existing native woodland — even if it’s overgrown, degraded, or unmanaged — you may qualify for the Conservation Scheme. We guide you through the process of assessment, grant access, and long-term care, turning neglected woods into thriving habitats and income.

What Makes Ecoplan Different?

• We don’t sell trees. We sell advice. Our only loyalty is to you.
• We specialise. Native woodland isn’t a sideline — it’s a core part of our business and the reason Ecoplan was established in 2007.
• Enlightened Forest management – Sustainable Forestry, Continuous Cover Forestry, Forest Biodiversity, and Ecoforestry.
• Sensitive Forest Road Design to fit the landscape while improving access.
• We’re small on purpose. You’ll always deal with the same consultant — no outsourcing, no surprises.
• We play the long game. We’re not interested in what’s profitable today, but in what creates value and habitat today and for future generations.
• We add value — with or without grants. Even if your woodland doesn’t qualify for support, professional management can improve access, biodiversity, timber quality, and financial returns.

Is Management Right for You?

If you’re unsure whether your land qualifies — or even what type of woodland you have — we’ll help you figure it out.

Ecoplan offers one-off consultations, full grant applications, and long-term forest management. Whether you want to improve your woods, create new ones, or just make sense of the options, we’ll give you straight answers and clear advice.

👉 Contact us today to get started.

Ecoplan offers a complete service — from forest establishment and thinning to wildlife and habitat management and native woodland conservation. Our holistic approach ensures your forest is both productive and ecologically resilient.

See our  Forest Management Services  page for what else Ecoplan can do for you.

And visit About Us to learn more about Ecoplan Forestry

You can learn more about the Scheme details and conditions on the Departments Website