Expert Native Woodland Management – Ecoplan Forestry
Ecoplan Forestry was established in 2007 to provide Native Woodland Management solutions. While most of the industry was focused on commercial conifer monocultures, Ecoplan saw the need to create, preserve, and enhance, the woodlands of Ireland, and so concentrates on the Native Woodland Establishment and Conservation Schemes, and converting dying ash plantations to native woodland by the ash-dieback scheme.
Since stablishment, Ecoplan has Planted More Native Oak Woodland than anyone else (20% according to the CSO), has completed more Native Woodland Conservation projects than anyone else, and are simply more passionate about native woodlands than anyone else.
As Irelands Native Woodland Scheme specialists, Ecoplan has developed a reputation and track record in this area which is second to none. From managing some of Irelands most important Annex 1 Old Oak Woodlands to establishing a range of indigenous woodland types, Ecoplan Forestry has the proven experience, passion, and dedication, which is essential for your Native needs.
Native Woodland
There are 8 distinct types of woodlands of Ireland, but these can often overlap and intermingle depending on the site type and historic management. A number of different classification systems for native Irish woodlands have been used
over the years, from relatively straightforward ‘practical’ systems to more complex ‘academic’ systems.
The classification generally used is based on the principal types identified in the National Survey of Native Woodlands 2003-2008 (Perrin et al., 2008), in which the dominantcanopy tree defines the name. These types include numerous subtypes, although in general these are unimportant in terms of management practices.
Native Woodland Management
The different types are: Oak Woodland, Ash Woodland, Alder Woodland, Birch Woodland, Hazel Woodland, Yew Woodland, Willow Woodland, and Alluvial Woodland. All have their own beauty and characteritics, but they are also all experiencing their own problems and issues.
These native woodlands cover less than two percent of Ireland’s land area, but they are arguably by far the most complex and biodiverse habitats in the country. They come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from ancient oak and ash woodlands, some of which are over 400 years old, to naturally emerging woodlands such as birch wood colonising cutaway bog or waste-ground, to recently planted woods.
Every type must be managed for their protection, enhancement and expansion to ensure they thrive and survive long into the future. Ecoplan work closely with Ecologists and the National Parks and Wildlife Service because these habitats are about so much more than just the trees.
Native Oak Woodland
Creating and managing a native forest is all about being able to ‘see the forest for the trees’. It is all about biodiversity – species, age, and height diversity, flora and fauna habitats, natural boundaries, ecotones, water quality, aesthetics, amenity, and much, much, more. All Irish forestry companies and consultants provide native woodland services, but very few really believe in, or fully understand, our Native Woodlands.
Native Woodland management prioritises the alternative forest values – biodiversity, amenity, aesthetics, water, and landscape above financial returns. Remember, old woodlands need to be rejuvenated, and the best time to plant native forests is today.
Ecoplan are experts in the the Forest Service grant-aided Native Woodland Establishment and Native Woodland Conservation Schemes. Ecoplan Forestry will visit your proposed site, assess its suitability and eligibility, and provide you with a document explaining your options. If you are interested in creating a native forest, or preserving an existing native woodland, if you believe in whole forests and their biodiversity, and not the trees alone, please contact us for more information.
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 learn more about the Scheme details and conditions on the Departments Website
