First Guaranteed Irish Forest of native trees is secured with the support from The Nature Trust.
Enclaved at the border of counties. Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, Guaranteed Irish has secured the site for its first ever forest of native Irish trees. The 20ha site in Cloonakillina in Co. Mayo overlooks Cloonakillina Lough and is bordered to the southeast by the Clooneen river. Subject to final afforestation licensing, 16ha of the site will be planted with native Irish tree saplings.
This initiative is part of Guaranteed Irish wider commitment to encourage climate action engagement, increase biodiversity and improve public health and wellbeing. Guaranteed Irish membership shows commitment from businesses based in Ireland to provide quality jobs, while supporting the local community. The Guaranteed Irish Forest initiative aligns with the values of the business membership organisation, in creating employment for forestry upkeep and maintenance, benefitting a local community with access to a new amenity, and contributing to the national native Irish forestry targets.
In the raised, drier areas of the site, the likes of Scots pine, oak, hazel and birch will be planted while more water-tolerant species like alder and willow will be added to the lower wetter areas. In time, these trees will grow and create a beautiful biodiverse native woodland, which will be a home for many bird and animal species. It will also be open to the public as a place to relax, learn and connect with nature.
The project is conducted in partnership with The Nature Trust a non-for-profit company backed by Coillte whose mission is to plant open access woodlands and restore natural habitat in Ireland. The Nature Trust will work closely with local forestry companies to plant and maintain the forest. Once the forest is established, The Nature Trust will open it to the public and encourage local communities to come and enjoy the woodlands.
"This forest of native Irish trees is a living testament to the power of collective action for a sustainable future,"
Clemence Jamet, Sustainability Manager at Guaranteed Irish, expresses her excitement, stating, "This forest of native Irish trees is a living testament to the power of collective action for a sustainable future. We envision this project not just as a forest but as a thriving hub of life, knowledge, and community engagement. We look forward to watching it flourish and invite everyone to commit to protect and preserve the natural landscape around them."
Planting on the site will commence in the winter and continue over a three-year period. Guaranteed Irish is committed to raising awareness of the importance of native Irish woodlands and their benefits for the people of Ireland. Guaranteed Irish has engaged recently in Acorn Gathering activity with The Nature Trust to collect native acorns that will contribute to Irish woodlands in the future. More information can be found on www.guaranteedirish.ie.
Supported by Our Green Allies:
This biodiversity project receives unwavering support from a coalition of Guaranteed Irish members—Wavin, Homevalue, Cedral, Kaymed, and Kingscourt Brick.
Picture caption: From left to right, Bríd O’Connell, CEO, Guaranteed Irish, Hedda Dick, Outreach Manager, The Nature Trust, Clémence Jamet, Sustainability Manager Guaranteed Irish, Ciarán Fallon, Managing Director, The Nature Trust
