In 1999, Coillte developed a nature conservation strategy for its estate in line with its policy of responsible forest management.  This strategy was formulated not only to take account of the requirements of FSC Certification, but also to address the EU Habitats and Birds Directives and National policies in relation to biodiversity and nature conservation in Ireland. 

Coillte's Nature Conservation Objectives:

• Identify, manage and protect biodiversity features throughout the estate
• Continue process of ecological inventory aimed at identifying habitat networks that require nature conservation measures, and set up monitoring to support sustainable management
• Continue process of enhancing biodiversity in non-designated parts of the forest, focussing on diversifying spatial and structural elements (eg. open space, canopy structures and dead wood), and fully reflecting diversity of soil and site types
• Retain deadwood in all forests managed by Coillte, consistent with health and safety requirements
• Pursue programme of increasing staff awareness, aimed at establishing ethos of nature conservation that is fully integrated into all aspects of Coillte's management

Significant progress was achieved in implementing this strategy to date.  A major component of the strategy was to identify and map partions of the estate that support habitats and species of key conservation value.  These areas are clearly identified in Coilte's integrated Forest Management Plans, which were prepared during 2004 and 2005.

 

Please click here for Consultation Process on  High Conservation Forests in Ireland (HCVF)

For further information on Coillte's biodiversity and nature conservation policy, please contact:

Mr. Pat Neville,
Coillte,
Research and Development,
Newtownmountkennedy,
Co. Wicklow.

Tel: +353 (0)1 2011140
Fax: +353 (0)1 2011199
Email: pat.neville@coillte.ie