Conference Speakers
Éanna Ní Lamhna, well known botanist and ecologist spoke of the value of these biodiversity rich woodlands and had visited Clonbur Wood to see for herself the ash and hazel on the limestone pavement. Eanna strongly endorsed the project and encouraged celebration of these priority woodlands. She highlighted the value of native woodlands and particularly their enormous biodiversity value not just to wildlife but as carbon stores. .
Much support and approval for the success of this project was shown on the day by speakers representing a range of fields from Birdwatch Ireland, Bat Conservation Ireland, Woodlands of Ireland, The Forest Service and National Parks and Wildlife Service. Speakers travelled from Forest Service Northern Ireland and contributions were made from the local Clonbur community outlining the positive effect this Coillte LIFE project has made to the local area and how the value of the priority woodland will continue into the future. All of the visiting presenters complimented the project results which had been outlined earlier in the day by the project team. The ecology of these special habitats was core to the overall deliberations of the conference.
