Main pic: A ‘blueway’ footpath in Monellan Wood established by Coillte in conjunction with Crossroads and Killygordon Enterprise (CAKE).
Coillte has confirmed that it intends to convert three east Donegal commercial forests to native woodlands.
The State-owned body said works are due to commence at its sites at Drumboe, Creggan (Ballybofey) and Monellan, Crossroads, Killygordon, to enhance biodiversity. These works are expected to continue throughout the summer months.
Coillte plans to adopt a ‘close-to-nature approach’ and said the three forests are currently managed primarily for nature and wildlife as biodiversity areas.
Continuous Cover Forestry (CCF) allows for the removal of selected trees for wood while retaining a permanent forest cover to protect wildlife, soils and water. Management plans for these forests have been developed by Coillte ecologists and foresters.
“Opening up the forest canopy through CCF will allow more light to reach the forest floor which will promote the development of woodland flowers and favour the natural regeneration of trees,” a Coillte spokesperson said.
The CCF process begins with the identification of trees for removal by a specially trained forester. Other trees with a particularly high value for nature will also be marked to ensure they are retained.
“CCF is a long-term process but, over time, the forest canopy and ground flora will become more diverse benefitting wildlife and nature.”
A sign erected at Monellan Wood in recent days outlines Coiltte’s ‘native’ plans.
These works are being carried out as part of Coillte’s wider new forestry strategic vision which aims to balance and deliver the multiple benefits of its forests for climate, nature, wood and people.
Coillte said it is committed to the enhancement and restoration of biodiversity on its forests and lands and to increase the amount of land it manages primarily for nature from 20% to 30% by the year 2025. In the longer term, Coillte plans to transform areas of our forests so that 50% of its estate is managed primarily for nature.
Coillte said these forests are important recreational and amenity sites for the local community and, as such, is hosting a public consultation day in its Ballybofey office on Friday 30th June between 2pm and 5pm.
“This will be an opportunity to discuss the plans for these forests and give members of the public an opportunity to ask any questions they might have,” the spokesperson said.
Visitors to these forests are kindly asked to follow all safety signage and instructions from staff on site while the works are ongoing.