The government aims to increase the afforested land area from 9% to 17% by 2030. Three- quarters of funds for this will come from European Structural funds, intending to diversify the rural economy and to take land out of agricultural production.

This poses some serious threats to biodiversity in the country. The Forest Service Environmental Guidelines state; "forests are amongst the most diverse and complex ecosystems in the world .. Ireland's forests represent an important opportunity to conserve and enhance biodiversity" *. This may be true of native forests worldwide, it is certainly not true of the exotic conifer plantations which pass for forestry in Ireland.

Common species such as Goldcrest and Coal Tit will benefit. Newly planted conifer plantations are attractive hunting grounds for Hen Harrier but only in the short term. Grown conifer plantations are dense, leading to direct loss of habitat. The density and drainage lead to acidification of streams and rivers and increased run-off. The blanketing of uplands in exotic conifers is resented by many residents and is detrimental to local tourist interests. The value of MDF, the raison d'etre of much conifer plantation, is likely to be short lived as environmental and health concerns, certainly in the EU, will see it phased out. The inclusion of forestry in REPS II is likely to lead to increased plantation on unimproved land, usually the most biodiverse habitat. Only applications to plant over 50ha, a tiny minority, are subject to an EIA.

While most people would be in favour of increasing broadleaf forestry cover, the initial premium grants for broadleaf plantations are being eroded by inflation and the rising value and development potential of land. According to Jack Tennison, a manager of mixed woodlands, "any farmer who plants his farm will immediately reduce its worth by at least a third if he plants Sitka and by more than half if he plants oak. Remember that land value is a farmer's pension, and it matters". **

Yet at the same time, Ireland imports more tropical wood than ever; 133million euro in 2000, up almost half in one year. Our ash plantations cannot supply the demand for tool handles nor hurleys.

The example given by Michael Viney^# of £150UK for a 150 year old Scottish oak, albeit not premium quality, indicates the poor return to the forester.
Something just doesn't add up here?

^* Forests of value? - Christine Croton, Wings, Winter 2002.
To foward your comments or to obtain information on Birdwatch's position:
ccroton@birdwatchireland.org
The above text does not represent Birdwatch's opinion.

^**Forest Network News N^o. 75 www.friendsoftheirishenvironment.net

^# Ravaging oak woods for ravishing houses - Michael Viney, Irish Times, 23.11.2002