Forestry in Ireland has never been so contentious. It is the subject of
protests outside parliament and angry call-in radio shows. Over the last
century the area of Irish woodland has increased tenfold, mostly through
the planting of imported conifer species: government policy is to plant
more trees to supply industry and to tackle climate change, both urgent
priorities. But there has been a backlash from farmers, local
communities, environmentalists and EU regulators. The rate of new
planting has plummeted. And the reality is that up to one-third of the
new plantations are failed forests that should never have been planted
in the first place.
So how did we end up in this peculiar situation? Island of Woods takes
a sweeping historical view, tracing the history of Irish forests over
the last 10,000 years. It examines the state of Irish forestry today and
sketches a way forward for our woods that balances commercial,
environmental and social goals - a vision of a different type of
forestry that could transform the Irish landscape and re-establish a
genuine tree culture in the country.
This comprehensive and engaging overview of the history of Irish
forestry relates historical events to present-day concerns and
controversies, drawing out general themes that echo throughout the
centuries. It will appeal to anyone who cares about the Irish landscape
and environment.
