Reforesting Ireland

Restoring Our Natural Heritage.

Why Should We?

It's more than just planting trees; it's about reclaiming Ireland's natural heritage. Millennia of deforestation have eroded its ecological vitality. Through naturalistic reforestation, we can revive its beauty, combat climate change, and renew the bond between the land and its people.

Our Lost Ecosystem

Aerial view of a deforested area in Ireland, showing sparse greenery and lack of forest cover.
Aerial view of a lush, colorful forest in Ireland showcasing the rich biodiversity before deforestation.

Historically, close to 100% of Ireland was covered by forest, integral to our ecological and cultural heritage. Yet, over the centuries, agricultural expansion, industrialisation, and population growth led to a dramatic removal of almost al our native forests. Today, only about 2% of Ireland’s native woodlands remain, impacting not just our landscape but also our biodiversity, water resources, and ties to the land.

A People Without it’s Forest

We (The Irish) Are The Gaol’s (The Forest People).

Close-up of a young man partially visible behind a large fern leaf, symbolising a connection to nature.

Long ago, amidst the whispering leaves and dappled sunlight of the Emerald Isles forest, the Gaelic tribes thrived in harmony with the land. Their name, “Gael,” derived from the Old Irish word “Goidel,” meaning “wood” or “forest,” spoke volumes about their roots in the natural world. For the Gaels, the forest was not merely a backdrop to their lives but a sacred sanctuary, a source of sustenance, shelter, and spiritual nourishment.

As the Gaels roamed the wilds of ancient Ireland, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the forest, shaping their culture, customs, and language. It was amidst the rustling leaves and towering trees that the Gaelic alphabet, Ogham, took root, its characters inscribed upon wooden staves, echoing the whispers of the woodland spirits.

But the bond between the Gaels and the forest ran deeper still. In the heart of the woodlands, they found solace and strength. Legends tell of druids communing with the spirits of the trees, warriors seeking counsel from the ancient elders, and poets finding muse amidst the rustling leaves.

We find ourselves in a world vastly different from that of our ancestors. Through Reforest Nation, we aim to rekindle the bond between people and the land by restoring the native woodlands that have shaped our heritage.

Wildlife of the Irish Forest

Past and Present

  • Close-up of a Eurasian Lynx with intense eyes and distinctive facial markings.

    Eurasian Lynx

    Lynx lynx lynx

  • Red Squirrel perched in a natural setting, showcasing its vibrant fur and bushy tail.

    Red Squirrel

    Sciurus vulgaris

  • Brown Bear in a lush forest, looking directly at the camera with a calm demeanor.

    Brown Bear

    Ursus arctos arctos

  • Pine Marten clinging to a tree trunk, camouflaged within a green forest environment.

    Pine Marten

    Martes martes

  • European Wolf in a dim forest setting, featuring piercing eyes and a thick coat.

    European Wolf

    Canus lupus lupus

  • Wild Boar foraging on the forest floor, captured in a natural, leafy environment.

    Wild Boar

    Sus scrofa

  • Majestic Red Deer with a full rack of antlers standing in a forest clearing.

    Red Deer

    Cervus elaphus

  • Spotted Woodpecker perched on a tree, pecking at the bark in search of insects.

    Spotted Woodpecker

    Dendrocopus major

  • Red Fox with alert expression and detailed fur, standing in a vibrant green environment.

    Red Fox

    Vulpes vulpes

  • Eurasian Badger peeking through green foliage, displaying its distinctive striped face.

    Eurasian Badger

    Meles meles

  • Long-eared Owl with intense orange eyes and detailed feathers, perched at night.

    Long-eared owl

    Asio otus

Ireland’s Forest Decline

Graphical representation of Ireland's forest cover decline from 6000 BC to present, illustrating a dramatic decrease over time.

The Good News, Irelands Reforestation Potential

This map from the World Wildlife Fund highlights Ireland as the global leader in reforestation potential.

Ireland holds the highest reforestation potential of any country in the world for its size, a status supported by its excellent climate and changes in land use. With a rich history of lush forests and an ideal temperate maritime climate, Ireland is uniquely positioned to reclaim its forested landscapes. The shift away from traditional farming, driven by an aging farmer population and decreasing farm profitability, means more land is becoming available. These lands present a prime opportunity to increase forest coverage, enhancing Ireland’s natural beauty and ecological health right in our own backyard.

Where Are We Planting?

Reforest Nation is expanding its tree planting projects throughout Ireland, reaching new areas every year.

Our Impact In Ireland

103,775

Total trees planted between 2020-2024.

518,875kg

Estimate of co2 absorbed in Ireland to date.

14

Irish counties planted in.

Forests, Not Monocultures

Contrasting images of conifer monoculture versus diverse native forest in Ireland to highlight the environmental impact.

Planting conifer monocultures has degraded Irish ecosystems, harming soil, water, and biodiversity. These trees alter soil and block sunlight, hindering diverse plant growth. Many global efforts favour single-species plantations, which do not support biodiversity or ecological functions.

Our Method

Illustration of the Miyawaki method showing multiple forest layers and a cross-section of the soil, emphasising enhanced growth and biodiversity.

Reforest Nation has introduced the revolutionary Miyawaki method to Ireland. This technique densely plants up to 27 native species, accelerating growth and surpassing traditional forest survival rates.

The closely packed saplings replicate natural forest regeneration, fostering robust ecosystems with symbiotic soil fungi and intense competition for light. This approach significantly enhances carbon sequestration and biodiversity, creating mature, biodiverse forests in just a decade.

“The Difference Is Staggering”

George Lee -RTE News

Comparison images of trees at 18 months showing traditional versus Reforest Nation planting methods, with a quote from George Lee from RTE news stating 'The difference is staggering.

The standard Irish planting regime vs our naturalistic method. Our approach eliminates the need for plastic posts, which can cost three times more than the trees themselves and are often used merely for photographic visibility. In deer areas we install efficient fencing instead.

Steps to Success

Hand holding rich, dark soil, illustrating the initial soil survey step in the reforestation process.
Number 1, indicating the first step in the reforestation process: Soil Survey

Soil Survey

Soil Survey: First, we check out the soil to understand what it’s made of and what it needs. This helps us figure out if the area is ready for new trees or if we need to help it along.

Number 2, marking the second step in the reforestation process: Species Survey.
Volunteer examining local flora, representing the species survey to determine suitable plants for reforestation.
A comprehensive timeline image depicting the sequential steps of the reforestation process from soil survey, species survey, soil engineering, planting, to letting nature takeover, each illustrated with corresponding visuals.

Species Survey

Next, we take a look at what’s already growing nearby. By knowing which trees and plants are thriving, we can choose the best ones to add, making sure our forest fits right in with the local ecosystem.

Number 3, highlighting the third step in the reforestation process: Soil Engineering.
Close-up of organic matter being mixed into soil, showcasing soil engineering for better tree growth

Soil Engineering

At some sites, the soil might need a bit of help. Here, we mix in organic matter to give it a nutrient boost and loosen it up so new roots can spread easily. We also lay down mulch to keep grass and weeds at bay.

Number 4, denoting the fourth step in the reforestation process: Planting.
Volunteers planting young trees, focusing on the careful placement of saplings in the ecosystem.

Planting

With our fantastic volunteers, we plant a variety of native trees close together. This step is all about precision—making sure each tree starts life in the best possible spot.

Number 5, representing the final step in the reforestation process: Letting Nature Takeover.
Lush, newly grown forest area, demonstrating nature's takeover after the initial planting efforts.

Letting Nature Takeover

After planting, it’s over to nature. We step back and let the trees do their thing, growing into a wild and wonderful forest.

The Results

Injust 18 months since planting, our forest trees have grown to impressive heights of 4 meters. Birds sing, bees buzz, and biodiversity is returning to the landscape.

  • A volunteer in orange gear tending to young trees in a lush, newly reforested area, illustrating active forest management.

  • Close-up of vibrant red berries on bushy plants, highlighting the successful growth of understory vegetation in a reforested landscape.

  • A narrow, natural path winding through a densely vegetated forest area, showing the established growth of the ecosystem.

  • Close-up of a person's hands gently holding and supporting a young tree's trunk, demonstrating care and attention in tree growth.

  • Vivid autumn leaves in close-up, showcasing the seasonal change with a focus on the vibrant red and orange foliage.

Virtual Tour

Take a tour through one of our forests, this particular one is in Limerick and open to the public. Witness the staggering growth achieved in just 18 months.

All Thanks To You

None of this would be possible with our members, tree gifters and partnering businesses, each year we invite them to join us planting in their thousands!

  • A large group of diverse volunteers smiling at a reforestation site, displaying a Reforest Nation logo.

  • A young girl in a winter hat joyfully holding a young tree seedling, ready to plant it.

  • A small child laughing joyously while holding a 'Reforest' sign at a planting event.

  • A man in an orange turban and Reforest Nation hoodie looking up, inspired by the reforested area around him.

  • Volunteers walking along a trail in the reforestation area, engaging with the environment.

  • Two women volunteers smiling, holding gardening tools, standing in a lush reforestation site.

  • Volunteer in red jacket planting saplings in a forest area, carefully positioning the tree in soil.

  • Focused volunteer using a planting tool to dig in forest soil, showing hands-on participation in reforestation.

  • Group of volunteers, diverse in age and background, planting young trees in a forest setting.

  • Young volunteer in a green jacket planting a tree, exemplifying youth engagement in environmental conservation.

  • Volunteers interact while planting trees, demonstrating community involvement and teamwork in a lush green field.

  • Volunteer in casual wear carefully plants a young tree, ensuring the plant is properly positioned in the soil.

  • Volunteers planting trees in a field, working together to dig and plant under clear skies.

  • Community members of varying ages participate in a tree planting day, each person actively involved in the greening effort.

  • A volunteer bends over to plant a tree in a prepared hole, surrounded by green grass and fellow participants.

Supporting Ireland’s native woodlands – Reforest Nation project icon