Coillte enhancing forest biodiversity at Mullaghmeen

Coillte has carried out essential works to enhance the overall biodiversity value of the forest at Mullaghmeeen.

Mullaghmeen, managed by Coillte, is a popular wood that’s renowned for its beech trees and rich mix of ash, hazel, birch, oak, Scots pine, silver fir, Monterey pine, and larch. The forest is home to an wildlife including squirrels, badgers and even long eared owls.

Coillte ecologists have prepared a close-to-nature management plan for Mullaghmeen Woods which will result in actions to enhance biodiversity.

Certain trees will be thinned out to open the forest canopy above. That creates gaps which allow more light to reach the forest floor and help the regeneration of native trees in the woods.

That is crucial for the long-term sustainability and vitality of the forest and will enhance the biodiversity value of Mullaghmeen Woods.

The ultimate vision for Mullaghmeen Woods is to create a permanent and more biodiverse forest teeming with wildlife. This vibrant ecosystem will offer the public an opportunity to connect with nature, while maintaining their access to an important amenity.

It will result in a multi-layered woodland that fosters a more robust ecosystem, regenerating native trees, creating deadwood to promote nutrient recycling, and preserving mature and veteran trees.

As part of its new strategic forestry vision, Coillte aim to sustainably balance and deliver the multiple benefits from Ireland’s state forests across four strategic pillars: climate, wood, nature, and people.

As part of their actions for nature, they plan to increase the amount of forests and lands managed for biodiversity from 20% to 30% by the year 2025, which is roughly equivalent to 1.5 times the size of County Louth, or 3,250 GAA pitches.

Forest ecologist at Coillte, Katie Pender said: “We have a responsibility to preserve and enhance the biodiversity of our forests and the Coillte approach at Mullaghmeen Woods reflects a crucial step towards creating a sustainable and multi-layered habitat for local wildlife.

"The careful management plan for Mullaghmeen Woods will ensure that the woods will be enjoyed for generations to come.”

(Information provided by Collite.)