Did you know that only 2% of the forest cover in Ireland is made up of native trees?
On this episode, Oisín Ó Néill, one of the Directors of the Gaelic Woodland Project, discusses his journey from solicitor to grassroots environmental advocate, emphasising the critical link between local action and policy change. We also discuss all things biodiversity in Ireland. He tells us about the unregulated invasive species cherry laurel, and the broader issues facing Irish forestry, like non-native plantations, overgrazing by deer and why it may not be time for wolves to make a comeback in Ireland.
Gaeilge is also a central part of the Gaelic Woodland Projects’ work. We discuss how natural heritage and linguistic heritage are connected and how we are still seeing the impacts of Ireland’s colonial history manifest in our natural environment today.
This episode was recorded as part of the Wiki Loves Earth 2025 Campaign and photo competition. You can find out how to enter and win prizes here.
Bloom Festival
If you’re attending Bloom festival this year, Oisín will be at the Sustainable Living Stage on Saturday at 16:45 for a discussion panel about invasive species. Tickets for the festival are available via Ticket Master.
Resources Mentioned:
- The National Biodiversity Data Centre offers a range of resources on pollinator-friendly plants that won’t play havoc on our ecosystems, including species and guidelines for gardens.
- Protecting Woodlands and The Cherry Laurel Project.
- Hometree charity
- Rhodedenderon Rangers
- Mary Renyolds
- Gaelic Woodland Project Instagram @gaelicwoodlandproject
- Website: gaelicwoodlandproject.com
- National Parks and Wildlife Service
