6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 1

RESTORING PRIORITY WOODLAND HABITATS IN IRELAND

A FORESTERS EXPERIENCE OF

WOODLAND RESTORATION

Castletaylor Wood, Co Galway

Declan Whelan

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 2

Ash hazel woodland associated with limestone pavement 32.8 ha

Geology

History of wood

NS,MP,SF,0C (50s)

Mixed broadleaf

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 3

Summary Restoration Operations

Removal of non-native conifers 17.5 ha

Removal non-native broadleaves 26.1 ha

removal of invasive shrubs 32 ha

sheep fencing 2,000 metres completed

Wall repair 455 metres completed

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 4

Summary Restoration Operations

Extension of yew woodland through natural regeneration and planting of local native stock 12 hectares 4,200 yew planted (200 more)

Entire site 32.8 being treated for removal of natural regenerating non-native species

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 5

Starting Out

Consultation Sept 06

Site Action Plans

Local community

NPWS, FS

SAC

Limited felling licence granted

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 6

Preparing the Site and Training

Harvested ‘07 16ha

Sawlog (.6 – 3m2)

Brash mats

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 7

Removal of non-native conifers 17.5 ha

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 8

Removal Non-native Broadleaves 26.1 ha

Retention of ash, hazel, holly …

Deadwood created

Beech removed

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 9

Removal of Invasive Shrubs 32 ha

To make room for the natural regeneration

Plenty holly, hazel, juniper, yew, ash, spindle, rowan, guelder rose

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 10

Stock Fencing 2,000 metres

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 11

Wall Repair 455 metres

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 12

Yew

Extension of yew woodland through natural regeneration

planting 4,200 yew (+200)

local native yew

Mulch mats

12 hectares in total

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 13

Ongoing Management

Entire site 32.8 being treated for removal of natural regenerating non-native species

Coppice beech

Regen radiata pine

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 14

Retention

Scots pine marked for retention before harvesting

Yew, ash and other natives retained

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 15

Safe Access & Signage

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 16

Community Alert

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 17

Culture & Heritage

Aug 2008, Heritage Week, Walk

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 18

Impact of Restoration

2006

2007 2009

6th October 2009 End of Project Conference 19

A FORESTERS EXPERIENCE OF

WOODLAND RESTORATION

Ash Hazel Woodland associated with limestone pavement Castletaylor Co Galway