"Large-scale, inappropriate tree planting will cause major damage to scenery, natural ecosystems, water quality and sites of archaeological interest." Sounds like the complaints of many so-called enemies of trees who complain when their familiar bare hilltops are being covered in green planting of conifers or those who denounce the views from their house being obstructed by some new initiative of the forestry people. In fact it comes from the Heritage Council and is quoted extensively in the current issue of the Crann magazine Releafing Ireland. The Government apparently proposes to convert a minimum of 20,000 hectares of land to forestry every year for the next 30 years. And Coilin Mac Lochlainn, the editor of the magazine, argues along with the Heritage Council that this will not only result in more than a two-fold increase in the area under forest but will radically alter the landscape in many parts of the country (the italics are Y's).
Halt a while, is the advice of the Heritage people, or rather "it is questionable whether planting should continue until such time as effective measures and structures are put in place to protect the national heritage". Meaning, a national soil survey has yet to be completed to show that current planting is making the best of local growing conditions. Inappropriate species may affect bio-diversity and natural heritage. Again, the inventory of sites of nature conservation value is not complete. Further, the record of monuments includes only a proportion of all archaeological sites. A full survey needs to be undertaken for their protection. Then the serious risk to rivers and lakes from afforestation. So, on to conifers versus broad-leaved. Ireland, says the report, has the lowest percentage of broad-leaved planting in the EU, where on average 60 per cent of all trees planted are broad-leaved. We, says the Heritage Council should aim at 50 per cent broad-leaves. Coillte, according to this, plants only three per cent. (But Coillte has to make money and the turnover in conifers is certainly quicker. They can stand up for themselves.) Great to have a garden or a field where you can plant what you want. Oaks and birch, of course, but Douglas fir for looks and pinus pinea for the nuts. But for God's sake, no monkey puzzles. Y