Native Woodland Planting

What is a Native Woodland?

A Native Woodland is woodland comprising of trees species that would have originally come from Northern Ireland and are capable of growing and naturally regenerating on sites in this area. The trees would have been naturally occurring in the province of Ulster or sometimes more specific to smaller areas / pockets of land. These woodlands would have occurred without the intervention of man.

Why should we be planting new Native Woodlands in Northern Ireland?

Native woodlands are an important part of our heritage and do not only include the trees which we use to plant them but also the species which will regenerate as a result of planting the trees, including the flora and fauna and wildlife. A great deal of our Native Woodlands have been removed to make way for farming or developing the countryside over the years and have been lost. Through planting Native Woodlands throughout Northern Ireland, we can hope to put back some of those areas which have been lost, adding to the beauty and diversity of NI’s woodlands and protecting and increasing wildlife habitat. The creation of Native Woodlands in Northern Ireland is an important element of the Northern Ireland’s Biodiversity Strategy.

Will the Forest Service Grant enable me to plant a Native Woodland?

YES. Approximately 97% of IndiWoods clients have planted New Native Woodlands over the past 3 years. All of these woodlands are planted with trees sourced from the Forest Service recognised local planting zones and are designed and planted in accordance with the recommended Native Woodland UK guidelines. The woodlands still include timber production, leisure and recreation and potential fuel crop objectives, along with aesthetically enhancing the countryside and wildlife habitats.

What tree species are in a New Native Woodland?

The Dominant Tree Species are primarily the ones growing wild in our hedgerows and include:
Oak – Quercus petraea & Quercus robur
Ash – Fraxinus excelsior
Rowan (Mountain Ash) – Sorbus aucuparia
Birch (Downy) – Betula pubescence
Alder – Alnus glutinosa
Hazel – Corylus avallana
Notice that Beech, Sycamore and Horse Chestnut (Conker Tree) are not included in this list as they are non native species, although have been in this country for many years. These have been introduced by man over the centuries.
Other native species which make up the remainder of our woodlands as shrub and understory trees include:
Silver Birch – Betula pendula
Hawthorn – Crataegus monogyna
Holly – Ilex aquifolium
Wild Cherry – Prunus avium
Crab Apple – Malus sylvestris
Aspen – Populus tremula
Willows – Salix, including Goat, Grey, Osier, Bay and several others
Guelder Rose – Viburnum opulus
Scots Pine were once native to Northern Ireland but it is believed that they have become extinct during the most recent glacial period.