forest friends^.ie

Forest Friends Ireland value forests because of their essential role in maintaining the fragile ecosystems which preserve the earth's rich biological and cultural diversity.

We are guided by our Strategic Objectives to plant our native trees, insist on the preservation of our native woodlands, and see to it that our native trees are planted in preference to the present Government policy of planting monocultures of non-native exotic species. The principles of biodiversity set out at the Earth Summit in Rio 1992 should underpin action at all levels. The most precious thing on earth is the earth's rich diversity of species, yet that is what is being systematically destroyed, to the detriment of all.

Forest Friends Ireland/Cáirde na Coille have prioritised three main projects ...

• Firstly, A Centre of Forest Biodiversity, based on best practice in Silva culture and Permaculture, a centre for environmental education, incorporating; visitor centre; existing natural woodlands; new tree planting, using 100% native species; commemorative trees; woodcrafts, with local community involvement; an Ogham grove based on the Celtic tree alphabet; tree nursery. The centre will be held in trust in perpetuity for community benefit.
• Secondly, A Woodland Cross-border Project with Northern Ireland, developing forest skills, capacity building and community development.
• Thirdly, the "Neart" ("Strength") Project, with volunteer, education, training and cultural exchange elements, for the preservation of the rainforests of Ghana and the mangrove forests of Senegal. You can read more details of the activities and organisation of Forest Friends Ireland throughout this web site.

The "Neart" project is well underway. Some elements of the Cross Border Project are already in place. The Centre for Forest Biodiversity is a project at the initial stages.