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