Context
Ireland, although famous for its green landscapes, is one of the least wooded countries in Europe, with only 11% forest cover, compared with a European average of 35%.
Historically, 80% of the island was covered by forest, but this was cleared for agriculture over the centuries, leaving only 1% forested in 1925. Since then, efforts have been made to reforest, mainly with commercial plantations of conifers such as Sitka spruce, which cover 9% of the country. However, only 2% of the territory is covered by native deciduous forests.
Biodiversity and conservation are now at the heart of forestry policies, complementing timber exploitation, with significant ecological, economic and tourism benefits for the country.
Supported Project
From 2023-2024, the L'OCCITANE Foundation is committed to supporting Hometree for their project to restore the Wild Atlantic Rainforest in Ireland.
The project aims to restore temperate rainforests through three key strategies: encouraging natural regeneration by reducing grazing pressure, fencing forest areas to allow expansion, and planting trees where there is a strong ecological justification. These actions are being implemented on 2,000 acres of land, which has been purchased, restored and held in charitable trust for the benefit of the Irish public. In addition, the creation and restoration of woodland areas is being supported on a further 2,000 acres in collaboration with neighbouring landowners. Restoration efforts combine several techniques, including targeted tree planting, natural regeneration and peatland rehydration.
The project also supports biodiversity by restoring native habitats while delivering sustainable environmental and social benefits to local communities. By improving ecosystem services and creating resilient landscapes, the initiative contributes to a more sustainable future.
Some Figures
Budget 15,000 euros
Result 1.2 hectares regenerated
Historic of the partnership
Hometree's mission is to establish and conserve permanent native forests in Ireland, encouraging land regeneration and biodiversity through reforestation, restoration and education.
Photo credit : Hometree website
