Ireland’s Forest History

A Legacy of Loss, Cultural Identity, & Our Deep Connection to the Land

Our Lost Ecosystem

Aerial view of a deforested area in Ireland, showing sparse greenery and lack of forest cover.

Aerial view of a lush, colorful forest in Ireland showcasing the rich biodiversity before deforestation.

Historically, close to 100% of Ireland was covered by forest, integral to our ecological and cultural heritage. Yet, over the centuries, agricultural expansion, industrialisation, and population growth led to a dramatic removal of almost al our native forests. Today, only about 2% of Ireland’s native woodlands remain, impacting not just our landscape but also our biodiversity, water resources, and ties to the land.

A People Without it’s Forest

We (The Irish) Are The Gaol’s (The Forest People).

Close-up of a young man partially visible behind a large fern leaf, symbolising a connection to nature.

Long ago, amidst the whispering leaves and dappled sunlight of the Emerald Isles forest, the Gaelic tribes thrived in harmony with the land. Their name, “Gael,” derived from the Old Irish word “Goidel,” meaning “wood” or “forest,” spoke volumes about their roots in the natural world. For the Gaels, the forest was not merely a backdrop to their lives but a sacred sanctuary, a source of sustenance, shelter, and spiritual nourishment.

As the Gaels roamed the wilds of ancient Ireland, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the forest, shaping their culture, customs, and language. It was amidst the rustling leaves and towering trees that the Gaelic alphabet, Ogham, took root, its characters inscribed upon wooden staves, echoing the whispers of the woodland spirits.

But the bond between the Gaels and the forest ran deeper still. In the heart of the woodlands, they found solace and strength. Legends tell of druids communing with the spirits of the trees, warriors seeking counsel from the ancient elders, and poets finding muse amidst the rustling leaves.

We find ourselves in a world vastly different from that of our ancestors. Through Reforest Nation, we aim to rekindle the bond between people and the land by restoring the native woodlands that have shaped our heritage.

Wildlife of the Irish Forest

Past and Present

Eurasian Lynx

Lynx lynx lynx
Red Squirrel

Sciurus vulgaris
Brown Bear

Ursus arctos arctos
Pine Marten

Martes martes
European Wolf

Canus lupus lupus
Wild Boar

Sus scrofa
Red Deer

Cervus elaphus
Spotted Woodpecker

Dendrocopus major
Red Fox

Vulpes vulpes
Eurasian Badger

Meles meles
Long-eared owl

Asio otus

Ireland’s Forest Decline

Graphical representation of Ireland's forest cover decline from 6000 BC to present, illustrating a dramatic decrease over time.

The Good News, Irelands Reforestation Potential

Ireland has the highest reforestation potential of any country for its size, thanks to its temperate climate and changing land use. The decline in traditional farming, driven by an aging population and lower profitability, has freed up more land for forest restoration. This opens a unique chance to restore Ireland’s landscapes and improve its ecological health. Reforest Nation is using this potential by expanding tree-planting projects across the country. With innovative methods and a focus on restoring native woodlands, we’re transforming available land into thriving ecosystems, revitalising Ireland’s natural heritage, and building a more sustainable future. For a closer look at how we’re restoring Ireland’s forests, click here.