Coillte is planning works to improve and enhance the long-term biodiversity value of Kilcornan Wood, Co. Galway.
Kilcornan is a beautiful forest and popular recreation site in Clarinbridge, south Galway, managed by Coillte primarily for nature and wildlife. Kilcornan has been recognised by Coillte as an area vital for biodiversity preservation. To protect the area and its wildlife, Coillte’s team of ecologists have put a management plan in place to improve the long-term biodiversity of this forest.
The forest in Kilcornan is a mix of different tree species such as beech, Norway spruce and native tree species like oak and ash. Although it currently holds significant value for wildlife, much of the forest is now even aged with a dense forest canopy, hindering the natural regeneration of new trees to sustain the forest’s future.
Coillte is adopting a close-to-nature approach to manage the Kilcornan forest, guided by a plan developed collaboratively by ecologists and foresters. The objective is to gradually transform the forest from even-aged stands dominated by one or two tree species into a diverse ecosystem with trees of varying ages and sizes, and a rich assortment of species in both the canopy and forest floor. This diversification will create new habitats, allowing a wide variety of wild animals and plants to flourish.
This approach is known as Continuous Cover Forestry and will ensure a permanent forest cover is retained at Kilcornan for decades to come. The forest will be thinned periodically to create gaps in the forest canopy to allow the light needed that will promote natural regeneration of a range of tree species.
Speaking on the importance of the biodiversity works, Coillte Forest Ecologist, Janice Fuller said, “Coillte’s Kilcornan forest is an important forest for nature, and I’m delighted to see these works progress here. Coillte’s approach at Kilcornan has been drawn up by ecologists and foresters working together to enhance the long-term biodiversity value of this woodland. The management plan for Kilcornan will be implemented in a very sensitive manner and the works will ensure that the ecology of the woods will be enhanced and can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
The overall vision for Kilcornan is to create a permanent and biodiverse forest that is teeming with wildlife and is a wonderful place for visitors to enjoy. The first intervention is planned for late Summer 2024 and works will last for approximately three to four weeks.
Warning signage will be erected in Kilcornan later this year and temporary diversions may be in place during forest operations. Coillte kindly asks visitors to please adhere to all safety signage on site and thanks visitors for their cooperation.
