Join us in calling on Coillte and the Department of Agriculture to commit to a sustainable, biodiversity focused future for Killykeen.

Currently Killykeen Forest is operated by Coillte both as a national forest park; and as a commercial forest with a focus on timber production and extraction. The clear-felling of 10 hectares of sitka spruce on a public walking trail resulting in a post-apocalyptic scene highlights how Coillte's two aims are incompatible.

The clear-felling caused anguish and outrage among many of those who use the forest park for walks with their families. 

In May 2019 the Dáil voted to declare both a National Climate and Biodiversity Emergency, making Ireland only the second country in the world to do so. Emergency situations, demand emergency action. 

We call on Coillte to bring Killykeen Forest Park - in its entirety - under the Coillte Nature limb. Coillte Nature is the not-for-profit branch of Coillte that is dedicated to the restoration, regeneration and rehabilitation of nature across Ireland. Their mission is to deliver real impact on the climate and biodiversity crises through large-scale projects.

Killykeen Forest Park is a spectacular public amenity which sits on a unique flooded drumlin landscape, supporting diverse and protected species. It is in the heart of Lough Oughter which is protected under the EU Habitats Directive as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Special Protection Area (SPA) for wildlife and particularly wintering birds. 

Sadly, much of Killykeen Forest Park is now a conifer plantation, where it was historically a native woodland. This native woodland can be restored and conserved for the benefit of our biodiversity, our climate and for the enjoyment of our communities as a vital public resource.

Why this should happen:

• Biodiversity is a serious global issue, we are losing our plants, insects, and animals at an alarming rate worldwide. Native woodland supports Irish wildlife, while conifer plantations reduce undergrowth and soil health leading to less biodiversity.
• Native woodland provides a community resource which locals and tourists alike can enjoy, providing myriad fitness, mental health, and educational benefits.
• Studies show Native Woodland to be a more effective carbon store compared to conifer plantations. 
• Planting native woodland is in line with Coillte’s own Strategic Vision, which aims to increase the area of its estate managed primarily for nature from 20% to 30% by 2025; and transform areas of forests so that 50% of Coillte's estate is managed primarily for nature in the longterm.

It's time we unlock the true potential of Killykeen Forest Park as a haven in which nature and communities can thrive in tandem. Come forward, sign this petition, and help us press Coillte to transform Killykeen Forest into an amenity for future generations to cherish and enjoy.