Letter from Urban Wilderness to Coillte Nature
To Coillte Nature Contacts,
I am contacting you as a member of a new nature restoration group, Urban Wilderness, that aims to study, restore, expand and regenerate native woodlands and biodiversity within or close to urban or suburban settings. We are registered with Wicklow PPN (CWPPN-00967)
This email relates specifically to Kindlestown Woods in Delgany, Wicklow which is currently under the management of Coillte.
Background:
Before I outline the main premise of this correspondence, it is worth noting that I, and several other local people to Greystones have been in contact previously with Coillte representatives regarding this woodland. A vision for creating a healthy ecosystem within and around the surrounds of Kindlestown was proposed and discussed in detail with Coillte representatives in recent years.
See links below to a presentation and accompanying petition created by artist and local resident Eoin Llewelyn for context.
https://mywildireland.ie/projects/
https://my.uplift.ie/petitions/create-a-national-park-city-in-greystones-north-wicklow
Additionally, last year several members of the local community were in contact with Coillte regarding the replanting of non-native conifers on the northern side of Kindlestown Hill as they argue that this is the wrong course of action to take at this time (discussed further below).
Rationale for Restoring Kindlestown Woods:
The Urban Wilderness team believe that Kindlestown Woods, though small and contained, should be a restoration priority for Coillte Nature. Both this group and several community volunteer groups we have been in contact with, including Rewild Wicklow Tidy Towns Delgany and Greystones, would be very willing to support the transition of this woodland from commercial forestry site to a native woodland only. All groups are covered by indemnity insurance so joint working on site would be possible without risk to Coillte, if an agreement can be reached to this end.
The rationale for selecting Kindlestown Woods as a pilot site for our campaign is as follows:
a) its proximity to an old growth sessile oak wood in Glen of the Downs (another priority location) and opportunity to create wildlife corridors between each site. There are also areas of Kindlestown planted with native trees of 70+ years so there should be ample seed source for natural regeneration. (see appendix page 3)
b) it is already listed as an area of high ecological value according to Coillte's own classification system. Biodiversity should therefore be properly managed and resourced but this is not currently happening. Coillte BioClass Areas (Wicklow) https://www.coillte.ie/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Coillte_BioClass_Brochure_Sept_2018.pdf
c) it is the site of an ancient hillfort which must be carefully managed (rather than used for commercial forestry plantations) More information on the historical context is available here: glenodownsheritage.com
d) it is one of the few remaining refuges for nature within Greystones/Delgany. Much biodiversity has already been lost to the area (30% population growth since 2016). What remains should be protected.
e) though largely in poor ecological health there are still elements in good condition which offer a starting point or baseline for making further improvements across the wider site.
f) unlike most woodlands in Wicklow, it is not heavily browsed by sika deer. Natural regeneration of native trees is therefore still possible. (see appendix page 4)
g) given it is situated very close to a growing suburban location, there is an excellent opportunity to engage and empower the local community; this could be a best practice prototype for other woodlands in the county to emulate.
Our Proposal:
Essentially, we are proposing that this site transitions to Coillte Nature and is managed only for nature rather than commercial forestry. Given the size of the site, it is difficult to see how the economics of clear fell forestry operations make financial sense when compared to the value of restoring nature which has been so depleted up to this point. Our proposal is fully aligned with your strategic pillar "Forests for Nature" target within the Forest Estate Strategic Land Use Plan. FESLUP-Report-digital.pdf (coillte.ie)
Problems:
A group of our expert volunteers recently surveyed the site and noted the following.
The majority of native saplings planted in shelters (amounting to several hundred) on the north side of the hill have died. This was completely avoidable if more care and time was taken in the planting process and when securing tree guards. These tree guards are not really needed on this particular site. (see appendix page 6)
There is extensive invasive vegetation on site namely, (see appendix page 7)
Prunus laurocerasus/Cherry Laurel - high impact,
Buddleja davidii/Butterfly-bush - medium Impact,
Leycesteria formosa/Himalayan Honeysuckle - medium impact,
Allium triquetrum/Tree-cornered Garlic - medium impact.
However, with the exception of three-cornered garlic, these are not well established yet so could be mapped, contained and removed, but time is of the essence.
Many native trees that have naturally regenerated have been cut or damaged and replaced with planted saplings. (See appendix page 8) These were in much better condition than any of those planted by hand. This is very disappointing to observe.
The north field which is enclosed by fencing has been replanted with non-native conifers, except for a small number of Scots Pine, for commercial forestry. Many individuals living in the community have requested for this not to happen in recent years with many solutions being proposed which seem to have been ignored. In time these will obscure the unique vista towards Dublin Bay. When outlining our vision for Kindlestown to community groups and the public to date, this, above all else, has been the biggest source of alarm and frustration, reinforcing just how valued the breathtaking view from the summit is for regular visitors. (see appendix page 2)
Solutions:
We are proposing that this woodland is transformed to a native woodlands sanctuary by:
Mapping the locations of invasive species throughout the site and creating an action plan for removing and controlling them on an ongoing basis (Short Term)
Replanting native saplings on the site where existing trees have not survived. Soil and mulch may be needed to be transported to the higher parts of the site to ensure their survival. They will also need to be regularly checked and monitored, all of which we can facilitate. (Short term)
Removing the non-native fir saplings from the northern part of the enclosed area to protect the panoramic views of Dublin and the Irish Sea (Short Term)
In their place, a small species rich meadow habitat could be established on the southern part of the enclosed area. This would protect the unique views towards Dublin Bay. Quercus petraea/Sessile oak, Betula pubescens/Downy Birch, Sorbus aucuparia/Rowan can be planted on the northern ⅓ of the enclosure. Then the mid-section can be left unplanted as an experiment for monitoring natural regeneration. Possible small number of Corylus avellana/Hazel, Prunus spinosa/Blackthorn, Crataegus monogyna/Hawthorn, Euonymus europaeus/Spindle and Rhamnus cathartica/Common Buckthorn can be planted in middle part of the slope amongst the clusters of natural regeneration. We could consider a feasibility study to this end via the Climate Action Fund (Medium Term)
Reintroducing missing native species such as hawthorn, hazel and blackthorn throughout the woodlands and monitoring the emergence of native oak seedlings after the recent mast year; considering whether it is then necessary to plant new oak saplings based on this observance. Light and space has been created due to the falling of many conifer trees at the top of the hill so these areas could be prioritised for replanting with native trees and shrubs. (Short term)
Empowering community groups and organising guided walks, in particular during National Biodiversity Week, Heritage Week or National Tree week to highlight the existing problems and the solutions being progressed. There may also be further outdoor education opportunities for schools and volunteer groups. (Medium term)
Targeted ring barking of appropriately selected native spruce, fir, sweet chestnut, sycamore and beech in May/June, particularly along the Southeast side to create space and light for native trees to emerge and ensure it is eventually transformed to a native woodland only (Long Term)
Forming partnerships with specialist nature conservation groups for e.g. Birdwatch Ireland and Butterfly conservation Ireland to study and then optimise the site for nature regeneration. Members of our group have previous experience working with these organisations with much success. (Medium Term)
Planting low lying species including hawthorn and blackthorn around the cell towers to disguise it from view. This has been done for a similar communications mast in Foxrock, Dublin so there is a precedent to follow. (Medium Term)
Document actions taken so it is possible to record and report on progress, success or failures over time to gauge what the most effective approaches to restoration are (throughout the project)
Next Steps:
We would very much like to meet with you and/or other relevant Coillte representatives ideally at Coillte HQ to review these proposals, present our ideas further and agree a plan of action? Can you let me know if that would be possible? If a meeting can be arranged quicker online that could be another option though face-to-face may prove more impactful. Another option may be to meet at the Kindlestown site so we can survey the surrounds together.
We have already shared our vision for restoring and enhancing native woodlands in Wicklow in broad terms with locally elected councillors, Wicklow based TD's across all the main political parties, and community groups including Greystones and Delgany Tidy Towns, the Delgany Community Council and Rewild Wicklow. They are all very supportive and keen to contribute and work collaboratively to make it a reality.
As locals to the area, we believe Kindlestown Woods could quickly become one of the very few healthy woodlands in the country, but this will all only be possible with the involvement and support of Coillte. Public and political involvement may help accelerate our efforts further. Crucially, the transition of the Kindlestown site would align closely with your own strategy for expanding your future forests programme to focus primarily on nature and biodiversity. It would also fit within the Project Woodland initiative launched by Minister Hackett in 2021.
I'm hopeful that you will respond positively to our proposal, and we can work together on progressing what would be an impressive social and environmental project - one that could set a precedent for other towns, villages across the country to emulate. We believe all citizens, whether living in rural or urban areas should have access to a healthy and vibrant natural environment.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Mark Kavanagh
Chair of Urban Wilderness