People's Millenium Forest at Favour Royal

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Bríd Rodgers, Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, today saw at first hand the efforts being made to increase the number of native trees in Ireland, when she officially opened the Peoples Millennium Forest, between Augher and Aughnacloy.

At the opening of the Forest, one of two in Northern Ireland involved in the Peoples Millennium Forest Project, the Minister said:-

“The preservation and protection of native woodland is essential to ensure the conservation and enhancement of the biodiversity in existing woods and forests. It forms a significant element in the Northern Ireland Biodiversity Strategy which seeks to influence land use policy and practice in a number of areas. Therefore I am delighted to have the opportunity to see for myself the role of forests in improving our environment, and how this supports the commercial and economic aspects of forestry. Ireland is seriously underforested, and it is always good to see more trees. It is especially good to see the effort that has gone into preserving our native species.

" We are all looking for ways to have a healthier lifestyle, and something as simple as a stroll in the forest can make a difference to that. I hope that this forest will attract visitors from far and near to experience the benefit than this amenity can give them as individuals."

Favour Royal Forest runs alongside another People’s Millennium Forest - Derrygorry, in County Monaghan - which is managed by Coillte. A newly erected Millennium Bridge connects the two woodlands and symbolises the co-operation between the two forestry organisations, Coillte and Forest Service.

Thanking the organisers and sponsors, Bríd Rodgers said:-

“ I am grateful that it has been possible to include NI woodlands in the Peoples Millennium Forest Project”.

Notes for Editors

1. The People’s Millennium Forests project is the largest attempt ever to restore Ireland’s native woodlands. It is sponsored by First Trust in Northern Ireland, and by Allied Irish Bank and the National Millennium Committee in the Republic of Ireland. This project is promoted by Coillte and the Woodlands of Ireland Group.

2. The 320 hectares of woodland at Favour Royal is part of the former demesne. The forest is managed by the Forest Service, an Agency of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, Northern Ireland. As part of the project 40,000 native Irish trees were planted, including oak, ash and Scots Pine. Two hectares of the woodland have been set aside as a research project and will be allowed to regenerate naturally. The remainder of the forest contains mature conifers and broadleaves including Scots pine, ash, oak, birch and Sitka spruce.

3. Almost all of the Peoples Millennium Forests are located on old native broadleaf woodland sites and six of them are within National Heritage Areas. The chosen forests in Northern Ireland to date are Favour Royal, Co. Tyrone and Castle Archdale in Co. Fermanagh.

4. The website, www.millenniumforests.com gives details on the project, information about native Irish woodlands, events and local activities including woodland walks, seed collection, planting and conservation work. Other aspects of the project include a schools programme and a mobile exhibition.

5. For further press information contact: Gwyn Treharne Tel: 02890 524619