As Ireland faces the growing challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss, the role of forestry in mitigating environmental impacts has never been more crucial. However, achieving the ambitious targets for native woodland cover—currently standing at approximately 11.7% of the national landscape—remains a complex and often contentious issue. Central to this conversation is the question: Can native woodland thrive without the involvement of farmers?

The answer lies in recognising the critical role that farmers play in the forestry sector and ensuring they are supported through a just transition—a shift that allows for both environmental restoration and the protection of farmers' livelihoods.

Farmers have long been at the heart of Ireland’s forestry efforts. For over 40 years, they have been responsible for planting and maintaining much of the country’s forest cover, contributing 4% to the current national figure. Yet, despite this longstanding commitment, challenges persist in encouraging landowners to plant native woodland.

In 2001, the Native Woodland Scheme (NWS) was introduced to focus on restoring Ireland’s native woodlands, which had dwindled to under 2% of total forest cover. This scheme offers farmers and landowners funding to plant a variety of native tree species such as oak, Scots pine, and yew. The environmental goals of the scheme are commendable, particularly its focus on biodiversity and ecosystem protection. However, the scheme has faced significant hurdles, including strict regulations that limit timber production opportunities, such as prohibiting clear-felling, and the long-term nature of the environmental benefits, which often take decades to become fully apparent.

Despite these challenges, native woodland is essential for mitigating climate change. Through carbon sequestration, trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in their biomass and roots. Native woodlands offer additional benefits, including increased biodiversity, improved soil and water quality, and enhanced cultural connections with the land—all of which are crucial for sustainable farming and healthy communities.

The concept of a just transition—rooted in equity, fairness, and social justice—has emerged as a key solution to addressing the challenges faced by farmers in transitioning to more sustainable land management practices. A just transition ensures that the rights and livelihoods of those most affected by the shift to greener practices are protected. In the case of farmers, this means providing continuous financial rewards for those who commit to planting and maintaining native woodlands and helping them adjust to a changing landscape.

Farmers are already facing mounting pressures, particularly from policy targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The agriculture sector, which is responsible for over 60% of Ireland’s land use, is under increasing scrutiny to meet emissions reduction goals, including a 25% cut by 2030. Transitioning to more sustainable land practices, such as integrating forestry with farming through agroforestry, is seen as a potential solution. However, this requires providing farmers with the resources, incentives, and confidence to make this transition without compromising their livelihood.

A just transition for farmers could include:

  • Financial incentives: Ongoing and adequate financial rewards for farmers participating in schemes like the Native Woodland Scheme.
  • Building trust: Establishing direct communication channels between officials and farmers, ensuring their feedback is heard and incorporated into policy decisions.
  • Climate communication: Increasing awareness of climate change and environmental challenges, providing farmers with the tools and knowledge needed to make informed decisions.

Agroforestry, which involves integrating trees and forestry into farmland, offers a promising solution for farmers looking to balance environmental stewardship with food production. Combining crops and livestock with trees on the same land can improve soil fertility, increase water retention, and provide shelter for livestock, all while sequestering carbon and enhancing biodiversity. This approach not only supports sustainable farming but can also offer new revenue streams for farmers through the sale of timber or other forest products.

For Ireland to meet its native woodland targets and address the broader environmental challenges of climate change, farmers must be central to the solution. A just transition that supports farmers with fair policies, financial incentives, and access to knowledge and resources will be essential to ensuring that native woodlands can flourish across the country. By fostering collaboration and trust between farmers, environmental groups, and policymakers, Ireland can restore its landscapes, protect biodiversity, and create a more sustainable agricultural future.

As Elizabeth Rymut’s research highlights, a critical barrier to the success of the Native Woodland Scheme is the fiscal system adopted from commercial forestry models, which do not adequately address the unique needs of farmers participating in conservation efforts. By restructuring these systems, we can unlock the full potential of native woodland expansion and ensure that it benefits both the environment and the farming community.

Ultimately, farmers deserve a just transition, one that honours their contributions to the land and provides the support necessary to evolve with the changing environmental landscape. The future of Ireland’s native woodlands—and the broader ecological health of the nation—depends on it.

About the Author
Elizabeth Rymut, a recent graduate of Trinity College Dublin, conducted in-depth research into the role of farmers in Ireland’s native woodland restoration efforts and the effectiveness of the Native Woodland Scheme in supporting a just transition for landowners. Her research was supervised by Professor Fraser Mitchell, a leader in the field of botany at Trinity.

To learn more about the research and the Kinsella Challenge-Based E3 Multi-Disciplinary Project, FOREST, visit E3 FOREST Project.