Woodlands help to balance the earth’s atmosphere by carbon sequestration. Biodiversity describes the variability among living organisms and the ecosystems of which they are part. Conserving biodiversity means maintaining the variety of species and genetic resources, as well as the environment in which different species co-exist and are interlinked.One of the major threats to biodiversity is loss or degradation of habitats. A wider understanding of the concepts of the ecosystem and natural habitat management is needed.

We share a responsibility to cherish our rich heritage of old trees. Trees occupied a special importance in the old Irish experience. There is no doubt that the Oak was most full of symbolism. Oak trees support 400 Wildlife species. Native species are those that came to Ireland immediately following the end of the ice age 12,000 ago. Beech Trees have been a feature of the Irish landscape for up to 1000 years, and the average Beech Tree supports about 100 species.