Sprawling big tree
Sprawling big tree
Courtesy of the EPASprawling big tree
Courtesy of the EPA
Courtesy of the EPA
Sprawling big tree
Sprawling big tree
Courtesy of the EPACoill
Did you know that long ago, Ireland was almost entirely covered with forests? Today, only 10% of Ireland is covered with forests. This is compared to an average of 36% in the rest of the EU, but don't worry as over seventy million trees are planted in Ireland every year to try to catch up with the EU average!
Trees are the largest living organism in the world. They are an essential part of the environment as they help to renew the air we breathe by taking in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. This process is called photosynthesis.
Trees also make food in their leaves by combining carbon dioxide from the air with sunlight. This food is the very start of the food-chain so it is essential to all other forms of life.
The tallest tree in Ireland is a Douglas Fir at the Powerscourt Estate in Co. Wicklow. This tree measures fifty-six metres in height!
Life in a Forest!
Young red squirrel at Raven Point
Young red squirrel at Raven Point
Copyright John KennedyYoung red squirrel at Raven Point
Copyright John Kennedy
Copyright John Kennedy
Young red squirrel at Raven Point
Young red squirrel at Raven Point
Copyright John KennedyForests are a great habitat for all kinds of wildlife. If you are rambling through a forest, you will see colourful bluebells and primroses, ferns, oak trees, sycamore trees, and countless other plantlife. In fact, a large forest can contain up to 5,000 species of plants and animals.
Some of the animals that you will find in the forests in Ireland include squirrels, bats and owls. You can learn lots more about these animals in our 'Furry Friends' and 'Feathered Friends' sections!
The trees provide these animals with seeds and fruit to eat, as well as shelter for birds' nests and all the wildlife living on the woodland floor.
You too can help the forest environment! When you are visiting forests and woodlands, make sure to take all your rubbish away with you so you leave it clean and healthy for all the plants and animals.