Connemara Community Native Woodland was established in 2013 through a collaborative effort between ATU staff and students and community groups. The maintenance and development of the woodland since its establishment has provided opportunities for continued engagement, learning and discussion between ATU staff and students and surrounding community groups. At the heart of these conversations is a respect and value of the woodland in the context of biodiversity, climate, and sustainability.
The Living and Learning Woodland initiative provided support to further develop the existing Community Native Woodland. Workshops and planting days raised awareness of the role of trees and woodlands from ecological, climate and economic perspectives. An ecological survey of the woodland provided recommendations to enhance the woodland. A virtual tour of the woodland has been produced to serve as a learning resource but also as a reference for comparison as the woodland grows and develops.
The Community Native Woodland offers an engaging virtual tour that allows you to explore the diverse range of native trees and ecosystems within the Connemara National Park. Through this interactive experience, you can learn about the efforts to preserve biodiversity, enhance carbon sequestration, and support sustainable forestry practices right from your own home.
Located within Connemara National Park and covering 1.83 hectares across three plots, the Community Native Woodland was designed with ecological sensitivity, incorporating native tree species suited to the site’s peaty soils. It serves as a model for integrating education, conservation, and community engagement in a protected landscape.
The Ecology survey conducted in June 2023 serves as a baseline for monitoring the development and enhancement of the woodland.
The executive summary is available here.
The full Ecology report and recommendations are available here.
Please access the digital content here to recreate the plaques on your own wooden material.
A series of workshop and planting days were hosted throughout the project providing opportunities for local schools, community groups, further education institutions, and staff and students to foster a deeper connection with nature and promote environmental stewardship.
This project is part of the Community Climate Action Programme Strand 2 and is funded by the Government of Ireland through the Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.