Coillte Expands Land Managed for Nature by a Third

Coillte has hit a major environmental milestone by increasing the area of its estate managed primarily for nature from 20 per cent to 30 per cent, four months ahead of schedule.

The move adds 44,000 hectares of land for biodiversity, bringing the total to 134,000 hectares across Ireland.

The achievement was made possible through Coillte’s BioClass system, which ranks forests, bogs and open landscapes according to ecological value. The system allows ecologists and foresters to identify key areas for protection and implement targeted management plans.

Mark Carlin, managing director of Coillte Forest, said the milestone highlights the company’s commitment to biodiversity while maintaining productive forests for sustainably grown timber. Coillte manages 440,000 hectares of primarily forested land, around seven per cent of Ireland.

The announcement follows several high-profile conservation projects. In Glenart, Co. Wicklow, forests are being transformed into multi-aged woodlands with veteran trees and deadwood to boost wildlife. Hazelwood Forest in Co. Sligo has seen invasive species removed to allow native vegetation to recover.

In Dublin, the Dublin Mountains Makeover project is redesigning 700 hectares of forest to improve habitats and recreational access. At Aghrane Bog, Co. Galway, restoration work has raised the water table to promote peatland growth. Devil’s Glen, Co. Wicklow, has seen invasive plants removed and new spawning areas created for sea trout.

Coillte is also safeguarding rare species. At Rossacroo, Co. Kerry, improvements to a maternity roost have boosted the population of lesser horseshoe bats from 37 in 2022 to more than 150 in 2025, bringing the site to favourable conservation status.

The projects form part of Coillte’s wider strategy to enhance biodiversity, support climate targets and balance sustainable forestry with recreation. The company says its forests are a vital resource for nature, wood production and rural communities.