We want forests primarily for nature and for the public good. Ireland has the most unnatural forests in Europe and to reverse this The National Forest Strategy must:

Give priority to wild bird, pollinator and habitat conservation and substantially less weight to fast growing tree Sitka Spruce based plantations.

Ensure that afforestation is geographically regionally balanced, reversing the concentration of single species crop trees like Sitka Spruce in parts of Ireland.

Change Coillte’s primary commercial mandate from growing trees for profit to making sure it prioritises the delivery of climate change commitments and the protection of biodiversity.

Commit to a new National Biodiversity Act that mandates the state to restore and protect biodiversity.

The National Forest Strategy must be consistent with efforts to protect endangered birds and fish such as the Hen Harriers and Curlew as well Atlantic Salmon, Freshwater Pearl Mussel.

Designate ancient woodlands as National Heritage Areas. No NHAs have been announced since 1996.

End clear-felling of forests based on the justification of purely economic interests.

Protect against corporations buying up land for afforestation and instead support farmers, landowners and communities to avail of supports and grants.

The full life cycle emission/pollution costs of clear felling projects should be assessed and reported.

Only consider afforestation of peatlands where there is overriding environmental, climate and biodiversity justification.

End the use of dangerous pesticide and herbicide including glyphosate in managed woodlands and forestry and full transparency on all chemicals used during the lifecycle of planted crops.

Commit to improving access to information and transparency, as well as making access to justice easier in relation to how decisions are made about forestry and reducing cost of appeals.