Your Trees in the Woodlands of Mother Nature
Where It Begins
Our woodland projects begin with carefully selected land - typically institutional, government, or farmland - sourced specifically for this purpose. Every forest starts with thoughtful planning and site preparation, which may involve professional contractors.
To protect young trees, fencing is often installed to guard against deer and livestock. Once the site is ready, our team gets to work planting saplings. Each tree is staked, fitted with a protective guard, and tagged by our site managers to ensure proper care and identification.
Caring for the Future
For up to 10 years, we monitor each forest closely, replacing any fallen or damaged trees and maintaining the site to control competing vegetation. This crucial early care gives each tree the best possible start.
After this establishment phase, the woodland is left to develop naturally. These are not commercial plantations - they are wild, biodiverse habitats where nature leads the way.
Wild by Design
Our woodlands may look untamed and that’s intentional. Minimal intervention allows native species to thrive, with only selective management to prevent the spread of invasive species or protect the ecosystem from significant disruption.
The forest floor gradually fills with a rich mix of ferns, grasses, and flowering plants, creating shelter and food for birds, small mammals, and insects. Deadwood is left in place, forming critical microhabitats for fungi and specialised insects.
Why Your Sponsorship Matters
Sponsoring a tree is more than a symbolic gesture, it's an investment in a forest. Each sponsorship supports the development, planting, and maintenance of these sites, helping us build resilient, natural habitats that wouldn’t otherwise exist.
We fund these projects upfront and rely on sponsorships to sustain and grow our work. As an independent charity with no government funding, your support is essential.
A Growing Network of Forests
Since 1985, the Tree Council of Ireland has created woodlands across the country, including:
* Aurora, Glencree, Co. Wicklow
* Muckross Forest, Killarney
* Strokestown House, Co. Roscommon
* Birr Castle, Co. Offaly
* Larch Hill, Co. Dublin
These sites have now reached planting capacity, but existing trees can still be visited by appointment.
Visitors are asked to please note that when visiting these forest areas, you are entering a
natural habitat with the aim to leave it as it is found. We recommend that strong, supportive footwear be worn. Access may be limited at certain times of the year depending on weather and ground conditions.
Help Us Grow
Your tree sponsorship leaves a lasting impact for the environment, for wildlife, and for future generations. It’s a gift that grows, giving life and meaning far beyond its roots.
What happens when I sponsor a tree?
Each year, we source native saplings which are then planted, staked, and sleeved for protection during the tree-planting season (November to March).
Once a sapling has taken root and shown signs of healthy growth, it is tagged by our volunteer site managers in line with the sponsorships we receive. This tagging happens throughout the year and is done on a voluntary basis, so we can’t provide an exact timeline for when each tree is tagged.
When can I visit my tree?
Upon sponsoring a tree, you’ll receive a certificate with your tree’s unique registration number.
To visit your tree, simply arrange an appointment with the volunteer site manager at your woodland location. Contact details are included with your certificate.
Please note: In Aurora, due to the mountainous terrain, access is limited and only available from April to September, weather permitting.
Is there year-round access?
Yes, most sites are accessible year-round. However, we work alongside volunteer site managers, and visits are scheduled based on their availability.
Please keep in mind:
* Some areas may be difficult to access during certain times of the year due to weather or natural conditions.
* Locations like Aurora are only accessible from April to September.
* We kindly ask visitors to respect the natural environment and leave each area as they found it.
Sturdy, supportive footwear is highly recommended.
What species of trees are planted?
We plant native Irish trees, chosen to thrive in their specific environments. Common species include:
* Alder
* Birch
* Hazel
* Oak
* Scots pine
* Willow
Each sapling is planted in the most suitable part of the woodland to ensure long-term survival.
Can I have trees planted together?
Yes. When multiple trees are sponsored together, they are typically planted and registered in the same area.
Can I request a mix of tree species?
We’ll do our best to accommodate your request, depending on the site conditions and which tree species are most likely to thrive in that environment.
Can I plant the tree myself?
Unfortunately, no. Trees are only tagged once they are well-established and viable, meaning planting has already occurred before the tagging process.
Who maintains the woodland forest?
The woodlands are designed to be self-sustaining natural habitats.
For the first 10 years, we monitor the forest and strive to replace any fallen or damaged trees. After that, the woodland is left to grow naturally, guided by the rhythms of nature, with minimal human intervention - except for the control of invasive species when necessary.
What is the lifespan of a tree?
Tree lifespans vary depending on species:
* Alder - Approx. 60 years
* Hazel - Approx. 80 years
* Birch - Approx. 140 years
* Oak - Often lives 800 years or more