A Social Democrats TD, has written to Taoiseach Simon Harris asking him to support a proposal that would see the state purchase land in Wicklow to allow for the expansion of the ancient woodland in the Glen of the Downs.
This would enable Kindlestown Forest to amalgamate with the Glen of the Downs forest, which would result in the creation of much larger woodlands for public recreation.
Deputy Jennifer Whitmore, who has also started a petition in aid of the cause which has currently garnered 800 signatures, said:
“Our petition calls on government to double the size of the Glen of the Downs Nature Reserve through the purchase of 200ac of land in Delgany, currently on sale.
“If purchased by the state, this would potentially allow for a doubling of this magnificent nature reserve, which is an invaluable national treasure and well-known Wicklow landmark.
“Sadly, the growth and vibrancy of the woodlands has been stifled in recent years as it is bounded by agricultural land on all sides and dissected by a major road.
“The purchase of this site by the state would allow for the joining of these two forests and provide a once in a lifetime opportunity to expand this majestic oak woodland,” she said.
Ancient woodland
The Glen of the Downs is situated in a glacial valley between the ancient Bronze Age hillforts of Coolagad and Downshill, both of which are around 3,000 years old and had been strongholds of of the King of Dublin, Sitric Silkenbeard and the King of Leinster, Uagaire.
Once part of the 300ac Bellevue Estate, the government acquiesced the estate in the 1950s after the house fell into disrepair, transforming the woodland into a nature reserve in the process.
Located just off the N11, a 10 minute drive from Greystones and Powerscourt respectively, the forest consists of a 3.6km looped trail and the largest grove of Sessile oak trees in the country.
Wicklow has one of the highest levels of woodland in the country with almost 20% of the county under tree cover.
“It is important to remember that Ireland has committed to the EU’s Nature Restoration Law, which will set binding targets to restore degraded ecosystems – particularly those with the most potential to capture and store carbon,” Whitmore continued.
“The measures will cover at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030, and ultimately all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. The government has already set aside €3.5 billion in its Climate and Nature Fund for these types of projects.
“I have now written to Taoiseach Simon Harris, who is a TD for Wicklow, urging him to support this initiative in the interest of his constituents and visitors to this spectacular area,” Whitmore said.