The Irish Native Woodland Alliance (INWA)
is a voluntary partnership of charities, environmental organisations, community groups and landowners united by a shared commitment to protecting and restoring Ireland’s native woodlands.
We are committed to restoring, protecting, and expanding these woodlands through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement.
The Irish Native Woodland Alliance is currently in formation. Member groups are working together, supported by an interim chair and secretary, to shape its governance and legal structure. Once finalised, the Alliance will become a fully independent member-led organisation representing native woodland interests across Ireland.
Please fill in the form to express your interest to join the Irish Native Woodland Alliance.
Ireland’s native woodlands remnants of our ancient forests are scattered across the country, especially in the west, along coastal regions, in uplands and river valleys. These woodlands include species such as oak, birch, holly, hazel, ash, rowan, alder and Scots pine. Rich in biodiversity, these habitats are alive with lichens, mosses, liverworts, fungi and ferns. Some of these species are rare in Ireland, and some are found nowhere else on Earth.
Yet our native woodland heritage is deeply fragmented and under threat. It’s estimated that Ireland retains just a fraction of its original woodland cover - less than 2% of the country is native woodland, and even less can be described as ecologically functional. What remains is often degraded due to invasive species, overgrazing, air pollution, neglect and poor management. These fragile ecosystems are now facing accelerating threats from climate change, diseases such as ash dieback, and a lack of long-term support for sustainable land use and woodland stewardship.
We are committed to restoring, protecting, and expanding these woodlands through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement.
Building knowledge Capacity and Skills
Across the island, we aim to improve knowledge of farmers, conservationists and community leaders, equipping them with the tools and knowledge to care for native woodlands. We will build networks of skilled practitioners who understand the ecological and cultural importance of these habitats.
Our three key approaches:
Raising Awareness and Changing Attitudes
Through outreach, storytelling, and advocacy, we want to bring native woodland conservation into the public consciousness.
Advocacy on Key issues
We will invest in gathering scientific, social and economic evidence to inform policy, ensuring future forestry, agricultural and environmental programmes support woodland recovery and community benefit.
Wider Benefits for Ireland
Our strategy will support Ireland’s obligations under EU and international climate and biodiversity frameworks. It will also promote wellbeing, education, responsible land management, and create economic, social, and cultural opportunities—especially in rural communities.
This is a collective effort. While each organisation will continue its own initiatives, we are united in our call for new partners—landowners, funders, researchers, community leaders and passionate individuals—who want to be part of this ambitious movement.
Join Us
Our shared vision is simple but vital: to save and restore Ireland’s native woodlands for people, for nature, and for future generations. We invite you to explore the strategy, find your role in it, and become part of the Irish Native Woodland Alliance.