Enclaved at the border of counties Mayo, Sligo and Roscommon, Guaranteed Irish has secured a site for its first-ever Guaranteed Irish forest of native Irish trees. The 20-hectare site in Cloonakillina, Co Mayo, is diverse, from wet peatland along the Clooneen river to dryer raised land. Subject to final afforestation licensing, 16 hectares of the site will be planted with native Irish tree saplings.

Guaranteed Irish forest

This initiative is part of Guaranteed Irish commitment to encourage climate action engagement, increase biodiversity and improve public health and wellbeing. Guaranteed Irish members show commitment with businesses based in Ireland providing quality jobs while supporting the local community. The Guaranteed Irish Forest initiative aligns with the values of business members in creating employment for forestry upkeep and maintenance, benefitting a local community with access to a new amenity, and contributing to the national native Irish forestry targets.

In the raised, drier areas of the site, the Scots pine, oak, hazel and birch will be planted, while more water-tolerant species, such as alder and willow, will be planted in lower wetter areas. In time, these trees will grow and create a beautiful, biodiverse native woodland, which will be a home for many bird and animal species and be a public place for people to relax, learn and connect with nature.

The project is conducted in partnership with The Nature Trust, a not-for-profit company backed by Coillte, whose mission is to plant open-access woodlands and restore natural habitat in Ireland. The Nature Trust will be working closely with local forestry companies to plant the forest over a three-year period.

Clemence Jamet, Sustainability Manager, Guaranteed Irish, commented, “Guaranteed Irish is delighted to take this significant step in realising our commitment to Ireland’s environment and its people. This forest of native Irish trees will be a living testament to the power of collective action for a sustainable future.”

Planting on the site will commence soon and continue over a three-year period. This biodiversity project is supported by a group of Guaranteed Irish members – Wavin, Homevalue, Cedral, Kaymed, and Kingscourt Brick.

Guaranteed Irish House membership

Any producer operating in the construction sector that would be interested in becoming a Guaranteed Irish licence holder and gaining a listing on the Guaranteed Irish House register should complete a membership application form. They will then be appraised with due diligence being carried out on their products.

Companies can become Guaranteed Irish members based on the criteria that they support jobs, communities, and that their products or services have a physical provenance of being homegrown, or that at least 50% more added value is put on the product or service in Ireland.

To learn more about Guaranteed Irish House, email Clemence Jamet at clemence@guaranteedirish.ie or visit www.guaranteedirishhouse.ie