Esri Ireland, the market leader in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has created a digital map highlighting nearly 500 ancient and long-established woodlands around Ireland this National Tree Week, which runs until Sunday 26th March.
Ancient woodlands have been continuously wooded since before planting and afforestation became common practice, some of which date back to the 1600s. These woodlands are steeped in both biological and cultural significance, and their roots may even have links to prehistoric wildwoods.
The interactive map also explores a diverse range of woodland types, including conifer plantations, mixed woodlands, and those with non-native tree species.
The theme for National Tree Week 2023, #BiodiversityBeginswithTrees, aims to inspire the public to plant and protect trees and highlight the crucial role that trees play in improving biodiversity. Since its inception in 1985, National Tree Week has been responsible for planting over half a million trees in Ireland.