Proposals for New Native Woodland for Naan Island

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The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bríd Rodgers, has announced proposals to create almost 20 hectares of new native woodland on Naan Island close to Knockninny quay on Upper Lough Erne. This part of Naan Island currently carries a conifer plantation that was planted in 1970 and is now due for harvesting.

Highlighting the significance of this move, Minister Rodgers said:

"Naan Island is already recognised for its nature conservation interests and the shoreline is covered by a number of designations including Area of Special Scientific Interest, Special Protection Area and is a candidate Special Area of Conservation. The Forest Service intends to expand the native woodland habitat on Naan Island to an area of 36 hectares. This is an ideal site for establishing new native woodland through natural means, indeed the woodland will be developed mainly from seed produced by existing native trees on the island. Ground flora associated with this type of woodland will spread gradually as these conditions evolve.”

Work is scheduled to commence in the very near future with the harvesting of the conifer crop taking place through until October. Six hectares of conifers were cleared from the island in 1990 and regenerated very well.

Minister Rodgers continued:

“Although harvesting timber from an island can be an expensive operation, we are confident that we will achieve a woodland with a range of native species including ash, birch, alder, hazel and holly. This clearly will make a significant contribution to the biodiversity value of the island and the wider Upper Lough Erne area generally.”

Notes to Editors

1. Naan Island is located in upper Lough Erne, close to Knockninny Quay and approximately three miles from Derrylin.

2. The Forest Service is an agency within the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD)

3. The Forest Service Web site is www.forestserviceni.gov.uk

4. The Forest Service was recognised as fulfilling the criteria for certification under the UK Woodland Assurance Standard in May 2000. This means that the management of Forest Service woodlands meets testing and independently verified standards of sustainable forest management and the timber products can carry the Forestry Stewardship Council label of quality assurance.

5. Further information can be obtained by contacting Ian McKee at District Forest Office, Inishkeen House, Killyhevlin, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh. Phone number 028 66343019.

6. Harvesting operations are likely to commence in August and continue through to early October

7. This project has the support of the Environment and Heritage Service of the Department of Environment.