There are many forests planted on western peatlands of Ireland. Their sustainable management is a complex issue. The range of critical environmental and social constraints that needs to be taken into account, as well as the age distribution of the stands, add to the factors to consider in making decisions about the future of these forests. Decision support tools to facilitate the management of stands, based on catchment sensitivity, soil type, National Heritage Areas, amenity provision, economic potential and social acceptability, merit investigation. This applies particularly to forests established on peatlands and other environmentally sensitive areas, where felling and reforestation decisions need to take into account a wide range of economic, social and environmental factors. Read More
