From Fields to Forest: The Potential of Rewilding Irish Farmland
In recent years, there has been a growing movement in Ireland to turn fields back into forests. Rewilding farmland is emerging as a practical and powerful solution to many of the challenges we face, from biodiversity loss and soil degradation to climate change and water pollution. This movement has gained momentum among landowners, conservationists, and communities who see the immense value in letting nature lead the way.
What is Rewilding Farmland?
Rewilding farmland involves allowing formerly cultivated or grazed land to regenerate into more natural ecosystems, often with the support of native tree planting and the restoration of natural processes. Unlike traditional afforestation, rewilding doesn’t always mean planting rows of trees. It can also involve letting native vegetation return naturally, encouraging wildlife back, and connecting fragmented habitats.
In the Irish context, this approach often blends with agroforestry, where trees are integrated into agricultural systems to benefit both nature and farming. Agroforestry can improve soil fertility, enhance biodiversity, and support more resilient farm ecosystems.
Learn more about agroforestry from the National Agroforestry Forum.
Why Rewilding Matters in Ireland
Ireland has one of the lowest levels of native forest cover in Europe, just around 1% of land remains as ancient or semi-natural woodland. Much of the landscape is made up of intensively farmed grasslands, which support our vital agricultural economy but often at a cost to biodiversity and carbon storage.
Rewilding farmland can reverse some of this damage. Here’s how:
- Biodiversity Recovery: Native trees like oak, birch, and rowan support a wide range of species. Rewilded land provides shelter for birds, pollinators, and small mammals.
- Carbon Sequestration: Native woodlands absorb carbon and help mitigate climate change over the long term.
- Water Management: Forested land reduces surface runoff, improves water quality, and prevents flooding.
- Soil Regeneration: Trees restore soil health, preventing erosion and increasing organic matter.
How Farmers Can Participate
Rewilding doesn’t have to mean abandoning farming. Many farmers are embracing agroforestry systems where productive land use coexists with forest restoration. For instance, silvopasture (grazing livestock among trees) can increase shade, improve animal welfare, and diversify farm outputs.
Ireland’s Department of Agriculture supports a range of tree planting incentives under the Agri-Climate Rural Environment Scheme (ACRES) and the Native Tree Area Scheme, which encourages small-scale tree planting with a focus on biodiversity.
Additionally, non-profit initiatives like The Nature Trust offer resources and inspiration for landowners looking to rewild or restore their land.
Real Examples of Rewilding in Ireland
- Wild Nephin National Park, Co. Mayo – Once heavily managed conifer plantations, this area is now undergoing a massive rewilding effort with native species returning.
- Glenkeen Farm, Co. Tipperary – A family-run regenerative farm that incorporates agroforestry and nature restoration into their operations.
- Dunsany Nature Reserve, Co. Meath – Irish Trees have been working in collaboration with Lord Randal Plunkett and Dunsany Estate to rewild what was previously farmland.
These examples show that rewilding is not just for large estates—it can be scaled to small farms, community projects, and even private gardens.
The Long-Term Vision
Rewilding farmland in Ireland offers a compelling vision: a landscape where food is produced alongside flourishing biodiversity, resilient ecosystems, and healthy soils. For farmers and landowners, it’s an opportunity to play a direct role in healing the land while accessing government support and potentially diversifying income through eco-tourism, carbon credits, or native tree gifting.
As Ireland grapples with the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change, rewilding represents a hopeful path forward. Turning fields into forests—whether through natural regeneration, agroforestry, or planting native species—can help reconnect people, land, and wildlife in a more balanced and sustainable way.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Whether you’re a farmer, landowner, or nature enthusiast, there are ways you can support rewilding in your area. From planting native Irish trees to supporting local rewilding charities, every action counts.
Find practical ways to contribute at Irish Trees.
