Forestry

• What can I explain about farming?

  The different types of farm
• What is a negative impact of farming?

  It can harm the environment
• Why is sustainable farming important?

  To minimize environmental harm
• What is forestry in Ireland considered?

  A growing renewable natural resource
• What will you learn about forestry in this section?

  • Forestry as a primary economic activity
  • Wood as an exploited natural resource
  • Impact of deforestation on global climate
  • Encouragement for increased reforestation
• What is the employment figure for the forestry industry in Ireland?

  12,000 people
• Why is wood considered a renewable resource?

  If managed sustainably
• What type of forest is the natural vegetation of Ireland?

  Deciduous forest
• What happens to deciduous trees in winter?

  They lose their leaves
• Name two examples of deciduous trees.

  Beech and oak
• What did the first settlers in Ireland do to natural woodlands?

  Cleared them for agriculture and settlement
• What type of trees did English landowners introduce during the plantations?

  Coniferous trees
• What are two examples of coniferous trees?

  Spruce and pine
• How do coniferous trees differ from deciduous trees?

  They are evergreen and do not lose leaves
• What is the forest cover percentage in Ireland as of 2016?


  10.7 percent
• How has the forest area in Ireland changed in recent decades?

  It has been increasing significantly
• What does the table show about forest area in Ireland since 1656?

  • 1656: 170,000 hectares (2.5%)
  • 1841: 140,000 hectares (2.0%)
  • 1908: 125,200 hectares (1.8%)
• What role do trees play in the global climate?

  They absorb CO₂ and release O₂
• What is deforestation?

  Clearing all trees from an area
• What is reforestation?

  Planting trees on deforested land
• Why is forestry the best option in some areas of Ireland?

  Some soils are unsuitable for agriculture
• Who is responsible for forestry development in Ireland?

  The Forest Service of the Department of Agriculture
• What organization owns more than half of the forestry in Ireland?

  Coillte
• What can farmers and landowners apply for regarding forestry?

  Grants funded by the government and EU
• What does Teagasc offer in the area of forestry?

  Advice and assistance
• What is a semi-state body?

  An organization partly owned by the government
• Who is responsible for the semi-state body?

  The minister of the relevant department
• What are the key terms related to forestry mentioned?

  • Deciduous
  • Coniferous
  • Deforestation
  • Reforestation
  • Semi-state
  • Coillte
  • Teagasc
• What is the main focus of Chapter 14 mentioned in the material?

  Climate change
• What are two factors that have led to the increase in forest area in Ireland?

  Reforestation efforts and sustainable management
• What is the role of the fishing industry in relation to forestry?

  It is not directly related to forestry
• How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

  By reducing trees that absorb CO₂
• If a farmer wants to plant trees on deforested land, what should they do?

  Engage in reforestation efforts
• What are the impacts of deforestation on the environment?

  • Loss of biodiversity
  • Increased greenhouse gases
  • Soil erosion
  • Disruption of water cycles