Ireland’s native trees and woodlands have been with us for the last 10,000 years. Where once they covered the whole island, today they cover less than one per cent. But the woodlands that have survived are some of the richest ecosystems in the country, providing the perfect environment for many species of native animals and plants.

This is a story with a future, as well as a past and a present. Native Trees & Forests of Ireland is a celebration of the precious heritage of our trees and woodlands.

David Hickie recounts the history, the tree species, the folklore and superstitions of our native woods, as well as the traditional uses of timber products. He looks at the future of our native trees and forests, how we should manage and protect them and plan for their further development.

Photographer Mike O’Toole spent a year shooting these extraordinary photographs. Accompanied by an excellent and informative text, Native Trees & Forests of Ireland is an important and beautiful record of a unique part of Ireland’s heritage.

ISBN 0-7171-3411-3 
Price: £16.99 Gill & Macmillan, Dublin. www.gillmacmillan.ie