Tom Hayes, T.D, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, with responsibility for forestry, recently launched the NeighbourWood Scheme during a visit to Lisvernane, Co. Tipperary.
Launching the Scheme, Minister Hayes commented that “The NeighbourWood Scheme enables local communities to create, in co-operation with Local Authorities or other public bodies, ‘close to home’ woodlands. NeighbourWoods can vary greatly in size and location, from forests in the countryside and on the outskirts of our villages, towns and cities, to woodlands located in our more built-up areas. The common theme is that they all provide an important opportunity for young and old to experience nature and the environment, to see and enjoy forests and to appreciate the rich variety of plants and wildlife that exist in these habitats.”
The NeighbourWood (NBR) Scheme is a measure in the Forestry Programme 2014-2020 and is administered by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine. The scheme, consists of three components:- ‘NeighbourWood Establishment’ which funds newNeighbourWoods developed on open ‘greenfield’ sites; ‘NeighbourWood Enhancement’ which funds the silvicultural enhancement of existingwoodland already used as neighbourwood or proposed for development as neighbourwood; and ‘NeighbourWood Facilities’ which funds the installation and upgrade of appropriate recreational facilities within an area submitted under NBR Establishment or NBR Enhancement. Typical facilities include entrances, car parking, a variety of looped footpaths, information signage and waymarkers, nature trails, and seats and picnic tables.
Minister of State Hayes outlined the many benefits of forestry in his speech, including social, economic and environmental benefits and added that “NeighbourWoods provide accessible opportunities for recreation and regular exercise”. He also commented that “A neighbourwood can be a stand-alone amenity, or can be linked with other amenities and attractions in the area, such as parkland, historical buildings, visitor attractions and wider walking or cycle routes.”
He concluded the launch by stating that “As with other aspects of the Forestry Programme launched earlier this year, the overall aim of the NeighbourWood Scheme is to create and develop woodlands – and thereby create a vibrant legacy to be used and enjoyed by this and future generations”.
