For generations, “The Wild Atlantic Way” has been a scenic, unspoiled region of nature that sprawls across 1,550 miles along the Irish coastline. But now, a national “rewilding” movement is being called for the restoration of these national forests. Climate change and other tandem phenomena have left this region a barren desert, cleared out of most of its native flora and fauna species. The Wild Atlantic Way was a “natural machine” for capturing atmospheric carbon, pushing towards the preservation of dwindling Irish landscapes.
The process of rewilding would be to bring an ecosystem or environmental region back to its original state, and according to the published source, many projects in Britain have seen success. Rewilding in Ireland’s case would be seen as the recreation of temperate oak, yew, hazel, and birch forests that once covered about 80% of the land. Due to centuries of timber production, overgrazing, and extensive farming (along with elements of climate change), that 80% has reduced down to an alarming 1%.
By 2025, Ireland has committed to increasing the total quantity of forested land to 18%, meanwhile the European Union average is 38%. Spruce and pine species would be the main plant introduced. While they currently make up 90% of Ireland’s current woodlands, they are nonnative and are treated with chemicals that leach into the watersheds polluting resources. According to the campaign officer for the Irish Wildlife Trust, Padraic Fogarty, it would be better for the restoration project to have local farmers and landowners to grow native trees to be left unharvested. This would leave external factors such as chemical upkeep out of the regrowth and stability equation.
Comparatively to Scotland, Ireland will have a difficult time reintroducing certain species as their average farm size is 83 acres. Scotland’s largest private landowner, Anders Holch Povlsen, has 220,000 acres of land where he can regenerate native plants and animals without interruption. Many rewilding enthusiasts and farmers have adopted the movement and have put forth their own effort—Ray Ó Foghlú of rewilding organization, Hometree; Eoghan Daltún, a now 33-acre farm owner that reintroduced flowers, deer, and sheep to his area; New York filmmaker, Randall Plunkett, and many others.
One of Ireland’s biggest opponents are the agribusiness lobbyists, arguing that transforming farmland into a biodiverse oasis may decrease the nation's food sources. Another argument was made by uplands and western farmers speaking out that sheep numbers have decreased and their biodiversity is being harmed due to the new regulations. Many farmers can go back and forth about the benefits and flaws of these regulations, but in the end compromise will be made in order for Ireland’s lands to flourish again.
