Core Member Focus – Coilte
Ireland’s landscapes are a gift—lush forests, winding trails, and wild, open spaces that invite us to explore, recharge, and reconnect with nature.
As the country’s largest provider of outdoor recreation, Coillte manages 440,000 hectares of forested land—home to over 3,000 kilometres of trails, 260 recreation sites, and 12 forest parks. Whether you’re hiking beneath towering pines, cycling along a forested ridge, or simply pausing to take in the stillness of an ancient woodland, chances are you’re on land cared for by Coillte.
Each year, over 18 million visits are made to Coillte’s forests. With that many people exploring Ireland’s woodlands, responsible recreation has never been more important. That’s why Coillte is a core member of Leave No Trace Ireland, championing the principles of outdoor ethics and sustainable access.
Balancing Forests for People, Planet, and Future Generations
Coillte’s mission goes beyond recreation—it plays a crucial role in climate action, biodiversity, and sustainable forestry. With Ireland facing increasing environmental challenges, Coillte is working to:
✅ Expand and restore native woodlands
✅ Enhance biodiversity across its forest network
✅ Protect forests from extreme weather events and habitat loss
✅ Support Ireland’s transition to a low-carbon economy
Recent storms, like This year, Ireland’s forests have faced significant challenges due to extreme weather events. We saw Storm Éowyn and Storm Darragh cause significant damage, including uprooted trees which have disrupted habitats. Initial satellite assessments estimate that approximately 23,652 hectares of forested land were affected by windthrow due to these storms. In response, the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine, in collaboration with Coillte, initiated a Forest Windblow Taskforce to address the aftermath of these storms and strategize recovery and resilience measures. These events highlight the critical importance of resilient forest management and public awareness to protect and preserve Ireland’s natural landscapes for future generations.
This is where public awareness and responsible outdoor behaviour become essential.
By working with Leave No Trace Ireland, Coillte is helping to protect these landscapes—not just through conservation efforts, but by sharing the Leave No Trace ethos with visitors on how they can play their part.
Key Initiatives with Leave No Trace Ireland
🌿 Love This Place Campaign
Coillte is a proud partner in the “Love This Place” campaign, encouraging people to respect and care for Ireland’s outdoor spaces. Simple actions—sticking to trails, cleaning up after pets, and leaving no litter—help preserve the beauty and health of our forests for everyone to enjoy.
🌳 National Tree Week
Every March, Coillte and the National Tree Council of Ireland celebrate National Tree Week, highlighting the power of trees in tackling climate change and supporting wildlife. As part of this effort, Coillte donates 150,000 native saplings to schools and community groups, ensuring future generations inherit thriving woodlands.
Your Role in Protecting Ireland’s Forests
Every time you step into a forest—whether for adventure, relaxation, or inspiration—you have an opportunity to make a difference. By following Leave No Trace principles, we can all help keep Ireland’s landscapes wild, beautiful, and resilient.
Nature takes care of us—it’s up to us to return the favour.
