Forestry in Ireland has never been so contentious. Over the last century the area of Irish woodland has increased tenfold, mostly through the planting of imported conifer species; government policy is to plant more trees to supply industry and to tackle climate change, both urgent priorities. But there has been a backlash from farmers, local communities, environmentalists and EU regulators. The rate of planting has plummeted. And up to one-third of new plantations in Ireland are failed forests that should never have been planted in the first place. How did we end up in this peculiar situation?

Island of Woods traces the history of Irish forests over the last 10,000 years. It explains why Ireland lost so much of its forest cover, before a burst of tree-planting over the last few decades. It examines the state of Irish forestry today and sketches a way forward for our woods that balances commercial, environmental and social goals - a vision of a different type of forestry that could transform the Irish landscape and re-establish a genuine tree culture in the country.

This engaging examination of Irish woodlands relates historical events to present-day concerns and controversies, drawing out crucial themes that continue to shape the Irish landscape.

About the Author

Dr Paul McMahon was born in Ireland and studied at University College Dublin, completing his PhD in history at the University of Cambridge. He has pursued a varied career in academia, finance and environmental policy and has published two books, Feeding Frenzy: The New Politics of Food (2013) and an Irish Times book of the year, British Spies and Irish Rebels: British Intelligence and Ireland (2008). He is the co-founder of SLM Partners, an investment business that invests in sustainable agriculture and forestry across the world.

Reviews

A thorough and lucid job

-- Michael Vinney * The Irish Times *

Praise for Feeding Frenzy

'A passionately argued book ... a compelling argument for radical agricultural reforms'

* Sunday Times *

Praise for Feeding Frenzy

'A highly readable book. Written in short, clear sentences and rarely lapsing into jargon, McMahon succeeds brilliantly in describing the food supply challenges we currently face'

* TLS *

Praise for British Spies and Irish Rebels

'A fascinating new study ... McMahon writes lucidly and sensibly on a subject that often attracts fevered treatment.'

* The Irish Times *

Praise for British Spies and Irish Rebels

'A very fine book ... such a good read. There are all kinds of nuggets in it.'

-- Ronan Fanning * RTE Radio 1 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781848408791
Author Paul McMahon
Format Paperback
Page Count 225
Imprint New Island Books
Publisher New Island Books
Weight(grams) 260g
Dimensions(mm) 215mm * 135mm * 20mm