Forests contribute to biodiversity

PLANTATION forests can make a positive contribution to biodiversity, according to research conducted at Trinity College.

Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Mary Wallace last night welcomed the publication of the joint COFORD/EPA report on Biodiversity in Irish Plantation Forests.

This report summarises work and proposals resulting from the BIOFOREST project, one of the largest undertakings on biodiversity research conducted in the State. Funded under the National Development Plan 2000-2006, the project involved more than 20 researchers based in Trinity College Dublin, University College Cork and Coillte.