Following on from the development of our sustainability charter, we developed the Make-A-Wish Woodland, in partnership with VEON.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have established a green committee, who stive to ensure that we meet sustainability targets within the organisation.
The Make-A-Wish Ireland Woodland is located in the townland of Richardstown, Co. Louth. The site consists of two parcels of land totalling approximately 2.90 hectares. These plots were planted with native trees in 2021 for the Make-A-Wish woodland project.
Plot 1 consists of Hazel (Corylus avellana), Cherry (Prunus avium), Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) and Willow (Salix spp.).
Plot 2 features a plantation of Pedunculate Oak (Quercus robur), Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), Hazel (Corylus avellana) and Holly (Ilex aquifolium). The surrounding area consists predominantly of improved agricultural grassland, arable land, drainage ditches, hedgerow and treeline.
A recent field survey recorded a total of 15 bird species, which was an increase on the 9 bird species recorded in the previous survey.
The trees planted in 2021 are growing well with some of the broadleaf trees in plot one reaching heights of approximately 5 feet. A rich diversity of species was recorded in the understory between the trees, with an increase in the number of species recorded in the 2023 survey. As a result, a rich assemblage of birds and butterflies were also recorded which is likely to continue to increase as the site matures.
