Save Our Forests: National Walk in the Woods Day

cavan | miscellaneous | event notice Monday June 03, 2013 16:57 by Cootehillbilly

Dartrey woods, Cootehill, Cavan/Monaghan

Fun family day out, rain or shine. Invite all. Part of national day to celebrate our woods, prevent planned government sale our forests (7% of our land). Gather 2.30pm Damien House near Tannagh, depart 3pm. Watch Al Jazeera news report (2 min video) http://youtu.be/5g76uHk5O8E

Please contact your local TD
http://www.whoismytd.com/search?q=Cootehill%2C+Ireland

Other walks throughout Ireland on the same day.

http://www.saveourforestsireland.com/p/national-walk-in....html

Killykeen, Co. Cavan
https://www.facebook.com/events/194624754021877/
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PRESS RELEASE

At 3pm on Sunday June 9th as part of 'National Walk in the Woods Day', people from Cootehill and neighbouring areas will gather for a community walk through Dartrey forest on the Monaghan Road. The walk is part of the Natural Resources Protection Alliance and Woodland League's national campaign to celebrate public ownership of Ireland’s public forest resource at a time when the government is deciding on a proposed sale of our national forests to private investors.

See: Al Jazeera news report (2 min video) http://youtu.be/5g76uHk5O8E

See: Sweden had to reverse privatisation http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/sweden-had-t...96636

According to local organiser Eoin Ward,the proposal if it goes ahead will leave Ireland as the only country in the developed world without publicly owned forests.

"It would mean the loss of 7% of our land, an area the size of two medium sized counties, and the loss of valuable native woodlands, wild places and havens for Irish flora and fauna. This would present a huge loss to future generations as well as walkers, hikers, mountain bikers and nature lovers, all at a time when mental and physical health has never been so important. It could also mean the loss of 1000s of forestry jobs. The government is meeting on this issue now and we need to act quick. We are therefore calling on the Cavan and Monaghan community to get involved and for local TDs to take action before it's too late."

Potential forestry investors include Swiss finance company Helvetia Wealth, owner of the International Forestry Fund, which is chaired by Bertie Ahern. It has been estimated that the sale of the forests would only generate enough funds to pay off 3 weeks banking debt. Groups like the the Woodland League are proposing new and better ways to develop public and protect native woodlands. Just weeks before the last election Fine Gael and Labour claimed to be opposed to the privatisation. http://www.farmersjournal.ie/site/farming-Labour-and-Fi....html

Local organisers say the walk is an opportunity for people to come together, rain or shine, for a fun afternoon involving a short walk, music, songs, poetry and talks by local woodland and heritage experts. Politicians from all parties have been invited.

Walkers are encouraged to spread the word, dress appropriately and to bring friends, family, and a flask and picnic for afterwards. Walkers will gather at Damien House near Tannagh on the Monaghan Road at 2.30pm and the 1 hour walk will commence at 3pm sharp, rain or shine. Walkers will then return to Damien House for some tea, snacks and songs. Other walks are talking place elsewhere in Co. Cavan and Co. Monaghan including at Killykeen and Rossmore ( http://www.saveourforestsireland.com/p/national-walk-in....html ) and throughout the country on the same day. The Woodland League is asking people to organise one in their area as well as contact their local TDs regarding the forestry privatisation plan.

For more information on the walk see the 'Walk in the Woods' Facebook page, or contact Drumlin Communities Together at drumlincommunity@gmail.com .and find out more about the Woodland League's work and their 50,000 strong petition is at www.woodlandleague.org

ENDS

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LINKS

2 minute Al Jazeera news report on forest sell-off:
Watch this: http://youtu.be/5g76uHk5O8E

Swiss TV report (3 mins)
http://youtu.be/iSJZu6PdJzs

Please contact your local TD
http://www.whoismytd.com/search?q=Cootehill%2C+Ireland

National Walk in the Woods - other groups/walks
https://www.facebook.com/events/172567546240934

Woodland League petition
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/2/help-save-irelands-for...ests/

Please contact your local TD
http://www.whoismytd.com/search?q=Cootehill%2C+Ireland

The Woodland League (lots of info)
http://www.woodlandleague.org/

Sweden had to reverse privatisation of State forestry
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/environment/sweden-had-t...96636

Sale of Irish forests ‘cannot be justified’ on economic grounds
http://www.thejournal.ie/forests-ireland-coillte-772661...2013/