Green Skibbereen, a not for profit company that promotes and delivers climate action and sustainability, is about to get started on its objective to make Myross Wood in West Cork a living, community resource for biodiversity, education, recreation and the arts. This week the project received a huge boost in the form of a grant of €28,000 through the Woodland Development Fund from the Department for Agriculture, Food and the Marine. As preparations continue for the coming launch of the new Centre of Excellence for Climate Action and Sustainability (CECAS) at Leap, this funding has been warmly welcomed by all involved.
Brendan McCormack Press Officer for Green Skibbereen explained the background to the project “Myross Wood unfortunately suffered significant damage as a result of Storm Ophelia and this is an all too graphic reminder that we are dealing with a very present problem of extreme weather events in West Cork caused by climate change. The wood is a much loved feature of this part of West Cork and this project will help us restore our woodland through careful planting of native varieties, removal of some invasive non-native species, improved access and trails, and activities that are both sensitive and complementary to the woodland and it’s special area of conservation for the rare Killarney Fern.”
Fellow Green Skibbereen Director Trish Lavelle described how “We want to create a ‘Meitheal’ type project that will involve local people and organisations at all levels, from schools to businesses and community groups and with that in mind we are aiming to create a new group ‘The Friends of Myross Wood’ to support, fundraise, volunteer and most importantly get involved in our work. We are also looking for local people who have memories and stories to share about the wood.”
The Myross Wood Meitheal Project will fund works, specialist support and a better future for the wood over the next 18 months and If you would like to be involved in any way with the ‘Friends of Myross Wood’ please get in touch with us via trish@greenskibbereen.ie or the Green Skibbereen Facebook page.
