Covid-19 has helped people appreciate the importance of having opportunities for exercise close to home. The Coillte forest network provides valuable space for recreation and often access to the hills, as well as being a significant component in rural landscapes.

Coillte has started the process to produce draft forest plans for the period 2021 – 2025. Forest users, local residents and others with an interest in our State forestry are invited to submit their recommendations into this consultation process. Mountaineering Ireland will be responding to this consultation and is encouraging hillwalkers and climbers to participate by submitting their comments to helen@mountaineering.ie before Wednesday 27th May. Submissions may also be sent directly to Coillte - consultation@coillte.ie

Coillte's current plans can be viewed on - https://www.coillte.ie/our-forests/public-goods/forest-plans/

Select your region and look at the plan. Contact Mountaineering Ireland to share your examples of good practice and your suggestions for the management of these forests over the next five years and into the future. Input from members around the country will add value to Mountaineering Ireland's recommendations for the new plans, so we look forward to your response.

Mountaineering Ireland's submission in response to the last set of Coillte forest plans is online - https://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/201611493414_89fbee19.pdf

See also Mountaineering Ireland's 2018 response in relation to Coillte's FSC Certification - https://www.mountaineering.ie/_files/20185964224_1bfda823.pdf