Lakeland Dairies has partnered with Western Forestry Co-op to plant some 5,000 trees in recognition of the dairy co-op’s 3,200 farm families and 1,400 staff.
One hectare of trees is being planted at Lakeland Dairies Bailieboro while another one hectare is being planted at Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra. The two hectares of ground are being planted using native tree varieties including oak and birch.
The tree planting initiative was part of a commitment made by Lakeland Dairies in its ESG strategy Pathway to a Better Future which was launched in 2023.
The trees at Lakeland Dairies Bailieboro are part of the Native Tree Area (NTA) scheme while the trees at Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra are part of the Native Woodland Establishment (NWE) scheme. Both schemes are part of the National Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027.
Along with Western Forestry Co-op, Lakeland Dairies is promoting the benefits of the NTA for farmers, for land use and biodiversity as well as providing a demonstration site for farmers showing the benefits of small-scale native tree planting.
The establishment of a woodland habitat under the NWE scheme at Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra demonstrates the co-op’s commitment to preserving and encouraging native woodlands to help protect biodiversity.
Lakeland Dairies Chairperson Niall Matthews said:
“We value our farmers and our staff as highly as we do the nature around us. That is why we have moved, as part of Pathway to a Better Future, to plant 5,000 native trees at two of our sites. This is a tangible commitment to recognising the huge efforts our farm families and staff work every day to improve their co-op. It is also a strong show by Lakeland Dairies, through the National Forestry Programme, to make a meaningful contribution to improving water quality and biodiversity while helping to meet our ambitious national afforestation targets.
“We are thrilled to partner with Western Forestry Co-op on this very exciting venture. We know that with its rich heritage and strong knowledge of the sector that this project will be a huge success.”
Marina Conway CEO of the Western Forestry Co-op said:
“Western Forestry Co-op are delighted to be partnering with Lakeland Dairies in their journey to sustainability through planting native woodlands. Lakeland Dairies, as a founding member of Western Forestry Co-op has always understood the value of farmers being at the forefront of planting trees and forests on their own land, and we are delighted to be a part of this legacy for the future of their farm families and staff.”