Circular 08/2023 issued by the Department of Agriculture, Food  and the Marine states the requirement for a habitat map to be included with  all new afforestation applications. This habitat map must illustrate both the  habitats and watercourses present within the project site, among other  relevant biodiversity features such as veteran trees. It is required that  these habitats are classified using the Fossitt habitat guide ‘A Guide to  Habitats in Ireland’.  

Further information regarding habitat mapping requirements can  be found in Circular 13/2020. Most importantly, this circular states that all  habitats are classified to Fossitt level 2.

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Supplementary details to be submitted in addition to a habitat  map include ecological sensitives such as Special Area of Conservation (SAC),  mitigation relevant to these sensitivities and a biodiversity map. Forestry Services Ltd. and EuroForest Ireland have the  relevant expertise in ecology and forestry to comply with these new  requirements.

To find out more, please contact us.

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