Red Squirrel Woodland Conservation Project - Tree Planting Day

A tree planting day shall be held in Sutton Castle Woods on Saturday, 24th March 2012 from 11am until 1pm approximately to help keep Howth’s Red Squirrel population happy! This public event is part of a Red Squirrel conservation project which has been ongoing since 2010.

In a study undertaken by biologist William Carr (U.C.D.) the Howth peninsula has been identified as the last stronghold in Dublin for the Red Squirrel. The study outlined the conservation measures needed to maintain and enhance the Howth population. This included habitat restoration in the wooded areas of the peninsula. Within the Sutton Castle Woods, it was recommended that the Sycamore be removed to facilitate the planting of new trees including Scots Pine, Corsican Pine and Maritime Pine which would provide a rotational crop of pine cones from year to year. It was also recommended to plant Hazel as an understory or woodland buffer to produce a seed crop for the Red Squirrels. The site has now been cleared of Sycamore and is ready for planting.


Volunteers shall meet at the entrance to Sutton Castle Woods. Please wear appropriate footwear. Spades, etc. shall be provided on the day. You are asked not to bring vehicles past the Martello Tower gates. Please note that parking is extremely limited at Martello Tower gates.


For further information and / or directions, please contact Deborah Tiernan from Fingal County Council on 087 1305212.


Sarah Ann McGrath - Assistant HR Manager