East Wicklow Rivers Trust is leading the Upland Gully Woodland Planting project, a community climate action effort in collaboration with the Wicklow Uplands Council.

This project focuses on improving the natural environment and encouraging community involvement and understanding.

Listen to East Coast Radio’s interview with Lorna Kelly of the Wicklow Uplands Council about the project and the funding received through the Community Climate Action Fund.

Restoring Nature, Strengthening Resilience

The Upland Gully Woodland Planting project is a collaborative initiative between East Wicklow Rivers Trust and Wicklow Uplands Council, aimed at restoring native woodlands in upland gullies on the East Wicklow sub catchments of the Avonmore and Avonbeg rivers.

The project actions are supported by Wicklow County Council Climate Action Fund, and facilitation, administration and communications is further supported by Community Foundation Ireland’s Climate Action Engagement Fund.

This project focuses on nature-based solutions to enhance climate resilience, improve water quality, and support biodiversity. Building on the work started under the SUAS project (2018-2022) and also by National Parks and Wildlife Service, we will see landscape-scale action for positive environmental outcomes.

Project Objectives

Climate Resilience: Planting ‘the right tree in the right place’ (in this instance native upland trees like rowan, birch, oak, holly, hawthorn) along our upland gullies helps stabilise stream banks, reduces soil erosion, and mitigates flood risks, contributing to the region's climate adaptation efforts.
Biodiversity Enhancement: Establishing native upland gully woodlands provides habitats for local flora and fauna, promoting ecological diversity in the uplands and providing ecological connectivity.
Water Quality Improvement: Vegetation in gullies acts as a natural filter, improving the quality of water flowing into rivers and streams, supporting also the reduction of flow.

Community Engagement

The project emphasises community involvement through volunteer planting days and educational events. Notably, on Earth Day, April 22, 2025, a webinar titled "Right Tree, Right Place – Upland Gully Woodlands for Climate Resilience" was held to discuss the project's impact and encourage public participation.

Looking Ahead

This initiative aligns with the broader goals of East Wicklow Rivers Trust and Wicklow Uplands Council, to support sustainable land use and environmental stewardship in the region. By restoring upland gully woodlands, the project contributes to the long-term health and resilience of Wicklow's natural landscapes.

Looking Ahead

The importance of collaboration should be highlighted as herein lies the strength of this project. Thank you to:

The landowners of the Avonmore and Avonbeg sub-catchments for joining us in delivering this project.
National Parks and Wildlife Service from the Wicklow Mountain National Park for supporting the movement of materials through difficult and challenging terrain.
Contractors PTR Ltd and Faith Wilson Ecology for providing their professionalism and knowledge
And last but certainly not least, all of the volunteers donating time and effort to join in with this project.