Forest Service Northern Ireland facts for kids
| Executive Agency overview | |
|---|---|
| Formed | April 1, 1998 |
| Jurisdiction | Northern Ireland Executive |
| Headquarters | Inishkeen House (Enniskillen) |
| Parent department | Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) |
The Forest Service Northern Ireland is a special part of the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). Think of it as a team dedicated to looking after all the forests and woodlands across Northern Ireland. Their main job is to help forests grow and make sure they are managed well. They work to protect these important natural spaces for everyone to enjoy.
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What Does the Forest Service Do?
The Forest Service is like the guardian of Northern Ireland's forests. They are responsible for developing new forests and managing the ones that already exist. This means they plant new trees, look after young forests, and manage older ones.
Protecting Northern Ireland's Forests
One of their biggest jobs is to manage about 62,000 hectares of forest land. To give you an idea, that's a huge area, roughly the size of 62,000 rugby pitches! They make sure these forests are healthy and safe. This includes preventing diseases, managing wildlife, and protecting against fires.
Why Forests Matter
Forests are super important for many reasons. They help clean the air we breathe and are home to lots of different animals and plants. Forests also help prevent floods and keep our soil healthy. The Forest Service makes sure these benefits continue for everyone. They also help people enjoy forests for fun activities like walking, cycling, and exploring nature.
Where the Forest Service Works
The main office for the Forest Service is called Inishkeen House, located in Enniskillen. They also have other offices in places like Castlewellan and Garvagh. These local offices help them manage forests in different parts of Northern Ireland more closely.
Who Works for the Forest Service?
Around 205 people work for the Forest Service. These employees include foresters, scientists, and other experts. They all work together to plan, manage, and protect Northern Ireland's forests. Their hard work helps keep our woodlands beautiful and healthy for future generations.
History of the Forest Service
The Forest Service Northern Ireland was officially created on 1 April 1998. Before this, similar work was done by other government groups. Setting up the Forest Service as its own agency helped focus on the specific needs of forestry in Northern Ireland. Since then, they have continued to grow and improve how forests are managed.
