Lakeland Dairies has launched a tree planting initiative at two of its Cavan sites which will see thousands of native trees planted.
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.
