Sir, – Zef Klinkenbergh, asks “What would [Richard] Romer regard as a balanced mix between conifers and native broadleaf trees?” (Letters, November 22nd). He provides his own reply: “Surely not the current percentage of conifers that exist here in Wicklow?” This reply would have some merit if, as he claims, “the vast majority” of Wicklow’s forests comprise Sitka spruce.
However, there were sound silvicultural reasons for planting Sitka spruce and he should also know that the county is blessed with a high percentage of other tree species. In addition to Sitka spruce, a rich range of species has been planted over the years on less exposed and more nutrient rich soils. These comprise 26 per cent broadleaves (mainly oak, beech, sycamore, birch, alder, hazel and willow), 15 per cent diverse conifers (mainly Norway spruce, Scots pine, Douglas fir and larch species) and nine per cent open spaces including roads, trails, rivers and streams, ride lines and setback areas. Thus, while 50 per cent of the forest area or approximately nine per cent of the land area is Sitka spruce, the county has a rich variety of other species.
Maybe this is not sufficiently diverse for Mr Klinkenbergh but it is a good balance nonetheless, especially for those who earn a living from the forest and for those of us who value the resource for its recreation and health benefits.
– Yours, etc,
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PAT O’SULLIVAN
Society of Irish Foresters,
Glenealy,
Co Wicklow.