During the 18 th century the RDS facilitated the planting of around 55 million trees in

Ireland. The National Botanic Gardens, founded by the Society in 1795,

experimented with different tree species into the 19 th century and in 1988 they

introduced the first forestry awards in Ireland. In this podcast we join Niamh de

Loughry RDS Foundation Director, Head of RDS Library & Archives Natasha Serne

and Head of the RDS Forest and Woodlands Awards judging panel Dr Mick Keane to

explore the near 300-year-old story of the RDS and Irish forestry.

The RDS Forest and Woodland Awards recognise and reward farmers and woodland

owners that have adopted Climate-Smart Agricultural practices on their properties.

These practices include sound commercial management, environmental protection,

and biodiversity. The Awards are now open for entries until Friday, December 19. To

apply, visit RDS - Forestry Awards

The RDS would like to thank our sponsors and partners for their support and

dedication to the Awards; the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine,

Teagasc, and Woodlands of Ireland.