Waterford’s Crough Wood wins RDS Community Woodland Award
Waterford’s Crough Wood has won a prestigious award.
The ‘Finding Common Ground’ festival, an initiative of the RDS, took place over the last two days in Ballsbridge, Dublin, exploring the benefits of natural resources and the circular economy with a view to increase awareness, education and identification of solutions.
As part of the event, the RDS Forestry Awards which celebrate the work of individuals, farm families and organisations who are enhancing the economic, environmental, and social development of Irish agriculture and rural communities, also took place. Crough Wood in Kilmacthomas was among the winners, taking home the Community Woodland Award.
Formed in 1996, the Comeragh Community Development group, a volunteer-run organisation based in Kilmacthomas, Co. Waterford, has developed the Crough Wood Walk for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the thriving natural environment.
The RDS Community Woodland Award celebrates projects involving the communal ownership and management of forests and woodlands which have been establishes and managed in a sustainable way that is beneficial to the local economy and environment.
Speaking at the awards, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine with responsibility for Food Promotion, New Markets, Research and Development, Noel Grealish TD, said: “These awards provide recognition to outstanding individuals, farm families and organisations who have excelled in enhancing the economic, environmental, and social development of Irish agriculture and their rural communities.”
“The awards commend farmers dedicated to sustainable breeding programmes and their commitment ensures that future generations of livestock are healthier, more productive, and increasingly carbon efficient. I want to congratulate all category winners, and I am delighted to be present to celebrate and highlight the most productive and efficient farmers and livestock in the country.”
