Is Ireland Truly the Emerald Isle?
Despite its moniker as the “Emerald Isle,” Ireland’s verdant landscape may not be as ecologically vibrant as it appears. Eoghan Daltun, a sculptor dedicated to environmental restoration, highlights this paradox through his efforts in reviving a section of native rainforest on the Beara Peninsula, located on the rugged southwestern coast of the country. In a recent conversation at his home in West Cork, Mr. Daltun expressed, “Ireland really coasts on its reputation as the Emerald Isle.”
He further elaborated, “There is this perception that because it rains frequently in Ireland, everything is lush and flourishing, leading people to believe that nature is thriving here.” However, the reality is quite different. Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency of Ireland released a concerning report, rating the country’s environmental health as “poor.”
Historically, Ireland was once a land rich in forests, with around 80 percent of its landscape covered by trees. Today, that figure has plummeted to a mere 11 percent, making it one of the most deforested countries in Europe. The majority of the remaining tree cover consists of nonnative Sitka spruce, while indigenous tree species occupy only 1 percent of the land.
Biodiversity is also in decline. Although the countryside boasts an expanse of lush green fields populated by cattle and sheep, much of this land is characterized by grass monocultures. Mr. Daltun aptly describes these areas as “biological deserts,” noting, “There is nothing there for nature.”
Moreover, he argues that the blame cannot solely be attributed to historical colonial influences. “The thing about Ireland is, we’ve had this long tendency to blame the English and colonialism,” Mr. Daltun stated. “That just doesn’t wash anymore, because Ireland has been independent for more than a century and things have gotten worse.”
In response to these alarming environmental trends, Mr. Daltun is taking action. He has documented his journey of rewilding his 73 acres in his 2022 book, “An Irish Atlantic Rainforest,” and has recently published a new work titled “The Magic of an Irish Rainforest,” which showcases stunning photographs of the rare pockets of wild nature that still exist on the island.