Launch of new book on Irish forestry

March 2023

Paul McMahon, co-founder and Managing Partner of SLM Partners, has launched a new book on Irish forestry titled Island of Woods: How Ireland Lost Its Forests and How to Get Them Back.

The book takes a sweeping historical view, tracing the history of Irish woodlands over the last 10,000 years and explaining why the island’s original forests were almost completely cleared. It examines the contentious state of Irish forestry today, as foresters, farmers and environmentalists lock horns over changes in land use. The book sketches a path forward that balances economic, environmental and social goals – a vision of a different type of forestry that could transform the Irish landscape and re-establish a genuine tree culture in the country.

Although very much a personal project, the book draws on the experience of SLM Partners in investing in forestry in Ireland over many years. It draws on the knowledge of leading foresters that SLM Partners works with on the ground. It makes the case for a more sustainable form of woodland management – known as Continuous Cover Forestry - that SLM Partners is implementing through its Irish investments.

The book is published by New Island and is available at all good book shops.