In this section of the Action Plan we are encouraged to find space in our community for new woodlands, improved habitats and projects to increase biodiversity.

The photos below are an example of how an active and thoughtful partnership between our nature based NGO and Fingal County Council resulted in revitalisation of an open space in Santry Demesne.

Last November we planted some saplings (about 80) with a bit of help from the local Community Garden members. Our trees were planted in two designated areas which are being retained as meadowland. Most of the photos are of oaks but there are also some birch and beech in the new woodland. While we would really like to plan for green assets like this in Swords, the Santry park is a very beautiful and well maintained space with lots of established trees.

We were delighted with the opportunity to plant more trees in Fingal. It was great to find a committed partner in the shape of Joe Daly from FCC Operations.

Based on the results of our working together last year we hope to build more opportunities this winter… a bit closer to home.We would welcome any ideas or excited volunteers. Although we will need to observe all public health guidelines!

by SWA Member Edward Stevenson

Agenda for the Second Annual General Meeting of
The Swords Woodland Association

Via Zoom @ 8 PM, 3rd September 2020

1. Apologies for Absence
2. Minutes of A.G.M. held on 25th February 2019
3. President’s Report
4. Secretary’s Report
5. Treasurer’s Report
6. Field Officer’s Report
7. Constitution changes
   (a) Removal of Section 8, (a) which states;
   (a) The Group will hold an Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) in the month of November.
   (b) and replace it with;
   (a) A general meeting of the Swords Woodland Association shall be held annually or within 15 months of the previous AGM.
8. Election of members of the committee.
   ( Not to exceed 11, from which the committee will elect the officers.)
9. A. O. B.

Chairman’s Report Swords Woodland Association 2019 – 2020

Swords Woodland Association was founded just 3 years ago and in that time we have worked hard on various projects and initiatives to make a difference in the greater Swords Area.

Our objectives are outlined below, and we have and will continue to liaise with Fingal County Council and other Agencies and Companies to pursue these objectives in the short and medium term.

Swords Woodland Association seeks to create a well-planned quality of life for those who live, work and visit the Greater Swords Area through the maintenance, enhancement and sustainable development of our woodlands and existing green belt. We support land use planning that recognises the benefits of forestry, woodlands, allotments and community gardens in generating healthy urban communities. We advocate direct input to policy makers.

We believe that our community needs to understand the challenges of decreasing biodiversity, climate change, river basin protection, flood attenuation and other issues that may arise more quickly than we wish. We will join with others in the sharing of relevant information.

We seek to link new and existing transport commitments to land use plans that sustainably address the housing and movement needs of citizens. SWA strongly advocates for the enhancement and further development of pedestrian and cycling options in the Greater Swords Area.

Guided by the belief that wellbeing is a social asset, SWA advocates for properly scaled eco-tourism initiatives that offer the benefits of outdoor pursuits and exercise to all citizens of and visitors to the Greater Swords Area. We seek a climate of genuine partnership and engagement within communities that will assist in defining constructive and sustainable goals.

As Chairman I would like I would also like thank Fingal County Council and The Dublin Airport Authority for their continued support with our efforts and all other sponsors and groups that have supported us.

Finally, I would like to thank all our officers, committee members and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication. Swords Woodland Association has come a long way in a few short years and together we can look forward to working hard to making a difference for all in the greater Swords area in the future.

Gerry White

Please click the image below to view the Swords Woodland Association Operational Plan 2020 – 2014.

The document describes the Association’s background and objectives, and also describes our work to date and our plans for the next four years and beyond.

As a voluntary organisation, we are reliant on support and funding from other agencies and individuals and dependant on buy in from the local community in order to achieve our goals.

Science Foundation Ireland’s Science Week 2019 ran from Sunday 10th to Sunday 17th November. A total of 1300 trees donated by Coillte and Crann were planted in Ward River Valley “The Jacko” and Broadmeadow Linear Park over the course of the week – a mix of oak, alder, willow and birch.

Working with Orla Farrell’s easytreesie/ Plant for The Planet project, we engaged students and teachers from three primary schools and one secondary; Swords ET, Thornleigh ET, Mary Queen of Ireland NS., St. Cronan’s NS and St. Finian’s Community College, using tools funded by Dublin Airport Authority.

Volunteers from Swords Tidy Towns, River Valley & Rathingle Tidy Towns, Broadmeadow Community Gardens and Dublin Friends of the Earth joined in the fun alongside SWA volunteers, with valued support provided by Fingal County Council management and staff.

We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all who took part, and we look forward to seeing you all again in Spring 2020 for more tree planting.