Lakeland Dairies puts down roots

Lakeland Dairies has launched a tree planting initiative at two of its sites, which will see thousands of native trees planted.

The cross-border dairy co-operative has partnered with Western Forestry Co-op to plant some 5,000 trees in recognition of the dairy co-op’s 3,200 farm families and 1,400 staff.

One hectare of trees is being planted at Lakeland Dairies, Bailieboro; while another one hectare is being planted at Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra. The two hectares of ground are being planted using native tree varieties including oak and birch.

The tree planting initiative was part of a commitment made by Lakeland Dairies in its ESG strategy 'Pathway to a Better Future', launched last year.

The trees at Lakeland Dairies Bailieboro are part of the Native Tree Area (NTA) scheme and the trees at Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra are part of the Native Woodland Establishment (NWE) scheme. Both come under the National Forestry Programme 2023 – 2027.

Along with Western Forestry Co-op, Lakeland Dairies is promoting the benefits of the NTA scheme for farmers, for land use and biodiversity as well as providing a demonstration site for farmers showing the benefits of small-scale native tree planting.

The establishment of a woodland habitat under the NWE scheme at Lakeland Dairies Killeshandra demonstrates the co-op’s commitment to preserving and encouraging native woodlands to help protect biodiversity.

Lakeland Dairies chairperson, Niall Matthews, said that the initiative is a “tangible commitment” to recognising the huge efforts our farm families and staff work every day to improve their co-op.

“It is also a strong show by Lakeland Dairies, through the National Forestry Programme, to make a meaningful contribution to improving water quality and biodiversity, while helping to meet our ambitious national afforestation targets."

Marina Conway CEO of the Western Forestry Co-op added that Lakeland Dairies, as a founding member of Western Forestry Co-op, has “always understood” the value of farmers being at the forefront of planting trees and forests on their own land.

“We are delighted to be a part of this legacy for the future of their farm families and staff.”