Client: National Parks & Wildlife Service

Under Article 17 of the EU Habitats Directive, Ireland has an obligation to monitor and assess the conservation status of Annex I habitats, including woodlands. Three of Ireland’s EU Annex I woodland habitats were assessed by BEC Consultants:

• Old Sessile Oak Woods with Ilex and Blechnum (91A0)
• Alluvial Forests with Alnus glutinosa and Fraxinus excelsior (91E0)
• Taxus baccata woods (91J0)

This assessment utilised EU guidelines that were applicable for all Annex I habitats found within the member states. Each of the habitats was assessed within Ireland for range and extent, structure and functions, and future prospects. These data were utilised by NPWS in assessing The Status of EU Protected Habitats and Species in Ireland (2008).