I’ve created a policy proposal to turn Cherry Laurel and *Rhododendron Ponticum,* invasive species that are destroying our native woodlands, into a **new biofuel**.
This infestation can be seen as is either an **ecological crisis or an energy opportunity**, depending on your perspective. We should turn this weakness into a strength. By harvesting these species for biofuel we can (temporarily) **reduce reliance on peat** and peat imports.
[Cherry Laurel: Available locally.](https://preview.redd.it/zd8hgfshuuu81.png?width=161&format=png&auto=webp&s=c5a0956d63b28d9a746806d41ea6d8338aa70abb)
The *National Biodiversity Data Centre* and the *Irish Bioenergy Association* have been very helpful in designing this proposal. The petition proposes 3 steps:
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1. Include Cherry Laurel in the register of invasive species (*Third Schedule of the Birds and Habitat Directive*) and prohibit the sale of invasive species (*enact Reg.50 of the Birds and Habitat Directive*).
2. Grant these invasive species a special exemption from felling licenses.
3. Prioritise Cherry Laurel and Rhododendron for the *Wood Fuel Quality Assurance Scheme*.
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**PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION HERE:**
[https://gaelicwoodlandproject.com/blog-2/petition/ecological-crisis-to-energy-opportunity-policy-proposal/](https://gaelicwoodlandproject.com/blog-2/petition/ecological-crisis-to-energy-opportunity-policy-proposal/)
**PHASE 2:** We’re experimenting with non-mechanised methodology to remove Cherry Laurel from an estate in Meath in October. I’ll be publishing our results and sending them to all GAA Clubs and Tidy Towns in 2023. This methodology, coupled with the aforementioned policy proposal, will facilitate a decentralised clearance of these invasive species. Problem solved.
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The [Gaelic Woodland Project](https://gaelicwoodlandproject.com/) is a charity I started in 2019. I’m using it as a platform to create new forests and explore innovative solutions to legacy environmental issues. I run the show voluntarily, kind of obsessed tbh, so all the money raised goes straight into buying land which will be afforested with native trees.
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I do this all for FREE. Please share this work and donate if you can.
We’re always looking for volunteers too.
*Ní neart go cur le chéile.*
7 comments
Signed. How will you turn them into biofuel? Wood chips and compression into briquettes is it? Makes sense.
https://petitions.oireachtas.ie/online_petitions.nsf/PetitionForm?openform&type=screening+page&lang=EN&r=0.437674525062943
Would it take as much to harvest and process than you’d get from it?
Good idea. Note that in the UK there are grants to clear Rhody and CL as its expensive work. Even then uptake isn’t huge (is my understanding). Happy to chat forestry with you.
Signed! Thanks for all of your hard work. This is a great idea!
Signed. I’m all on board with removing non-native plants from our forests.
Brilliant idea, hope it works and that you can make it viable. Maybe there could be a grant for people to cut out their rotten Laurel hedges and plant native ones!