Sir, - Dr Oliver Rackham of Cambridge University, one of the most authoritative experts on nature conservation, trees and woodland in Britain and Ireland, and the historical ecologist who originated the international definition of ancient woodland, considers the Glen of the Downs to be such woodland and perhaps the most important woodland existing in Ireland.
In his classic work, The History of the Countryside (J.M. Dent, London, 1987), Rackham mentions that though there is very little ancient woodland left in this country, he believes the Glen of the Downs is the most certain example. He goes on to state (pp. 116, 117) the following:
"In the Glen of the Downs (Co Wicklow) is a steep wood of oak, with hazel-wood on the better soils of the lower slope, which still has a coppice structure. The great oak stools are evidently several centuries old. The wood is on the Down Map of 1655-7, the only Irish wood known to me that has both written and field evidence of antiquity."
Ancient woodland is unplanted woodland that is ecologically connected to the wildwood and is now universally recognised as the most valuable habitat for nature conservation in Britain and Ireland. This is because such woodland contains, of all habitats, the greatest abundance and biodiversity of species, many of which, as in the Glen of the Downs, are rare and threatened.
It is with considerable disquiet that I ponder the fact that our generation may soon allow this unique jewel of our natural heritage to be destroyed. - Yours, etc.,
Castlegregory, Co Kerry.