Forest Friends Ireland were founded in May 2000 to provide an alternative to a rampant monoculture forestry policy. We value forests because of their essential role in maintaining the fragile ecosystems which preserve the earth’s rich biological and cultural diversity. Forest Friends Ireland/Cáirde na Coille have prioritised three main projects. The “Neart” (Strength) project, the Cross Border Project and the Centre for Forest Biodiversity.