Brian's Wood

Brian’s Wood is another important element of our social enterprise.

The woodland is named after two of our uncles named Brian who died in infancy. Brian’s Wood is a way to ensure their very brief lives will be remembered for generations to come.

Brian’s Wood is a dream come true for us too as we had debated planting native woodland for many years before taking the plunge in 2019 to plant almost 13,000 trees funded by DAERA’s Forestry Expansion Scheme and the Woodland Trust.

We wanted to help the environment and at the same time help sustain the family farm which has been in our family for over 300 years.

Visit Brian's Wood

The An Tobar team have worked tirelessly creating and designing trails and erecting interactive signage so you can now visit Brian’s Wood and experience our new Nature Trails, Poetry Trials and Fairy Trail.

Where to Find us

The first tree, an Oak, was planted in Brian's Wood by President Michael D. Higgins, 7th March 2019

The Stories Of Our Native Trees

Alder

One of Ireland’s most traditional and widely distributed trees, alders may be found in damp areas, beside freshwater loughs and along river banks, where their strong fibrous roots may help to keep the bank in place.

Hawthorn

Hawthorn or white thorn was planted in hedges throughout our countryside. Its sweet smelling ‘May’ blossom is a feature in that month, and in autumn and winter the deep red haws colour the bare twigs. They are among the berries most favoured by birds.

Oak (Common Oak)

The ruling majesty of the woods, the wise old oak holds a special place in our culture, history, and hearts. It supports more life than any other native tree species in the British Isles, even its fallen leaves support biodiversity.

Silver Birch

Silver Birch symbolised renewal and purification in early Celtic mythology. In Irish, Beith gheal (bright /white birch) originates from Beithe, the first letter of the Ogham alphabet, or Celtic tree alphabet, meaning “birch”.

Brian's Wood is also a vital part of An Tobar's day-to-day health/wellbeing and educational programmes, social farming and ecotherapy including Forest Bathing.