Protecting Woodlands
One of Ireland’s most serious ecological threats is the spread of invasive species—many of which are still legally sold in garden centres nationwide. Despite the introduction of the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 374/2024), which allow for restrictions on listed species, Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) remains unregulated.
Cherry Laurel—also known as common or English laurel—is one of the most pervasive non-native shrubs in Ireland. Originally planted in Anglo-Irish estates, it grows aggressively in the wild, forming dense evergreen thickets that block light, suppress native growth, and degrade biodiversity.
Since 2022, with support from volunteers, we’ve developed a removal method that repurposes it into a freely available source of biofuel; as well as advocated for proper legislation to ban its sale in Ireland.
Information, Advocacy and Media
“The Gaelic Woodland Project is to the fore in the campaign in the south to include cherry laurel on the ‘List of National Concern’ under EU-derived invasive species law” – The Irish News, 2026
Once planted, this fast-growing shrub creates an impenetrable barrier of evergreen leaves that block sunlight and prevent native species from thriving. Cherry Laurel seeds spread easily, and the plant’s waxy leaves hinder the growth of any biodiversity beneath it. Even a single fallen branch can regrow, making the problem difficult to control. Despite its invasive nature, Cherry Laurel is still sold in garden centres across Ireland, contributing to its spread. Once you become aware of its impact, you’ll see it everywhere, from rural woodlands to urban spaces, displacing native ecosystems.
We believe that direct action is key to reversing the damage caused by Cherry Laurel. While State-sponsored removal efforts exist, they are not enough to address the scale of the problem. To combat this, we’ve developed a hands-on methodology for removing Cherry Laurel and turning it into a valuable resource—biofuel. Through a series of meitheals (community workdays), we have been removing Cherry Laurel from native woodlands around the country, clearing significant portions of infested woodland and allowing sunlight to return to the forest floor.
We’ve worked on infestations in Killyon Manor (Meath), Hamwood Estate (Meath) and Lisnavagh House (Carlow). Our vision for the future is to empower communities throughout Ireland to take control of their own Cherry Laurel infestations. The fight against invasive species is a long-term commitment, but by working together and innovating for sustainable solutions, we can protect Ireland’s woodlands for future generations. Our goal is to promote a cleaner, more intelligent approach to ecological restoration, while having a great time at it.
Click here to download a new report from the Gaelic Woodland Project which warns that the failure to regulate the highly invasive Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) is causing serious, ongoing harm to Irish ecosystems — despite it being classified by the National Parks and Wildlife Service as an “established highly invasive species with a risk of high impact.”
While many invasive plants, such as Rhododendron ponticum, are now banned for sale, Cherry Laurel remains freely available in garden centres, supermarkets, and nurseries nationwide. As a result, it has spread to every county in Ireland, displacing native species, degrading habitats, and costing state bodies significant resources in control efforts.
Key findings from the report:
- Cherry Laurel is the second most common non-native shrub in Irish woodlands.
- It releases toxins (cyanide) that harm soil, deters herbivores, and blocks light from the forest floor — killing native flora and fauna.
- Ireland’s own environmental agencies list it as highly invasive, yet it is still not on the legal ‘List of National Concern’ under EU-derived invasive species law.
- Adding Cherry Laurel to this list would allow regulation and stop its sale, aligning with Ireland’s EU biodiversity obligations.
Quote:
“Once you learn to spot Cherry Laurel, you see it everywhere in our woodlands — and you can’t unsee it. Its omission from the List of National Concern is a huge mistake. The science is clear, the public wants action, and our own agencies say it’s highly invasive. Now it’s up to policymakers to act to protect our fragile ecosystems.”
— Oisín O Néill, Director, Gaelic Woodland Project
- “Building a community-rooted charity” – Article in Irish Examiner (2026)
- “Ongoing battle against invasive Cherry Laurel” – Article in Irish Examiner (2025)
- Interview on Morning Ireland about Cherry Laurel Report (2025)
- Segment on RTÉ One’s Nationwide (2025)
- Meitheal video by Eoin Reardon (2025)
- Article on RTÉ (2023)
- Radio Interview at Ryan Tubridy Show (2023)
- Article in Agriland (2022)
- “Casual Gardener: Why we should stop resting on our laurels”
(The Irish News, 2026) - “Nature broadcaster warns of woodland loss and bird decline at Wicklow talk”
(Irish Independent, 2026) - “Did you know you can buy invasive plants in garden centres?”
(The Journal, 2025) - “Concerns raised re invasive Cherry Laurel in Fermoy Town Park”
(The Avondhu, 2025) - “Removing invasive cherry laurel at Altidore Castle”
(ReWild Wicklow, 2025)
These are Dáil Éireann debates where questions about Cherry Laurel have been raised:
- “National Parks and Wildlife Service” (Jan 15th 2026)
- “Invasive Species Policy” (Nov 13th 2025)
- “Invasive Species Policy” (Sept 23rd 2025)
- “Invasive Species Policy” (Sept 9th 2024)
- “Horticulture Sector” (Sept 8th 2024)
These are instances of public expenditure budget used for Cherry Laurel removal, underscoring the irony of it being legally sold:
- “Glen of the Downs nature reserve to be expanded after State buys adjoining lands”
(Irish Times, Dec 2025) - “Cherry laurel control measures at Coole-Garryland Complex SAC – Determination on Screening for Appropriate Assessment”
(gov.ie, Oct 2025) - “Restoring Hazelwood by removing invasive species”
(Caoillte, Oct 2020)
- Read our UPDATED Report on the Trade of Invasive Species (2025)
This updated report outlines the new ‘List of National Concern’ under EU-derived invasive species laws, and recommends the inclusion of Cherry Laurel. - Read our Report on the Trade of Invasive Species (2024)
This report was presented to government and raised in the Oireachtas in 2024. It collates all salient research into the legalities of selling invasive species in Ireland. - Download and share our Cherry Laurel Awareness brochure
- Check out our free to use Removal Methodology
Our Meitheal: Volunteer's work-days removing Cherry Laurel
Starting with just five people in the grounds of Kilyon Manor (Co. Meath) giving it a go in 2023, our seasonal volunteer work-days during summer have grown to host 30 people monthly on average. It is through this work that we’ve removed large amounts of Cherry Laurel while harvesting its wood, all with easily managed tools and methods of safety.
We have created and continue to develop an open-source removal method that communities can use to tackle their local infestations.
Watch the video to know more:
Our Meitheal Season 2025 at Lisnavagh House, Co. Carlow:
If you’d like to join us, check out the Get Involved section for the link to our Whatsapp Community where we share registration links and news!
HELP US STOP THE SALE OF INVASIVE CHERRY LAUREL.
We are advocating for proper legislation to ban the sale of Cherry Laurel and other invasive species in Ireland.
Please sign our petition below, and find out more by reading our Report on Trade of Invasive Species.
- Add Cherry Laurel to the List of Invasive Alien Species of National Concern.
Despite its severe ecological impact, Cherry Laurel is still legally sold.
Result: Prevents local authorities and public bodies from planting or promoting it. - Enforce Section 17(1) of the European Union (Invasive Alien Species) Regulations 2024 (S.I. No. 374/2024). This section prohibits the sale, planting, cultivation, and transport of listed invasive species.
Result: Makes it illegal to sell or distribute Cherry Laurel once listed. - Clarify removal rights under Article 40 of the Wildlife Act.
Communities need clear legal support to remove Cherry Laurel and use it as sustainable biofuel.
Result: Encourages local, year-round removal without legal barriers.
