Agroforestry is a great way for farmers to integrate trees into their farms without having to choose one over the other.
That’s according to Marina Conway, the newly appointed head of woodlands and land partnerships at nature restoration charity, Hometree.
In the light of low scheme uptake, the 2025 Nuffield scholar’s study will look at international examples of successful agroforestry systems.
“For example, I don’t think any other country has a forest land definition on agroforestry. It’s a huge barrier in Ireland to participation so why are we continuing along this track? What are the alternatives?” she has asked.
Farming and trees
As former CEO of Western Forestry Co-operative, she has championed community-led forestry initiatives and sustainable practices rooted in collaboration and innovation.
The Enniscrone, Co. Sligo native has over two decades of experience in forestry, sustainable land management, and climate change policy.
Her expertise ranges from woodland establishment, conservation and management to regulation and forest policy, with a long track record advocating for farmer-led and community-owned woodlands.
This makes her a perfect fit for Hometree’s mission to restore and expand Ireland’s native woodlands, according to Matthew Smith, CEO at Clare-based Hometree.
“My future plans are to work with Hometree to assist in native woodland restoration and expansion along the west coast, help re-establish temperate rainforests where appropriate, and protect those small remnants we have left,” Conway said.
She will lead Hometree’s efforts to restore ancient and long-established woodlands along Ireland’s west coast, working closely with landowners, communities, and policymakers.
“She will be pivotal in developing large-scale, multi-stakeholder projects and advancing funding mechanisms to support nature restoration at scale,” Smith said.
“Marina’s deep understanding of forestry, combined with her leadership and passion for community-led conservation, will be instrumental in driving Hometree’s vision to create large-scale resilient ecosystems for future generations.
“She will support the team working on Hometree’s largest initiative, the Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project,” the Hometree CEO added.
The organisation has recently secured multi-annual funding, acquired new sites, and recruited former Greenbelt CEO, Imelda Connelly, as finance officer, highlighting its current growth phase.