Part 2/8:
When asked about the bare landscapes of Ireland, many would attribute the blame to historical accounts of English invaders who allegedly decimated the ancient woodlands for shipbuilding. However, this narrative overlooks a complex history. By the time the English arrived, the native Irish had already cleared about 85% of the island's trees, primarily for agriculture, construction, and fuel.
During a span from 3,000 to 1,000 years ago, the tree cover dramatically diminished due to the growing agricultural demands, particularly the cattle rearing culture, which required extensive land. Wood was the primary construction material for homes, tools, and fences. Strikingly, a significant chunk of the original forest was once rainforest, remnants of which can still be found today.