Woodland developed by community group in County Waterford wins prestigious award
Comeragh Community Development group is a volunteer-run organisation which has developed the Crough Wood Walk for locals and visitors alike
Crough Wood in Kilmacthomas was among the winners at the 2025 RDS Forestry Awards which were presented earlier this week.
Formed in 1996, the Comeragh Community Development group is a volunteer-run organisation based in Kilmacthomas which has developed the Crough Wood Walk for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the thriving natural environment.
The RDS Community Woodland Award celebrates projects involving the communal ownership and management of forests and woodlands which have been established and managed in a sustainable way that is beneficial to the local economy and environment.
The award was presented during the Finding Common Ground festival which explores the benefits of natural resources and the circular economy with a view to increasing awareness, education and identification of solutions.
Speaking at the awards ceremony, Minister of State Noel Grealish commented: "These awards provide recognition to outstanding individuals, farm families and organisations who have excelled in enhancing the economic, environmental, and social development of Irish agriculture and their rural communities.”
The Awards are supported by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine; Teagasc, Woodlands of Ireland, The Heritage Council and the National Parks and Wildlife Service.