THE official launch of a unique scheme that sees IKEA sponsoring the development of woodland in Fingal has taken place. Called 'Foot of Forest', the initiative sees the Swedish furniture giant team up with the Tree Council of Ireland and Fingal County Council to plant five acres of woodland per year in the county.

Two woodland depots are to be located in Turvey Park in Donabate and at Santry Demesne.

Planting at Santry Demesne will focus on woodland restoration whilst at Turvey Park a greenfield site will be used to create new woodland. A tree planting day will take place at Turvey Park on March 13th and all are welcome. Speaking at the launch, Garry Deakin, IKEA Dublin's Store Manager said: 'As a local company we want to give something back to the environment and working together with the Tree Council of Ireland and our customers, this campaign can make a difference to the local landscape and to the local community.' The aim initiative is of this to create native Irish woodland which will encourage IKEA family members and the local community to visit and enjoy nature.

Other environmental benefits include the creation of a wildlife habitat, absorption of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and enhanced local biodiversity.