In 2001, Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal was the scene for the most ambitious nature restoration projects ever to have taken place in Ireland. The release of golden eagles which had been driven to extinction a century before. …It quickly became apparent that the landscape had become so degraded that it could not support sufficient prey for the birds. …Earlier this year, Minister of State for Nature, Malcom Noonan, launched “one of the most ambitious nature restoration projects in the history of the State”. …Tree planting will remain part of the plan and a dedicated nursery has been established on site to grow oaks and birches as well some of the rarer species, such as yew, juniper and aspen, as well as introducing Scots pine from seedlings in the Burren in Clare, which is the only truly native stand of this tree known in Ireland. [to access the full story an Irish Examiner subscription is required]