Hometree charity’s mission to reforest Ireland

Hometree Charity restores native woodlands by strengthening sustainable connections between communities and nature.

Once upon a time, our beautiful green island was covered in forests, with up to 80% of the country blanketed in native woodland.

As the most biologically diverse habitats on our planet, forests are crucial for maintaining air and water quality and keeping ecosystems balanced and healthy. Sadly, today, after centuries of deforestation, only a small fraction of our ancient woods remain.

That’s where Hometree Charity comes in. Their team in the west of Ireland is hard at work restoring Ireland's ancient wildwood and forging strong connections between people and the land to ensure its protection down through future generations.

From community garden to conservation force

Established in a small community garden project in 2014, Hometree has grown into a vital force for preserving Ireland’s natural heritage.

Their mission? Establish and restore resilient habitats, focusing on native temperate rainforests, through a multi-pronged approach to sustainable conservation.

In just five years, they, along with volunteers and supporters, have planted tens of thousands of trees, including pioneer species like Scots pine, willow, and alder.

The heart of Hometree’s work lies in its three values: Pioneering, Pragmatic and Nurturing.

Through their adaptable approach to forest restoration, they stay at the forefront of changes in policy and nature. Led by science, their solutions aim for achievability despite unexpected challenges, which lends a dependable and practical element to their work.

Importantly, their focus on inclusivity and connectedness informs their education efforts, where they offer classes, field trips, and hands-on habitat rehabilitation to enable individuals, families, and businesses to learn about nature and make a tangible impact.

These are the efforts that will make the biggest mark – underscoring that essential, irreplaceable link between human well-being and the health of our natural world.

Hometree’s afforestation work establishes permanent forests and agroforestry systems, which are vital for biodiversity.

These native woodlands are home to countless species and play a crucial role in carbon capture and water filtration. And their conservation work gets to the nitty gritty of managing nature to prevent habitat destruction and extinction.

It’s all about community

Hometree also offers ESG Days for businesses and open volunteer days for the public, inviting community members to join in forest restoration and tree planting.

These immersive experiences allow participants to roll up their sleeves and engage in rewarding seasonal tasks.

Their recently completed annual Changing Landscapes conference brought together land workers, policymakers, environmentalists, and commercial interests to generate a cross-diciplinary dialogue about what the next 100 years could look like for Ireland’s landscapes.

And their brilliant Ardnaculla Summer School 2024, funded by the Dinnseanchas project under Creative Ireland's Creative Climate Action Programme, emphasised creativity alongside ecological themes, where participants could learn, connect, and learn the art and science of regeneration at a series of workshops, talks, and communal activities in Ireland’s western uplands.

Our hats off to Hometree Charity, who are not just planting trees, but cultivating a deeper connection to nature, inspiring stewardship, and working towards a sustainable future for us all.

Follow their journey on Instagram, X, Facebook and LinkedIn, or get involved by visiting their website.