In December Hometree was given the green light to continue to expand our seed collection programme. As a part of this programme we created a robust long-term strategy around future proofing seed supply for Hometree's Organic Tree Nursery. In addition, we onboarded and trained more certified seed collectors at strategic locations along the West Coast of Ireland.
Read MoreWe are looking for a new board member with finance expertise. We are seeking a dynamic and experienced finance professional to join our Board of Directors. This individual will play a pivotal role in guiding Hometree's financial strategy and growth, helping us achieve our ambitious targets. The ideal candidate will bring a wealth of financial expertise, particularly in scaling organizations, and a passion for environmental sustainability.
Read MoreIreland's uplands have a unique aesthetic, one unfamiliar to visitors from Europe and North America. While trees grow thousands of meters up into the Alps or the Appalachians, our mountains stand bare. This landscape is so familiar to us now that many, even those who know the land would contend that trees simply won't grow there— 'it’s too exposed,' 'the soil is too poor’.
Read MoreIreland’s national tree planting schemes are in trouble. Last year just 2,000 hectares of forest were planted from a target of 8,000 hectares. Licencing issues, environmental court challenges, and disease concerns have left the sector reeling.
Read MoreTwo intriguing points about the Hazel tree are: one, it just doesn’t know when to grow old; two, it doesn't even have the decency to grow as a majestic tree. Though I feel a disservice towards not giving it a fair hearing. So, let’s talk about Hazel!
Read MoreHometree always pays close attention to where we’re getting our saplings from and the provenance of the seeds that we’re using. As designated seed collector, I’m extremely fortunate that opportunities for extreme exploration and harnessing of local knowledge come with the job.
Read MoreHometree’s mission is to be a conduit to the natural world and the people who know how to restore it and are curious to get involved. Ardnaculla Summer School is a three day event filled with workshops, discussions and hands-on experiences for community, landowners and farmers to explore and learn about the benefits of native woodlands and biodiversity restoration.
Read MoreThroughout June, we focused on scouting for and collecting seeds of three localised native species: Irish Wych Elm, Downy Birch and Wild Cherry for Hometree’s Organic Tree Nursery situated in Ennistymon. It is a lesser imagined part of Hometree’s mission statement but the constant, regular witnessing of nature doing its own thing isn’t a luxury, it is absolutely essential to human survival and wellbeing.
Read MoreThe growing process is sped up significantly when saplings are grown in a tunnel. In the case of alder and willow the saplings will be ready to be planted after one season of growing in a tunnel versus two years if growing in an outside bed. Hometree’s first polytunnel produced 30 000 trees from seed in its first year.
Read MoreLast month saw the end of our latest tree planting season. As with all work done in Nature, we must keep up with the seasons. Since the arrival of Spring there has been a flourish of life on our sites and in our nursery, from seeds germinating, saplings budding, and flowers emerging.
Read MoreWe are looking for Administrative and Financial Officer - application closes April 9. Reporting to the CEO, the following is a brief description of the principal duties that the Administrative and Financial Officer will be required to carry out on an initial basis.
Read MoreThe 2022 Irish National Forest Inventory has just been released. This major report undertaken every four years by the Forest Service assesses the extent, constitution, and health of Ireland's forests.
Read MoreIreland has just 1% of its native woodlands left. Although the state is currently experiencing significant difficulty delivering its outgoing, and incoming forestry policy, it has in the past facilitated ecologically sound native woodland expansion at landscape scale.
Read MoreThe Rainforest Project is moving onto its next phase. We visited a new site in Sligo last week. It had beautiful pockets of old hazel woodland amongst banks of blanket peat. The potential is huge. Our site in Galway has had its preliminary ecological assessment completed. The results are intriguing.
Read MoreIn 2022 we grew Hawthorn, Alder, Scots Pine and Birch from seed in the poly-tunnel using an organic, no dig approach. In the last month these trees have been pulled and are ready to be planted on Hometree projects or sold.
Read MoreLast year we were honoured to have Fabian Bona as our volunteer for the whole season of autumn, one of the busiest times in the year for us. Fabian joined us as part of his internship for study program of International Forest Ecosystem Management at the Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development, Germany.
Read MoreWe have been asked a lot in the last week to respond to the news regarding Coillte's re-entrance to the forestry creation space. It is a big story and there is nuance and complexity involved, but essentially it will see the semi-state forestry company Coillte facilitate the purchase of 123,000 acres of land in Ireland on behalf of international investment funds.
Read MoreThe Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project is a unique opportunity to create healthy ecosystems, build climate resilience and repair our connection with nature. In December, 2022, the crew of Ear to the Ground, RTE One, visited us to learn more about our work and The Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project launched early in November, 2022.
Read MoreSpruce is an incredible tree, but when planted so dense they can be detrimental to local wildlife. Having seen Illuan switch from a dark, blank canvas to now a luminescent and light filled coniferous haven, it is possible to see the potential. It already feels like the forests doors are open to all the surrounding wildlife.
Read MoreEarly this November Hometree Charity received European recognition SIMA Farming award for Environmental Innovation in Paris. This was a huge moment for us! We received this award for our Farm-Forest Project. This project aims to preserve the environment, connect and help farmers introduce tree systems onto their productive farms as part of a European Program funded by the Department of Agriculture.
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