Focus
- Arts and Culture
- Education and training
- Environment
- Heritage
- Rural development
- Sustainable development
- Volunteering
Interest
- Development of education and training materials and programmes
- Community outreach and engagement
- Cultural and artistic innovation
- Governance
- Research
- Scientific innovation
EU Project Experience
Some experience
Illaun Farm-Forest EIP Funding Programme
One year project funded through the Department of Agriculture Food and Marine as part of the European Innovation Partnership.
Description: Objective of the project was to increase on-farm biodiversity in the region of the Glendine Valley in West Clare, by creating, expanding and rehabilitating woodland habitat. We accomplished this by collaborating with 12 local landowners. Woodlands, shelterbelts and riparians tree buffers were planted on participating farms. Farmers were also actively supported to apply for the Native Woodland Scheme, resulting in a broader increase in native trees in the area. At the Illaun site, we are in the process of converting existing spruce plantation into a mixed woodland. This site was used for several demonstrations relating to farm woodland creation and management.
EU Funding Goals
Initially we would be looking to focus on building a network, learning about other similar projects within environmental areas, conservation and rural development, and getting involved in funding with a project of our own. We have a specific interest in habitat restoration and creation, along with native woodland and forestry, and community building.
We have launched our largest project to date; The Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project. The first phase of this project will be rolled out in 4 years, starting in 2023. Our aim is to restore 4,000 acres of temperate rainforest and other supporting native ecosystems (wetland, wild grassland, meadow, fens), ownership split between the charity and the local community and land owners. This project can only be made possible through partnerships and support from private funding, grants and the public.
Strengths
Hometree charity has a wealth of skills and a large network of volunteers based around Ireland who have helped us get to where we are today and continue to contribute to Hometrees mission to establish and conserve native Irish woodland.
Hometree is the only organic native tree nursery in the country. We have a full time seed collector gathering seeds from across the Island to promote tree health and genetic diversity.
Hometree holds volunteer days at the HQ in Clare twice a month, and seasonally at the site in Wicklow and Galway. The Hometree team consists of highly competent and skilled individuals with a passion and dedication to the land and community.
