Native forests provide huge benefits not only to wide range of wildlife from insect, birds to hedgehogs, foxes and amphibians by providing shelter, food and corridors to safely move around, but also to us humans. Most people know that trees make oxygen, clean air, slow evaporation and soil erosion, slow rain water runoff which helps with flood prevention. But trees helps us to reconnect with nature too and have positive impact on our well-being. There is mouthing scientific evidence that suggests the beneficial therapeutic effects of forest-based interventions on hypertension, stress, blood-pr ..read more

Community tree planting is big part of rewilding and in our town of Trim we have partnered with Tidy Towns and Council for tree planting scheme Elder project to plant 10 000 native trees and shrubs that will provide several benefits to local residents and biodiversity alike. In winter 2022/23 we have planted total of 2656 native trees and 60 fruit trees. We have selected 16 different locations: 12 residential estates, GAA and Prosper Meath as well as the Athboy Ring Road and Summerhill Road. 18 different species of native and close to native trees list were planted including oak, hawthorn, haz ..read more

Feeding birds is very rewarding and enjoyable activity. It is not rocket science, but it's important to feed birds responsibly and ensure the well-being of the birds and maintain a healthy environment. Here are few things to avoid when feeding birds: 1. Bird feed in plastic nets Plastic nets are not only harmful due to environmental pollution, but can pose deadly traps for birds that can get entangled in them. Far better, safer and more sustainable option are ,metal feeders and loose ,fat balls. 2. Stale or Mouldy Bird Food Avoid providing birds with stale or mouldy food. Mould can be harm ..read more

While most people associate bird feeding with winter, it is often recommended to start early in autumn so the birds will get use to the feeders and get extra energy and fat reserves in advance. As autumn arrives in Ireland, it brings about changes in the behaviour and dietary needs of wild birds. Once temperatures drop, birds start to prepare for the colder months. As humans dramatically changed and continuously affect the natural landscape (habitat loss, hedgerow cutting etc.) the natural food like berries and seeds is not sufficient to sustain the bird population, therefore supplementing wit ..read more

Wildflower meadows are still largely missing from gardens and countryside but they are getting more and more popular, especially amongst those who want to support wildlife and biodiversity. Wildflower meadow not only looks beautiful, attract myriad of beneficial insect, pollinators, birds and wildlife but also lower maintenance and mowing of grass. But every time someone share photos of beautiful meadow full of wildflowers, or give advice to sow wildflower meadow on social media, there are many comments on how people tried and failed. So how to best establish wildflower meadow and what mistak ..read more

There is nothing better than homemade organic jam made from produce from your garden or allotment. So if you find yourself with extra strawberries and rhubarb, you can follow this simple recipe to make low sugar jam which is healthy alternative to high sugar supermarket products that often contains more sugar than fruit. With low sugar recipe use between 15-20% of sugar to fruit in weight ratio. In this recipe I use 20% as it will help to conserve the jam a bit longer, but you can adjust the ratio according to your taste buds. To make a jam Ingredients: - 1kg peeled rhubarb - 500g strawberrie ..read more

Allium ursinum, known as wild garlic, ramsons, and by few other names is a bulbous perennial flowering plant. It is native to Europe and Asia, where it grows in moist woodland. It has been credited with many medicinal qualities and is a popular homeopathic ingredient. It is often used for treating cardiovascular, respiratory, and digestive problems, as well as for the sterilization of wounds. As it`s name suggests it smell and taste of garlic, but is much milder than regular garlic. All parts are edible although it is the leaves that are the most often used. They can be used salad, herb, boile ..read more

Over the past few years many gardeners have rediscovered the benefits of organic mulch. The application of mulch goes long way back to 17-18th century and it is important part of Organic Gardening, organic food growing and permaculture principles that follows the law of nature: return and recycle nutrients and dead matter back into soil. Mulching have many benefits but the most important is increase in organic matter of the soil. Slow decomposing of mulch will also feed the soil microbiome. Many studies show that healthy soil microbiome and natural soil fertility will promote heathier and str ..read more

Irish native hedge provide a wealth of benefits for any garden or farm, including increased biodiversity, shelter for wildlife, and a source of food and nesting sites. There are many different species of Irish native hedging plants, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. In this blog, we'll explore the key elements of planting an Irish native hedge, including the best time of year, preparation and planting tips, and care and maintenance. When to Plant an Irish Native Hedge The best time to plant an Irish native hedge is between November and March, when the saplings are dormant ..read more

Yellow rattle (Rhinanthus minor), is a wildflower native to Ireland and Europe and a key species for restoring wildflower meadows. This wildflower is known for its yellow flowers that when dry, rattle in the wind and its ability to suppress the growth of taller, more dominant plants. This ability give the plant nick name "The Meadow maker". Yellow rattle is a semi-parasitic plant, as it steals nutrients and water from other plants. The plant's roots penetrate the roots of grasses and other meadow plants, reducing their vigor and allowing a greater diversity of wildflowers to thrive. This makes ..read more