Community Seed Gathering & Woodland Restoration Walk

Join Hometree arborist Jeremy Turkington for an event in Glengarriff Woods Nature Reserve exploring how local communities can play a direct role in protecting, expanding, and restoring Ireland’s native Atlantic woodlands.

Glengarriff Woods is an important example of rare ancient temperate rainforest. This gathering looks at the woodland through the lens of local action, focusing on the vital role of seed collection. Participants will discover why harvesting seeds from ancient, locally-adapted trees is the foundation for restoring resilient habitats across Ireland’s western seaboard, and how community members can get involved in gathering and nurturing local seed sources.

Participants will get practical insights into how communities and landowners can work together to help local woodlands recover. The event will showcase real-world examples of community-driven restoration in the area, including Hometree’s Cleandra Woods project on the Beara Peninsula and the new Iveragh Woodlands EIP, which works alongside local farmers and communities to protect and restore native woodlands.

Whether you are interested in seed collection, starting local woodland projects, or learning how community efforts strengthen biodiversity and climate resilience, this event offers an inspiring look at how we can all help our living landscapes thrive.