Our vision is of Ireland as a
LAND
To date Green Sod Ireland has been gifted in excess of 100 acres by visionary individuals and communities, in Counties Galway, Cork, Carlow, Donegal, Mayo and Cavan. Gifted land is first and foremost appraised by out ecologists who complete an initial ecology report with findings and recommendations. The diversity of land across Ireland means that individual management plans are created to address the specific needs of each. The local community participate in the protection of land and are invited to engage in our ecological education initiatives. They are an integral part of holding this land in trust together.
VISION
Our vision is of Ireland as a country where ecosystems are thriving and flourishing
In order to achieve our vision, we are working to establish Wild Acres (land in protection) in every county in Ireland; safe havens where species can thrive and flourish through proper management and re-wilding. Each piece of gifted land has its own uniqueness and is therefore managed according to the recommendations of its own unique ecological report.
We believe it is important to remember that we share this Earth with myriad other species who, like us, have intrinsic value, and whose life systems are the essence of the natural world – they are what facilitate the nourishment of the soil, the growth of trees and plants, the provision of air for us to breathe. In short, they are essential to our health – physical, mental, emotional and spiritual
Our survival depends on the life-systems of the planet being respected and protected.
A GIFT OF LAND
“
I DON’T FEEL YOU CAN EVER REALLY SAY YOU ‘OWN’ LAND. YOU ARE A CARETAKER ONLY AND, DURING YOUR SHORT TIME ON THE PLANET, YOU CAN ONLY CHOOSE TO NURTURE THE LAND OR TO ABUSE IT.
“
– Eileen Coyne, on gifting 14 acres in Connemara
RED BOG
Co. Carlow
Green Sod Ireland acquired “Red Bog” in 2010, thanks to the generosity of Mr David Rowe, RIP, who decided to gift his land to Green Sod Ireland.
The land, in the form of five fields, is species-rich grassland and has a raised boundary bank of furze bushes, with a stream bordering one side.
The land and its rich organic garden worked and nurtured for over 30 years by David Rowe, is being allowed to thrive in all its biodiversity for posterity. It has been planted with trees over the years. Green Sod Ireland’s main function is to continue to support nature to take its course and as a result the land is teeming with wildlife, (flora and fauna). We bestow our gratitude to David Rowe
SALROCK
Connemara, Co. Galway
Green Sod Ireland was gifted 14 acres at Salrock, Little Killary, Connemara, Co. Galway in 2013, thanks to the generosity of a woman with vision Ms. Eileen Coyne.
The Connemara land, which was farmed many years ago by Eileen Coyne’s grandfather, is situated on the wind-swept hillside at Little Killary under the watchful eye of Mweelrea. It contains many distinct ecosystems from wet heath and rocky outcrops to native woodland. To the north it has a sheltered rocky shoreline dropping into the Atlantic Ocean at Little Killary with mountain and peatland held in commonage to the south and west. This land with its small ancient oak woodland is home to the yellow orchid and the large marsh grasshopper and much more. Steps are being taken to enrich this bountiful biodiversity that is such an important part of Wild Acres in Connemara. Eileen Coyne, in her generosity and foresight is an inspiration to all of us
SALROCK
Connemara, Co. Galway
Green Sod Ireland was gifted 14 acres at Salrock, Little Killary, Connemara, Co. Galway in 2013, thanks to the generosity of a woman with vision Ms. Eileen Coyne.
The Connemara land, which was farmed many years ago by Eileen Coyne’s grandfather, is situated on the wind-swept hillside at Little Killary under the watchful eye of Mweelrea. It contains many distinct ecosystems from wet heath and rocky outcrops to native woodland. To the north it has a sheltered rocky shoreline dropping into the Atlantic Ocean at Little Killary with mountain and peatland held in commonage to the south and west. This land with its small ancient oak woodland is home to the yellow orchid and the large marsh grasshopper and much more. Steps are being taken to enrich this bountiful biodiversity that is such an important part of Wild Acres in Connemara. Eileen Coyne, in her generosity and foresight is an inspiration to all of us
PÁIRC A’TOBAIR
Burgatia, Rosscarbery, Co. Cork
Páirc a’Tobair ecology centre was gifted to Green Sod Ireland in 2018 by the Sisters of Mercy, Southern Province.
Páirc a’ Tobair is well-established as a rich and diverse Wild Acre site, comprising of young woodland, meadow, wet woodland, wet meadow and pond life with potential for immense biodiversity growth. In terms of natural habitat, the slopes of Burgatia Hill will, in time, develop into an ideal valley woodland, supporting a wide range of plants, birds, mammals and insect species. Major steps have been taken to increase the site’s biodiversity value and nature preservation potential. This needs to be acknowledged and supported into the future through continued protection of the site by Green Sod Ireland.
We are very grateful to the Congregation of the Sisters of Mercy, Southern Province for their courage and generosity in acting on behalf of Nature in this way.
CAVAN LAND
Arderry, Co Cavan
Land at Arderry, Co Cavan (11 acres) was gifted to Green Sod Ireland by a munificent woman Marion Jackson in 2019. Comprising a large habitat area in the 10 interlinked grassland fields, there is an abundance of native tree and hedgerow species.
Hedgerows, as well as being important habitats in their own right, also provide vital resources for birds, mammals and insects.
Hedgerows sequester carbon in woody growth above ground and in roots, leaf litter and organic matter below ground level. The different features, diversity of flowering and fruiting times, of the hedgerows on this land are important because many species use them. The older hedges contain amounts of dead wood and plant litter within its structure – these provide valuable habitats for invertebrates, which in turn attract predators such as hedgehogs, birds and bats. Our best practice management is crucial to the maintenance of these healthy hedgerows, so vital to wildlife and biodiversity.
We, in Green Sod Ireland will ever be grateful to Marion Jackson and her land for enhancing life for all of us.
CAVAN LAND
Arderry, Co Cavan
Land at Arderry, Co Cavan (11 acres) was gifted to Green Sod Ireland by a munificent woman Marion Jackson in 2019. Comprising a large habitat area in the 10 interlinked grassland fields, there is an abundance of native tree and hedgerow species.
Hedgerows, as well as being important habitats in their own right, also provide vital resources for birds, mammals and insects.
Hedgerows sequester carbon in woody growth above ground and in roots, leaf litter and organic matter below ground level. The different features, diversity of flowering and fruiting times, of the hedgerows on this land are important because many species use them. The older hedges contain amounts of dead wood and plant litter within its structure – these provide valuable habitats for invertebrates, which in turn attract predators such as hedgehogs, birds and bats. Our best practice management is crucial to the maintenance of these healthy hedgerows, so vital to wildlife and biodiversity.
We, in Green Sod Ireland will ever be grateful to Marion Jackson and her land for enhancing life for all of us.
NATIVE WOODLAND
Ballinrobe, Co. Mayo
A small native woodland consisting of oak, birch, Scots pine, and willow trees, ferns, ivy, wood sage and more, gifted to Green Sod by Dennis and Doreen O’Connor in Ballinrobe.
Native woodland is crucial to healthy habitats and ecosystems as many flora and fauna are under great pressure from intensive farming and housing. This native forest is new to Green Sod Ireland’s land portfolio. Work is beginning now to ascertain the biodiversity of the area and what management practices need to be put in place to enhance and strengthen the health and well-being of the ecosystem. The local community will be integral to holding this small native woodland and its nesting bat colony in trust.
We express our deep gratitude to Dennis and Doreen O’Connor for their generosity and care of this biodiverse habitat.
A GIFT TO LAND
A Gift to Land – giving back to Nature
Leaving a gift in your Will is a wonderful way to support land and its biodiversity to thrive and flourish for many years to come for present and future generations
Gifting to Green Sod Ireland means you will be part of an organisation with a wide reach across Ireland mobilising action to halt biodiversity loss and stem the tide of habitat loss. It is at the core of the organisation’s vision to support land and its natural habitats to thrive and flourish for its own sake and the sake of future generations.
If you are considering the idea of gifting LAND you can read ‘Steps to Donating Land’ and the ‘Land Management Policy’
If you are considering making a gift/legacy please call us on ++353 87 632 4004
We would be delighted to have a conversation with you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have about how the process works.
If you have already chosen to remember us in your will, we offer you sincere thanks.
There can be no doubt that the degradation of Earth’s biodiversity and ecosystem services is among the greatest challenges facing humanity today, if not the greatest.
GIVING BACK TO NATURE IN YOUR WILL
Who will care for my land when I’m gone?
Green Sod Ireland will care for and protect your land.
By leaving a legacy in your Will you will be leaving an invaluable gift to future generations.
For further information you can Contact Us by email or phone.