Support the Restoration of Wild Atlantic Rainforest
Restoring large landscapes and complex ecosystems while remaining connected to the communities living, visiting, and working there is the challenge of our lifetimes. The Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project will address this challenge by protecting fragments of Ireland’s ancient oceanic woodlands and creating new woodlands where they once existed. We envision these wild spaces woven through a patchwork landscape of blanket bogs, species-rich grasslands, and vibrant human communities.
Irish biodiversity is threatened and in need of urgent attention. This is a unique opportunity to create healthy ecosystems, build climate resilience and repair our connection with nature. We have a short delivery timeframe, which reflects the urgency of this project. We hope its positive impact, enjoyed for generations to come, will be its legacy.
If you would like to speak to one of the project coordinators about strategic partnerships or affiliate programmes, email matt@hometree.ie for information about funding and investment opportunities.
- Matt Smith, Hometree CEO
Temperate Rainforest
The natural habitat of much of our western uplands is temperate rainforest, a rich and diverse habitat of trees, shrubs, ferns, mosses, and lichens. Although it has been in decline for millennia, small pockets remain. Temperate rainforests are a rare and internationally significant piece of Ireland’s natural heritage. If we give them a chance, they will re-establish themselves on the land through natural regeneration.
“It’s not just the lushness of the growth of mosses, liverworts and ferns in temperate rainforests that is remarkable, but also the richness and diversity of species present. They are our richest terrestrial habitat.”
- Rory Hodd, ecologist
Wilson’s Filmly Fern (Hymenophyllum wilsonii)
Great Scented Liverwort (Conocephalum conicum)
Rock Fingerwort (Lepidozia cupressina)
Research Opportunities
These beautiful and fragile temperate rainforests are both nationally and globally rare, and, as such, few studies on the remaining Irish fragments exist. The Wild Atlantic Rainforest project is actively seeking collaborations with universities, research institutes, and practising ecologists to undertake novel research on any aspect of rainforest ecology, ecosystem services, ecological responses and societal benefits.
We have opportunities for researchers and students of all ages to interact and contribute to the project. This ranges from citizen science activities with local schools to collaborations with PhD candidates. We are occasionally able to host postgraduate (MSc/PhD) student placements of between 1–4 months. Students must have their own local transport and accommodation.
If interested, please get in touch with Jess, the Wild Atlantic Rainforest project manager, at jessica.williams@hometree.ie with information about your institution or research topic.
Please note these opportunities depend greatly on staff availability and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, depending on our requirements and the student’s area of interest and expertise.
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The Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project Sites
Cnocán Bán Site
Size: 280 acres
Location: Connemara's Gaeltacht region
Current Condition: Overgrazed land with only ten native trees remaining. Characterised by a temperate rainforest and blanket bog biome, and an extreme oceanic climate with heavy rainfall.
Vision: A groundbreaking project requiring collaboration from various partners. The focus will be on controlling domestic and wild herbivores, exploring natural gorge areas, and potentially restoring upland forests of Scots pine.
Ballyfarney Site
Size: 88 acres
Location: Ballyfarney, near Easkey River, County Sligo
Current Condition: The site comprises of a western blanket bog and a strip of alluvial soil by the Easkey River, there is also an ancient hazelwood on the sites eastern boundary. The site was partially used as an agricultural land, and historically was used for peat harvesting.
Vision: The site will serve as a hub for environmental engagement and addressing the climate crisis, embodying a commitment to collective action and stewardship. The vision is to transition the bog on this site from a carbon source to a carbon sink, and we look to support unique bog species and provide habitats for birds, kingfishers and otters. This project was made possible through the collaboration with The Canopy who has supported Hometree in acquiring Ballyfarney Site.
Gowlane Site
Size: 8 acres
Location: Lee Valley, County Cork
Current Condition: Grassland with limited diversity but surrounded by excellent mature hedgerows, existing field boundaries, a wet grassland acre, riparian willow woodland, and a small native woodland on the western boundary.
Vision: Demonstrate how native trees can be integrated into farming systems for compliance, animal husbandry, and well-being. The site will be used for educational and business groups from Cork as part of Hometree’s ESG/Team building programs.
Mission
To restore native temperate woodland and associated habitats in Ireland through afforestation, natural regeneration, and education.
Integrity
A not-for-profit overseen by the charity regulator and an independent board.
Evolution
From a grassroots movement to an independent organization delivering public and private nature restoration projects.
Team
Jessica Williams
Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project Manager
Before joining Hometree, Jess was a senior conservation officer with BirdLife International, and, before this, managed a biodiversity accreditation project for the European Landowners Organisation, which represents farmers and landowners across the EU. Her background is in the management of large-scale conservation projects. As well as a love of all things ferny and mossy, she brings a vital international perspective to this groundbreaking restoration project, having worked in the European Commission and European Council for many years.
Sarah Broderick
Environmental Scientist
Sarah has 7 years experience working in environmental behaviour change and resource efficiency. Before joining the team at Hometree, she worked on projects dealing with the environmental impacts of human behaviour ranging from food production, food waste, composting and seaweed harvesting to hospitality, healthcare and large cultural events. She studied Environmental Science in UCC and Data Analytics in UCD. Sarah has experience working in habitat restoration for the University of California.
Ray Ó Foghlú
Development Lead
Ray’s background is in Environmental Science, specializing in Forests and Water Quality. He currently delivers the Illaun Farm- Forest Program, where he works directly with farmers to integrate native trees into their farm systems. He worked for a decade with An Taisce, Ireland’s National Trust, on various environmental programs. He is a contemporary Nuffield Scholar, with the research topic “Acquiring Social License to return Trees to the Irish Landscape.” Last year he co-authored “Under Summer pastures,” a book about Ireland’s remnant temperate rainforests.
Mitch Corbett
Nursery Manager
Mitch is co-founder of Hometree Charity. In 2013 Mitch co-founded a regenerative agriculture farm and was the head gardener at the Cliffs of Moher Yoga centre. Mitch is an essential part of Hometree, and when he’s not out planting, harvesting, building or fixing things he reaches out to get people interested and involved in our tree planting and maintenance days. Mitch strives year-round to ignite a tree planting fire in those who are interested. During the tree planting days, Mitch is out there planting as many trees as possible.
Matt Smith
Project Manager
Matt Smith is the CEO of Hometree Charity. In 2013 Matt co-founded a regenerative agriculture farm, and in 2014 he co-founded Hometree Charity. Matt is a published writer and owns an annual ocean-based publication. Matt has been a consultant and ambassador for Finisterre, a UK ethical clothing company for a decade, Matt holds a foundation degree in Natural Science and recently completed a critical leadership course with Cumbria University with Prof Jem Bendell. From 2008 to 2013, Matt sailed around the world backwards (against the trade winds).
Manus Crowley
Forester
Manus Crowley is the Managing Director and Forestry Consultant with Enfor Ltd. Manus has over 10 years of work experience working in the forestry sector in Ireland. In 2003, Manus completed a BSc in Environmental Biology at University College Dublin. In 2006, he trained as a Forester at Bangor University in North Wales by completing an MSc in Forestry. Manus is the treasurer of ProSilva Ireland who are actively involved in the promotion of continuous cover forestry, CCF, which is an alternative forestry management system.
Project Advisors
A project of this nature and scale necessitates insights and scrutiny at the highest level. We have assembled an independent advisory board to support our team’s decision-making on every aspect of this project.
Allan Mee
Farmer Engagement
Michael Chambers
Upland Landuse + Culture
Dr. Rory Hodd
Rare Habitats
Fiona McCauliffe
Ecology + Upland Farming
Dr. Catherine Farrell
Peatland
Funding Call
This ambitious project is the first of its kind. Until now, all Hometree’s woodland creation sites have been made possible by grassroots contributions. This scale of this undertaking will require a broader network of public, private, and corporate partners. Temperate rainforests resonate strongly with the public. We believe the impact of this project and the commitment of its supporters will be heard about in every home in Ireland. Adopt an acre of rainforest here or become a strategic partner with us.
For Partnership Details:
Matt Smith
Matt@hometree.ie
0877059979
Jess Williams
Jessica.Williams@hometree.ie
0833278267
