Locals embrace biodiversity at Hare’s Corner tree handout day

The Hare’s Corner initiative drew an enthusiastic public response at its recent tree handout day, held at Meath County Council offices in Navan on Saturday, 9th January. Landowners, farmers, schools, and community groups turned out in large numbers to collect native trees and learn how to enhance biodiversity in their local areas.

Hare’s Corner, a biodiversity initiative led by the Burren-based landscape charity Burrenbeo Trust, was first introduced in 2024 in partnership with Meath County Council’s Biodiversity and Climate Action Offices, with support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. The initiative takes its name from an old farming expression for an awkward or rough corner of a field, often left to nature.

The 2025 program saw 197 applications submitted for a total of 602 biodiversity actions, demonstrating strong community interest in environmental stewardship. Once all participants have planted their trees, the project will have supported 309 local biodiversity actions, including the creation of mini woodlands, wildlife hedges, heritage orchards, and ponds. Additional support provided to applicants included tailored “Plans for Nature” and “Plans for Water.”

Reflecting on the event, Lee Worrel of the Burrenbeo Trust said:

“I was so happy to be in Navan to support the tree handout day for the Hare’s Corner project in Meath. The Heritage and Biodiversity Office in Meath County Council were fantastic partners to collaborate with. With over 7,500 native woodland and hedge trees given out along with 415 heritage apple trees, it was and will continue to be a wonderful success for County Meath.”

Ben Malone, Biodiversity Officer at Meath County Council, added:

“The successful turnout once again highlights the growing public engagement in Meath with practical biodiversity initiatives, as well as strong support for native tree planting projects championed by both the Meath County Council’s Biodiversity Action Plan and the Climate Action Plan.”

The Hare’s Corner project continues to encourage individuals, families, and communities to take part in nature-friendly actions that create lasting environmental benefits.

For more information and tips on creating your own “Hare’s Corner,” visit www.theharescorner.ie