Hare’s Corner project open for 2026 applications
Paul Wojcik and Emma Stewart-Liberty, Ballyvaughan, Co Clare, pictured at their Hare’s Corner pond
Applications for the Hare’s Corner biodiversity project are open across nine counties.
Landowners, schools and community groups in counties Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Louth, Wexford, Kilkenny and Kerry have until the application closing date of January 18th to apply for support in the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows, mini-orchards and ‘plans for nature’.
There is a range of supports available via the Hare’s Corner Project, such as:
- A mini-woodland — a mix of 50 native trees and advice.
- A wildlife hedge — a mix of 50 native trees and advice.
- A heritage orchard — 5 heritage apple trees and advice.
- A wildlife pond — hydrologist advice and some expenses towards machinery costs.
- A ‘Plan for Nature’ — a visit and advice from a trained Hare’s Corner adviser on how to enhance nature on your site.
Last year, the project marked its fifth anniversary by creating 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties around Ireland. Parties interested in availing of the support or wanting to research eligibility criteria can visit the project's website.
The website also offers practical tips, infographics and short videos aimed at helping people to create their own Hare’s Corners and helpful monthly ‘Hare’s Corner Clinics’ are available online for anyone with practical questions on caring for nature.
The Hare's Corner Coordinator, Lee Worrell, said: “We are delighted to be bringing The Hare’s Corner to nine counties around Ireland this year. It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest The Hare’s Corner generates up and down the country. We genuinely believe that these small, tangible actions for nature can have the collective impact that we need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss while also contributing to climate resilience and the well-being of participants.”
This year, the Project is being funded through a combination of public and private sector funding, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Local Biodiversity Action Fund, and is an action of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 – 2030. Private funders include SSE Generation Green Community Fund, NTR PLC, Greencoat Renewables PLC, ESB and Intact Insurance.
The project is also partnered with The Heritage Council's Biodiversity Officer Programme, which is enabling biodiversity officers in each of the nine counties to provide ground support for the initiative, as well as with the Life’s2Good Foundation for their key support.
The ultimate aim to get the project to roll out nationwide and the group welcome any interest from private or public funders to help achieve it. The group are also interested in hearing from ecologists and hydrologists who have hands-on experience of working with people and nature and who would like to join The Hare’s Corner team as freelance advisers in their own counties.
