Cork Nature Network becomes Nature Network Ireland — a new name for a national movement
Cork Nature Network Volunteers, in Beaumont Quarry. Picture: Kerri Sonnenberg
After 10 years of grassroots action, Cork Nature Network has officially rebranded as Nature Network Ireland — a name that reflects the national scope and growing ambition of the organisation. What began as a local conservation group has grown into a dynamic, countrywide movement working to protect biodiversity, connect communities with nature, and empower everyday environmental action.
The decision to rebrand reflects a decade of progress, during which projects and partnerships expanded far beyond Cork. With volunteers, ecologists, educators, and nature lovers now working across Ireland, the new name speaks to a united, community-powered effort to care for our natural heritage.
“Our work has always been about people and place,” says Gill Weyman, chairwoman of Nature Network Ireland.
“This evolution reflects how far we’ve come and where we’re headed. We’ve become a national network of people who care deeply about nature and believe conservation begins in the community.”
At the heart of Nature Network Ireland’s mission are three interconnected pillars: research, conservation, and education. Through scientific inquiry, hands-on habitat restoration, and inclusive education, we work to safeguard Ireland’s biodiversity, deepen public understanding, and nurture a lifelong connection between communities and nature.
At the heart of our mission is protecting Ireland’s wildlife. We manage and deliver scientific surveys that inform how to conserve native species and habitats. Projects such as Otter Spotter invite citizen scientists to report sightings of the elusive Eurasian otter generating valuable data for national conservation. From habitat mapping to ecological assessments, our research helps build a clearer picture of biodiversity and how to protect it.
Awareness drives action. Education and engagement are central to what we do. Through biodiversity walks, clean-up days, school visits, webinars, and public events, we help people of all ages connect with nature. Nature Network Ireland partners with corporate teams to organise volunteer days and in-office talks that inspire action and awareness around biodiversity. In 2024, we ran 34 events nationwide, sparking vital conversations around sustainability, habitat loss, and environmental responsibility. By making nature visible and accessible, we empower people to care and act.
We restore and manage spaces in both urban and rural areas, turning them into hubs of biodiversity and recreation. A flagship site is Beaumont Quarry in Cork city... once a lesser known space, now a thriving haven.
Schools, ecologists, and volunteers have brought it to life, making it a model for community-led conservation.
Elsewhere, we support pollinator gardens, biodiversity trails, and green corridors, transforming underused areas into vibrant ecosystems that benefit both wildlife and people.
Our work goes beyond habitats; it's about changing how we live with and value nature. Initiatives such as Valuing Insects highlight the vital role of invertebrates in ecosystems. We promote pollinator-friendly planting, reduced pesticide use, and habitat protection for the creatures that keep nature running.
We also take part in national campaigns including Biodiversity Week, Heritage Week, National Tree Week, and Science Week working with schools, local authorities, and other environmental groups to bring nature into classrooms, communities, and conversations.
People are at the heart of everything we do. From volunteers restoring habitats, to schools sowing wildflowers, to families tracking otters every act matters. Each contribution, big or small, helps build something greater together.
If you believe in a better future for wildlife, there are many ways to take part:
● Become a member: Your membership supports conservation efforts and helps grow a national community for nature.
● Corporate partnerships: We welcome partnerships with businesses passionate about biodiversity and community-based conservation. If your organisation would like to get involved, we’d love to hear from you.
● Volunteer: Whether it’s planting, ecological surveys, clean ups, or helping at events, we welcome all no experience needed
● Donate: Every donation supports hands-on conservation, education, and outreach.
● Spread the word: Follow us on social media and share our work with friends and colleagues.
Becoming Nature Network Ireland is more than a rebrand; it's a bold statement of intent. It’s about building a future where nature is valued, protected, and embedded in community life. A future where biodiversity is not just a conversation, but a shared responsibility.
From local projects to national initiatives, we’re committed to growing our impact and reaching more people with the message that nature matters. We want to create a connected Ireland where individuals, schools, businesses, and communities all play a role in biodiversity protection.
Whether you’re a lifelong conservationist or just beginning your nature journey, you’re welcome in Nature Network Ireland. Together, we can restore habitats, support native species, and build a country where people and nature thrive side by side.
- Find out more at naturenetworkireland.ie
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