A chara,

Autumn is here and with it, warm windy days and lots of events throughout the country! You might like to grab a cup of tea for this newsletter, it's a beast! Not only will you find events on local food production, hedgerows, film screenings, woodlands, rewilding and more, but this month is particularly full of other news too.

We've listed a total of four different public consultations on various topics. Help shape the strategy for native woodlands in Ireland. Take part in conversations online or in person to shape the rollout of the Nature Restoration Law. Plus government consultations on the Social Climate Plan and the Circular Economy Strategy.

I've included some great resources this month which can help you with various kinds of work and projects. Have a look at work combating LNG Terminals in Ireland, or a newly launched map of important bird and biodiversity areas for seabirds. Also featured is a website that explains the threat of the Asian Hornet to Ireland and what to do if you see one.

All this, plus courses and training, funding and job opportunities, and more announcements below!

Le meas,

Catherine

Be ready for the Community Climate Action Programme!

Wicklow Information Evening

Phase 2 of the Community Climate Action Programme (CCAP) will be open for expressions of interest from the end of October this year. This fund is for capital projects.

West Wicklow Environmental Network hosted an information evening recently in Donard, Wicklow for community groups. At the meeting, Julie Sammiller, Climate Action Officer with the council outlined the programme for 2025. Declan Alcock, Donard Community Hall, described Donard Community Enterprises’ experience in applying for the fund and implementing their project.

Read the full article here for information on what types of community groups can apply, the funding themes, an insight into what it's like for a group to apply, and a list of the main take-aways for those interested in applying.

For further information on Wicklow’s CCAP please contact:

jsammiller@wicklowcoco.ie  or  ccap@wicklowcoco.ie

For other counties please search online for "Community Climate Action Programme Strand 2 [your county]" to find information on your County Council's website.

Find out more about West Wicklow Environmental Network:

www.westwicklowen.ie

info@westwicklowen.ie

Find us on Facebook and Instagram!

Congratulations to the 2025 National Heritage Week National Finalists

Congratulations to Leitrim Environmental Network (for their event Gardening for Wildlife) and Woodlands of Ireland (for their event Native Woodland Re-Establishments) for their nominations for the Sustainability & Climate Award in this years National Heritage Week Awards.

This award highlights heritage projects that placed sustainability and biodiversity at their heart, addressing climate change and protecting our environment for the future.

Read more about the awards and finalists here, including how to watch the prize giving ceremony on October 17th.

Community Groups Showcase

Get to know some of the local groups in Ireland who are working for climate and biodiversity, all members of their local Public Participation Network. Find your PPN here to join for free and receive free training, information on local events and funding, and the opportunities to affect local policy creation in your County Council.

The Acorn Project

Kilenny

The Acorn Project aims to work collaboratively to restore the Oak forests of this land, acorn by acorn, and in doing so, also restore our human relationship with nature. We believe in community led action in ecological restoration. Over the seasons we aim to develop and grow our community seedsaving and tree nursery projects, learning and wellbeing programmes and work collaboratively to promote landscape level nature restoration programmes.

Read more and get in touch: www.theacornproject.ie

Gaelic Woodland Project

Meath

Our mission is to conserve Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage and to create an ecologically rich and diverse patchwork of native habitats across Ireland.

In 2024, we acquired 12 acres of land in County Mayo, which will be rewilded with native Irish trees following best practices to support biodiversity and ecosystem restoration. Through our meitheals (community workdays), we tackle invasive Cherry Laurel by turning it into biofuel. We also encourage the use of Gaeilge, weaving cultural heritage into our ecological mission.

Read more and get in touch: www.gaelicwoodlandproject.com

Kerry Sustainable Energy Co-operative

A sustainable energy future for Kerry

We are a community based co-operative business. We actively promote more local ownership of renewable energy creating benefits for the local community.

Read more and get in touch: www.ksec.ie

OCTOBER EVENTS

WEXFORD WEEKEND IN THE WOODS

Oct 4th, 10am - 4.30pm

Wexford

In collaboration with Soul Sanctuary we are delighted to offer 2 new workshops on the East Coast on Saturday Oct 4th..from 10am - 4.30pm 

Workshops includes a One Day Green Wood Crafts Workshop with Sean Walsh on Green Wood Furniture making 

And a one day workshop with renown Dave Swift in Traditional Leather Craft work..

For more information and to book your place please visit celtnet.org 

Farmers Meeting

Oct 3rd, 7.45pm

Roscommon

Location: Four Roads Community Centre F42 FT91

The Regenerating the Rocks Project, led by the Karst Farming Network and co-funded by the European Union and DAFM, supports farmers in protecting and enhancing distinctive local habitats such as karst limestone grasslands, turloughs, eskers, hazel woodlands, and stone walls. It also provides opportunities for farmers to access funding for practical, on-the-ground actions, with some measures complementing participation in ACRES.

Applications are open to farmers with land containing species-rich grassland, eskers, turloughs, or hazel woodlands, with a particular focus on farms in County Roscommon. The project seeks to reward farmers for their contributions while enhancing biodiversity, preserving cultural heritage, and strengthening farm resilience.

Farmers are invited to an information meeting about the project in:

Four Roads Community Centre, F42 FT91 Friday, 3rd October 7:45 p.m.

The upcoming farmer meeting will provide details on the actions available, the application criteria, and offer an opportunity to meet the project team and ask questions, all farmers are invited to attend.

For more information about the meeting please click here or contact:

Farm Project Coordinator Kelsey Daly therockskfn@gmail.com

Rewilding Our Future

Oct 5th, 11am

Dublin

IN-PERSON "REWILDING OUR FUTURE" (in partnership with Dublin Book Festival and TU Dublin).

As part of the Dublin Book Festival Sustainability Here and Now, we invite you to join us with Randal Plunkett and Catherine Cleary in conversation with Ken Boyle of TU Dublin.

As our natural world continues to come under increasing pressure, join us for an inspiring morning of discussion around the ways we can contribute to pushing back, and ultimately giving back to nature.

Book here

MORE INFO

DUBLIN BOOK FESTIVAL

The Lie of the Land

Oct 5th, 12.30pm

Dublin

As part of the Dublin Book Festival Sustainability Here and Now, we invite you to join us with with environmental journalist and commentator John Gibbons (thinkorswim.ie) in conversation with Green Foundation Ireland’s Chair Pat Brereton as they explore where we have fallen down, and how we can now step up as we prepare for the new realities of the climate crisis.

Book here

MORE INFO

DUBLIN BOOK FESTIVAL

Eyes Open to Ireland’s Natural World

Oct 5th, 2pm

Dublin

IN-PERSON "EYES OPEN TO IRELAND'S NATURAL WORLD" (in partnership with Dublin Book Festival and TU Dublin).

As part of the Dublin Book Festival Sustainability Here and Now, we invite you to join us with Anja Murray and Éanna Ní Lamhna in conversation with John Gormley of Green Foundation Ireland.

Book here

MORE INFO

DUBLIN BOOK FESTIVAL

What is Circular?

Oct 6th, 6pm

Limerick

Oct 8th, 6.30pm

Galway

Join us for What is Circular? a free event designed for community groups, social enterprises, small businesses and local changemakers. You’ll learn about Circular.ie, a national communications platform supporting Ireland’s circular economy, and get a first look at our brand new Circular Communications Grants.

More info and book for Limerick

More info and book for Galway

Eco Film Series

Fashion Reimagined – A Powerful Environmental Film Screening During Climate Action Week

Oct 8th, 7pm

Carlow

Our second film of our Environmental Film Series is “Fashion Reimagined” and is screening at the Visual Carlow on Wednesday 8th of October 2025 at 7pm. Followed by Swap Shop demo and discussion in the bar afterwards. Find out why Fashion is such a hot topic in our world and how you can make some positive changes.

All film screenings are FREE but booking is required: 

https://visualcarlow.ie/whats-on/ccen-fashion-reimagined-screening

On the night, please support our raffle to raise money for the CCEN as we are dependent on donations to run our events.

See more info and book your tickets here

Dates for our other 3 films taking place in the Visual Carlow at 7pm are as follows. We will invite speakers and have a chat and panel discussion after some of these films. More details will follow.

• Wed 26th November – we plan to show a number of short films on the topic of Soil/Food/Agriculture as part of ALTEFF (All Living Things Film Festival).
• Wed 21st January – we plan to show a number of short films on the topic of Energy. We will collaborate with Sustainable Energy Communities and South East Energy Agency.
• Thur 19th February - we plan to show a number of short films on the topic of Wetlands and to collaborate with the Drummin Bog Project. The Drummin Bog Project is a voluntary not-for-profit community education project to restore the only raised bog in Co. Carlow - www.drumminbog.com.

Meet your Local Food Producers

Oct 10th, 7pm

Carlow

County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN) invites you to connect with Carlow’s growers, makers and farmers committed to sustainability and reducing food miles.

Hear their stories, taste their produce and discover how local food supports a healthier planet and more resilient economy.

Taking place on Fri 10^th of Oct from 7pm – 9pm in Tinryland Community Hub, Eircode: R93 EA25 

Everyone is welcome. Email info@ccen.ie or call 0857260278 

Wildlife Rehabilitation Course and Advanced Wildlife Veterinary Treatment Course

October & November

Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation Course - Oct 11th & 12th - Meath

We are delighted to announce that booking is now open for our Introduction to Wildlife Rehabilitation course. This 2 day course is a comprehensive introduction to wildlife rehabilitation. Topics include the legal and ethical issues regarding wildlife rehabilitation in Ireland; safe rescue and handling techniques of wild animals; how to perform a physical examination; first aid and common ailments encountered; what to feed wildlife and how to house them; zoonotic diseases; and release considerations.

The highlight for most attendees are the practical sessions which include capture and handling to physical examinations, tube feeding and more.

More info

Advanced Wildlife Veterinary Treatment Course - Nov 22nd & 23rd - Tipperary - More info

CLIMATE ACTION WEEK EVENT

Wetlands, Daub and Farming – Regenerating our Soils and our Land

Oct 15th, 12pm - 3pm

Leitrim

You are invited to a celebration of the actions taken by local farmers and communities to regenerate our soils and support sustainable farming and living in Leitrim.  

12.00 to 3.00 pm, Ballinaglera Community Hall, lunch provided.

The event will include:

•    Presentation and exhibition of the European Waterlands project that is bringing our degraded boglands back to life on Slieve an Iarainn

•    Waterlands - a local farmer’s perspective

•    Overview of GEAI Climate Action Hub activities

•    Leitrim Climate Action Plan – an update.

Balanced Solutions for a Better World Online Webinar Series 2025-2026

Beginning October 17th, 1pm - 2pm

Online

This monthly series is designed to continue fostering essential dialogue by bringing together leading experts from science, engineering, and the social sciences. The core aim is to craft balanced, multidisciplinary, and actionable solutions for a more sustainable and equitable future.

The series is free, open to the public, and an invaluable opportunity for our own staff and students to engage with cutting-edge research, support colleagues, and connect policy development with real-world impact.

First webinar: Integrated solutions for the climate and biodiversity crises

More info: www.tcd.ie/e3/online-webinar-series-2025-2026/

All Ireland Hedge Laying Championships

Oct 18th

Down

The 2025 All Ireland Hedge Laying Championships return to Northern Ireland on Saturday 18th October 2025 at 10 Ballytrim Road, Killyleagh, Downpatrick, BT30 9TH.

Traditionally the Hedge Laying Championships take place on a working farm. This year is no different, the scenic location of Ballytrim has been farmed by the Cunninghams for generations and the farm’s historic hedgerows will host up to 15 hedge laying competitors across a number of categories with expert hedge layers ultimately vying for the All Ireland trophy.

Hedge laying is a highly skilled traditional country craft which ensures healthy and abundant hedgerows through careful cutting and weaving of branches. Laid hedges sequester carbon, provide greater benefits for animals, birds and insects and create livestock proof barriers. The All-Ireland Hedge Laying Championships are an opportunity to meet people passionate about hedgerows and learn from experts at work.

Many crafts people will also be in attendance, including Born in a Field with weaving and spinning demonstrations, The Irish Saddler demonstrating leather work, Fiach Rua demonstrating timber craft, and many, many more stalls and exhibitors.

With delicious treats available on the day from the farm’s own Ballytrim Pantry, the event is sure to be a fantastic day out for all ages.

Gates open at 10 and the event will run till 4:00 p.m. Admission is free and car parking is available on site.

West Cork Woodlands Day

Oct 18th, 9.30am - 4.30pm

Cork

A day of conversations, a keynote talk, and a woodland walk centered on discussing the main issues facing our woodlands, and the many ways in which we can constructively engage with their regeneration. This FREE event welcomes anyone with a view to develop their woodland knowledge for use individually, in community, and at a legislative level. The event will also present the opportunity to consider the economic benefits of woodlands, for those who are interested to diversify or establish woodlands on their own land.

Location: CECAS, Myross House, Leap, County Cork 

See full program and book tickets here

Treading Lightly on the Earth

Oct 23rd, 7.30pm

Dublin

Join us in Tailors' Hall for this evening talk with Éanna Ní Lamhna exploring our vital relationship with nature. She is a biologist, environmental and wildlife consultant, radio and television presenter, author, and educator.

She has also served as president of An Taisce — The National Trust for Ireland and the Tree Council of Ireland. Éanna is the author of several popular wildlife books for readers young and not so young.

Get your ticket here

Feeding Ourselves Local Food Symposium

Oct 30th, 2pm

Dublin

The Feeding Ourselves Local Food Symposium is on Thursday 30 October. This vital event will bring together diverse sectors to nurture collaboration, highlight the vital connections between agriculture, nutrition, and public health, and explore the potential of public procurement and community wealth building principles as powerful levers to support local producers and enhance community wellbeing. 

With Cultivate, Talamh Beo, Feasta and other partners and collaborators outside the IEN such as Trinity Sustainability, Open Food Network Ireland, Food Policy Ireland, Bohemians FC Spark Project, Deep Medicine Circle, EU4Advice and CODECS.  

Book here

https://www.ticketsource.com/feasta/feeding-ourselves-local-food-symposium/2025-10-30/14:00/t-dvypmle

IWDG Whale Tales 2025: Shared Stories from the Sea 

Nov 7th - 9th

Belfast 

We’re delighted to announce that WT25 is heading to Belfast this November. This much-loved event brings together IWDG members, volunteers, officers and anyone interested in whales, dolphins, and porpoises for a weekend of shared stories, learning, and connection. 

The event is open to all and aims to strengthen the link between science, storytelling, culture, and community involvement in the celebration and appreciation of these charismatic animals in Irish waters. 

We’d love to see you there! 

Feel free to spread the word to anyone who shares our passion for Ireland’s whales and dolphins.

Registration is now open at https://iwdg.ie/whaletales2025/

Advanced Wildlife Veterinary Treatment Course

November 22nd & 23rd

Tipperary

More info

Irish Asian Hornet Group

Protecting our native species through early detection and reporting

Irish Asian Hornet Group is a dedicated organization committed to protecting Ireland's native bee populations and broader ecosystems from the threat posed by the invasive Asian hornet (Vespa velutina).

Discover how to identify the Asian Hornet and what to do if you find one in Ireland: www.asianhornets.ie

LNG Terminal Protest - resource

Good Energies Alliance Ireland attended a protest against LNG Terminal plans outside the Dáil recently, along with a broad range of other organisations. They would like to share this document that gives good information on the background of the LNG Terminal.

This is the response to the consultation from ‘Safety Before LNG’ and ‘Communities for Environment First’  on the 10 year permission for proposed Shannon Technology and Energy Park consisting of power plant, battery energy storage system, floating storage and regasification unit, jetty, onshore receiving facilities, above ground installation and all ancillary structures/works.

Read the document here

Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) for seabirds in Ireland

BirdWatch Ireland in conjunction with BirdLife International, and supported by funding from the Flotilla Foundation, have identified 73 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas (IBAs) for seabirds in Ireland. These IBAs are the output of collating and analysing the best available science and data on the ecology of seabirds in Ireland against BirdLife International IBA criteria. They are not a form of designation or protected area though many IBAs in Ireland and Europe have been designated under law.

See the map and read more here

Watch - Sustainability Sessions for Young People now online

As part of Sustainable Development Goals Week, ECO-UNESCO hosted ECO-Week. ECO-Week is a series of short online sustainability sessions for young people aged 8-18. Over 4,000 attendees across Ireland tuned in. Recording will be available on our YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ECOUNESCOIreland

Supporting Young People in Dublin City

ECO-UNESCO is partnering with youth services across Dublin City to support young people in leading local environmental action projects. We also encourage youth groups to take part in the ECO-UNESCO Young Environmentalist Awards.

If you're a youth worker based in Dublin City and are interested in getting involved, please contact Doireann at doireann.dunbar@ecounesco.ie

OPEN CALL - Writing the Land - The Great Forest of Aughty & Community &  Cultural Storytelling project in partnership with the Woodland League! 

We are delighted to host a storytelling platform and welcome community collaborators and participants to share their ancient forest and biodiversity stories with us for our creative story telling project titled - Writing the Land: The Great Forest of Aughty

Writing the Land is a collaborative community outreach and creative project for nature protection and forest restoration organizations and local communities in the Slieve Aughties. Through the development of an anthology and locally based participatory arts project, our artists, poets, community collaborators, and contributors are invited to join us in championing the once Great Forest of Aughty as a living, breathing archive that holds centuries of ancient mythology, ecological and social history, urgent for our times. As a site rich in biodiversity, cultural and historical connections and significance, the forest serves as the focal point for exploring the dynamic relationship between a people and their environment. Through this project, we aim to document, interpret, and co-create a shared narrative emphasising its relevance still to both the local, creative, native woodland, and environmental communities. 



This creative platform wishes to invite participants to co-create with us a project that highlights the creative nexus between the land and inhabitants of Sliabh Aughty in multiple media, written and virtual. For more info please contact info@celtnet.org 

Biodiversity Fund 2025

Community Foundation Ireland’s Biodiversity Fund is open for applications from Monday 8^th September to Friday 17^th October.

There are two strands to this year’s grant round:

1. We are inviting community groups to apply for a grant to engage an ecologist and develop a Community Biodiversity Action Plan (CBAP) for their local area.
2. We are inviting any organisation who has a CBAP to apply for funding to implement recommendations contained in it.

For more information and to apply see here: www.communityfoundation.ie/grants/biodiversity-fund-2025/

Cloughjordan Ecovillage is Hiring 

Cloughjordan Ecovillage is Ireland's largest Ecovillage, a vibrant community of over 130 people dedicated to building a sustainable future. Located in County Tipperary, our 67-acre site is a working example of low-carbon living.  

We are a hub of innovation featuring a range of sustainable initiatives and a leading resource for climate action and sustainability education.

We are looking for passionate individuals to join our team and help us continue to grow as a model for a more resilient and regenerative world. If you want to make a real impact and be part of a forward-thinking organisation, we invite you to learn more about the opportunities to join our team.

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Education Development Manager: (28 hrs/wk)

Fundraising Manager: (14 hrs/wk)

Development Manager:14 hrs/wk)

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If you are interested in joining our team of dedicated individuals please visit our website to find out more. The application deadline is Sunday 12 October 2025.

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Find Out More and Apply!

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Sustainable Projects Ireland CLG +353 (0)505 42833 secretary@thevillage.ie

Fair Seas Marine Policy and Engagement Officer

The Irish Environmental Network (IEN) is recruiting a Marine Policy and Engagement Officer.

This position offers an unprecedented opportunity to develop policies and contribute marine expertise within a coalition of NGOs aiming to secure a well-managed, effective and ecologically coherent network of marine protected areas in Irish waters.

Please send applications to jobs@ien.ie by 5pm on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.

More info: https://fairseas.ie/2025/09/16/were-hiring-fair-seas-marine-policy-and-engagement-officer/