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A chara,
This month I'd like to draw your attention to an open call for comment on the Risk Assessment for Cherry Laurel. It's wonderful to finally see this invasive plant get more widespread attention which can hopefully be the start to swift action to stop the sale of it and remove this incredibly damaging plant from our landscapes. If you have any experience dealing with this plant please have a look below at the current Risk Assessment and give any comments you would like through the link below.
I'd also like to invite you to the launch of the PEACEPLUS funded CORE Project – Cross-border Opportunities for a Resilient Environment. This project is a partnership between the Irish Environmental Network and the Northern Ireland Environmental Link. The aim of CORE is to build capacity among the environmental NGOs on both sides of the border, and create opportunities for collaboration and partnership. If this is of interest to you have a look at the details below and register your interest for this event in Louth.
Lots more great events, youth competitions, info on local groups and resources below.
Le meas,
Catherine
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Contents
Community Groups Showcase
- Common Knowledge, Centre For Sustainable Living
- An Gairdín Beo
- Killyconny Bog Project
- Cultivate
Events
- See 'Quick Guide to Events'
Campaigns & Surveys
- Risk Assessment on Cherry Laurel Open for Comment
Announcements
- Relove Fashion: A sustainable fashion competition for young people aged 12-19 in Ireland. Now open for registrations!
- Calling all young changemakers and environmentalists! Registration is now open for ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards (2026-2027)
- Introducing the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030
Resources & Training
- Universal Basic Income and a Wellbeing Economy: a Proposal for Ireland
- Free Sustainability Plan Website Launched for Communities Across Ireland
- Restore Nature: Native Woodlands Project
Job Opportunities
Footer
- Find out more about IEN member groups
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Quick Guide to Events
August
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Aug 28th - Sept 6th: National Hedgerow Week - Multiple Locations
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5th @ 10am - 6pm: Rocks to Roots Karst Celebration - Roscommon
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11th @ 10.30am - 4pm: CORE Project Launch and Co-creation workshop - Louth
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17th @ 7pm: Exploring the Rights of Rivers - Monaghan
October
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6th @ 10am: Protect our Health, Water & Biodiversity from Pesticides - Dublin and Online
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11th @ 3pm: Environmental Film Series with County Carlow Environmental Network #1 - Carlow
November
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4th @ 7pm: Environmental Film Series with County Carlow Environmental Network #2 - Carlow
| | Community Groups Showcase | | |
Join those who are making a difference for nature and climate in your county! Find people in your area who share your interests and goals for 2026. Below are just three groups out of hundreds in Ireland.
Find more on your PPN's website. Go to their 'members' section and sort by 'Environmental Pillar' to see some of the groups in your area.
Already in a group of your own? Find your PPN online (search 'your county' and 'ppn') 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.
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Common Knowledge, Centre For Sustainable Living
Clare
Common Knowledge is an award-winning, non-profit social enterprise located at the gateway to the Burren, on Ireland’s beautiful Wild Atlantic Way. We share skills in building, making, mending and growing, because we believe that between us all, we have the knowledge needed to create a truly sustainable future. Based on 50 acres, our Centre is a haven for learning, exploring and connection with other people, offering serene accommodation for people and groups.
Read more here
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An Gairdín Beo
Carlow
An Gairdín Beo is a two-acre community garden in the centre of Carlow town where people work together then reap the rewards together.
Our ethos is based on valuing diversity, sustainability, organic methods and indigenous species. The overall vision of the garden is of a space where people can connect more with nature, with the growing and making of food and with one another.
Read more here
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Killyconny Bog Project
Cavan
Killyconny Bog is situated on the borders of Meath and Cavan and contains approx. 191 hectares of raised bog.
In 2020 a group of twelve like-minded people came together to form what became known as the ‘Killyconny Bog Project’. The groups ethos is to protect, restore and assist the natural environment and sustainability of Killyconny bog while working with the NPWS to maximise the amenity’s potential.
Read more here
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IEN Member spotlight
Cultivate
Cultivate is a practical sustainability organisation focused on active education. Based in Cloughjordan Ecovillage. We support a greater understanding of whole systems thinking as a key to sustainability and a more resilient future.
More info and get in touch
See all IEN members here
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National Hedgerow Week
Aug 28th - Sept 6th
Multiple Locations
National Hedgerow Week is a partnership between Teagasc and the Heritage Council. The week aims to raise awareness of the importance of hedgerows for biodiversity, farming, climate and heritage.
Read more and see events here.
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Rocks to Roots Karst Celebration
Regenerating the Rocks - Karst Farming Network
Sept 5th, 10am - 6pm
Roscommon
Celebrating Karst at Taughmaconnell Community Centre.
10am - 12.30pm:
Kick off the Rocks to Roots Karst Celebration with a guided walk across the species-rich karst grasslands of South Roscommon. Led by farmers and ecologists from the Karst Farming Network, the walk explores the living limestone landscape, its rare flora and fauna, and the generations of farming knowledge that have shaped it.
Book your place on the walk here or phone Kelsey on 0892032702
1pm - 2pm
Refreshments at the Community Centre
2pm - 6pm
Continue the celebrations with guest speakers, kids corner, panel discussions, music, dance and folklore!
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You’re Invited - CORE Project Launch and Co-creation workshop
Sept 11th, 10.30am - 4pm
Louth
Irish Environmental Network (IEN), in partnership with the Northern Ireland
Environmental Link (NIEL), is delighted to invite you to attend the official launch of our
PEACEPLUS funded CORE Project – Cross-border Opportunities for a
Resilient Environment. The aim of CORE is to build capacity among the
environmental NGOs on both sides of the border, and create opportunities for
collaboration and partnership.
We warmly invite you all to celebrate the project launch with us on Friday the 11th of
September at 10.30, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Carlingford, Co. Louth. After lunch, a
co-creation workshop for environmental NGOs will be offered at Carlingford Heritage
Centre. This workshop will help us get to know each other, and we will begin the work of
building a shared vision for all-island environmental governance and cooperation.
10.30 - 12.30 Project Launch, Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford
The CORE project will help environmental groups and NGOs working on the island of
Ireland rise to meet shared and interconnected challenges, through training and
capacity building. Ministerial Department Representatives from the Republic of Ireland
and Northern Ireland, along with the CEOs of the SEUPB, IEN and NIEL will be
speaking. Lunch will be provided.
Register to attend here: https://forms.gle/XcfuCpPh2Yqfsjtf9
1.00 - 4.00 Co-creation workshop, Carlingford Heritage Centre
In this workshop, we’ll work with a special guest and expert in literary futures thinking to
build a vision for cross-border cooperation and environmental governance on the island
of Ireland. This invigorating session will bring together NGOs from the environmental
sector both North and South, giving lots of the opportunities over the course of the day
to make and refresh connections with allied organisations.
Register to attend here: https://forms.gle/XcfuCpPh2Yqfsjtf9
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Exploring the Rights of Rivers
Sept 17th, 7pm - 8pm
Monaghan
Join members of the Oriel Catchment Community Forum for an evening of conversation with David Gillam, member of the 'Save the Wye' coalition
The Save the Wye coalition was established to create a cross border approach in order to tackle the pollution of the River Wye. The group is working towards establishing the rights of a river for the Wye and has had successful support from organisations and councils in the Wye region.
Reserve your spot here
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Protect our Health, Water & Biodiversity from Pesticides
Oct 6th, 10am - 2pm
Dublin and Online
Background:
Under the upcoming Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, crucial discussions are expected on the future of EU pesticide regulation, including the proposed Food and Feed Safety Omnibus package. Civil society organisations, scientists, water sector representatives and beekeepers across Europe have expressed serious concerns that parts of the proposed deregulation agenda could weaken environmental and health protections, particularly regarding pesticides and pollinator safety.
This high-level conference aims to create a constructive platform for dialogue between policymakers, scientists, civil society and stakeholders. The event will present the latest scientific evidence on pesticides’ impacts on health, water quality, biodiversity and pollinators, while discussing how EU legislation can better uphold the precautionary principle and support a truly sustainable agricultural transition.
More info and register here
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Environmental Film Series with County Carlow Environmental Network #1
Oct 11th, 3pm
Carlow
County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN) has a new Environmental Film series taking place this Autumn-Winter in collaboration with the Visual Carlow.
The first of four films centres on the theme of Climate Change and Farming. Join us for a double showing of the films #CLIMATESCAM and Food For Thought followed by a Q&A.
Tickets are free but must be booked. Find out more about these films and book your tickets here.
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Environmental Film Series with County Carlow Environmental Network #2
Nov 4th, 7pm
Carlow
County Carlow Environmental Network (CCEN) has a new Environmental Film series taking place this Autumn-Winter in collaboration with the Visual Carlow.
The second of four films centres on the theme of Marine Environment. Join us for OCEAN WITH DAVID ATTENBOROUGH, which takes viewers on a breathtaking journey, showing there is nowhere more vital for our survival, more full of life, wonder, or surprise, than the ocean. Film screening TBC.
Tickets are free but must be booked. Find out more about these films and book your tickets here.
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Risk Assessment on Cherry Laurel Open for Comment
A newly published risk assessment of Cherry Laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) has found the invasive plant poses an overall High risk to Ireland’s biodiversity, with High confidence. In response, the Irish Wildlife Trust (IWT) and the Gaelic Woodland Project are calling on the Government to commit to a clear timeline for a nationwide ban on its sale.
The risk assessment is available here
The assessment, produced by the National Biodiversity Data Centre at the request of the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), is now open for stakeholder and public consultation. Every pathway by which Cherry Laurel spreads in Ireland — nursery sales, contaminated soil, garden escape, and intentional planting for hedging — is rated likely to very likely, and it is already causing significant ecological harm.
Members of the public, environmental organisations, and industry stakeholders are encouraged to review the assessment and submit their views.
The comment period closes at 5pm on Thursday the 17th of September 2026.
Comment through invasives.ie here
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Relove Fashion: A sustainable fashion competition for young people aged 12-19 in Ireland. Now open for registrations!
Teenagers across Ireland are being invited to upcycle unwanted clothes and fabrics into creative, new fashion designs, as the Rediscovery Centre launches the Relove Fashion Competition for its third year nationwide.
The annual competition, which celebrates creativity, repair and reuse, challenges young people to design and create a wearable outfit without buying anything new. From grandad's old shirts and mam's vintage bridesmaid dresses to ripped jeans, torn bedsheets, moth-eaten hats and even old trampoline nets, young people across Ireland can give everyday items a stylish second life through upcycling.
Those who register their interest before 30th September have a chance to win a sewing machine for their school or group!
Learn more and register your interest here.
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Calling all young changemakers and environmentalists! Registration is now open for ECO-UNESCO's Young Environmentalist Awards (2026-2027).
At ECO-UNESCO, we believe change starts with action, and no difference is too small.
For over 25 years, we are proud that our YEA programme has supported the ideas, actions, and solutions of young people by providing a platform to develop practical skills, explore collaborative and holistic approaches, and make meaningful contributions to environmental activism. In the long-term, participants will be equipped to serve as role models, inspire peers and younger generations, and contribute to a legacy of environmental stewardship and advocacy.
This youth programme is free and open to young people aged 10 to 18 across the island of Ireland. We welcome group sizes ranging from 2 to 25 participants. The submission deadline for participants project is 12pm on February 4th, 2027, and our showcase and awards ceremony will take place in May 2027.
You can register for our upcoming YEA Programme or find more information on awards categories by visiting yea.ie.
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Introducing the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2026-2030
The All-Ireland Pollinator Plan is a framework bringing together different sectors across the island of Ireland to create a landscape where pollinators can survive and thrive. Its implementation is coordinated by the National Biodiversity Data Centre (NBDC).
Whilst pollinators are still in decline, data from the Citizen Science Bumblebee Monitoring Scheme show that declines appear to have stabilised over the past five years, and local populations of pollinators are increasing where actions are being taken to help them. However - the ambition of the AIPP is not to just stop these declines, but to reverse these trends. These data are an encouraging sign that what we’re doing is working – we just need to do more."
Now in its third phase, the AIPP aims to create a landscape with pockets of nature every 200 metres. This ambitious goal builds on the successes of the previous phases and aims to increase pollinator numbers, creating a thriving landscape for pollinators and people.
View the new Pollinator Plan here
This announcement was taken from the National Biodiversity Data Centre newsletter. To read the full newsletter which has more details on the plan, success stories from the previous plan, and info on how to get involved click here.
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Universal Basic Income and a Wellbeing Economy: a Proposal for Ireland
On July 24, Feasta launched a new discussion paper on Universal Basic Income (UBI). The paper was produced by Equal Right in collaboration with Feasta, as part of an advocacy project managed by Feasta for the Irish Environmental Pillar’s Circular and Wellbeing Economy Hub. We were delighted to have a wide range and number of participants at this online launch.
The launch event began with a short introduction by Anne-Marie Fuller, the chairperson of Feasta. Caroline Whyte of Feasta then described the context behind the writing of the paper. Her comments were followed by a presentation on the paper by Dr Patrick Brown of Equal Right and a reflection from Dr Sarath Davala, president of the Basic Income Earth Network.The event finished with a Q&A and opportunity for participants to exchange thoughts about the paper.
The paper and the video of the launch are now available on the Feasta site here.
While the paper’s focus is on Ireland, we believe it should also be of interest and useful to those based elsewhere. It was produced with support from the Environmental Pillar and the Irish Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment.
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Free Sustainability Plan Website Launched for Communities Across Ireland
Two community organisations in Blessington are working together to launch a new website encouraging communities throughout Ireland to create their own bespoke sustainability plans for free.
Building on their previous successful partnerships and extensive experience with joint sustainability projects, the Blessington Tourist Office and Blessington Allotments Campaign formally launched SustainabilityPlan.ie in August 2026.
SustainabilityPlan.ie enables any small business, community group, sports club or school to benchmark their current sustainability performance, set measurable targets over the next five years, and plan how they will make further progress. Completing a sustainability plan provides a clear roadmap to reduce waste, cut emissions, improve biodiversity, and could be beneficial for future funding applications.
Explore the tool here
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Restore Nature: Native Woodlands Project
The Environmental Pillar has launched the - Restore Nature: Native Woodlands project - which supports Ireland’s National Restoration Plan by identifying high conservation value native woodlands with strong potential for restoration and improved connectivity using public lands. Using GIS analysis, the project maps priority woodland clusters and highlights opportunities to expand and reconnect these important habitats.
The project maps high conservation value woodlands, including Ancient and Long-Established Woodlands and Annex I habitats, and groups them into landscape-scale clusters with strong restoration potential. In total, 29 clusters have been identified nationwide, with 14 prioritised based on ecological value, scale, and opportunities for expansion on public land. These include Killarney National Park, Glendalough and Clara Vale, the Avoca Valley, and Glengarriff Woods.
Crucially, the analysis highlights the strategic role of public land in overcoming barriers to large-scale restoration in Ireland’s fragmented ownership context. Of the 274.52 km² of native woodland identified, 129.28 km² is already on public land, with a further 72.71 km² immediately adjacent. In addition, 1,942.30 km² of public land lies beside native woodland, presenting significant opportunities for expansion and reconnection.
By linking ecological data with land ownership, the project provides an actionable road map to expand our most important woodlands. It offers a robust evidence base to inform the design and implementation of Ireland’s Nature Restoration Plan and to support targeted action that strengthens woodland connectivity, biodiversity, and long-term ecosystem resilience.
This project is part of a series of projects by the Biodiversity Hub to support the development of an ambitious and deliverable Irish Nature Restoration Plan.
Restore Nature: Native Woodlands Project available here: https://www.environmentalpillar.ie/app/uploads/2026/07/Kelly-Duarte-Campos-2026-Restore-Nature-Native-woodlands-project-Environmental-Pillar_Final.pdf
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Birdwatch Ireland
Irish Bird Atlas Project Manager
BirdWatch Ireland is seeking an enthusiastic and self-motivated individual with excellent interpersonal skills and 3 years’ experience in project management or similar role. They should also have good bird identification and survey experience, to lead organisation of the Bird Atlas 2027-31 across the Republic of Ireland.
Closing date for applications: 17:00 on Friday 11th September 2026
More info and application here
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Find out more about the work of IEN members
The Irish Environmental Network has 34 nationally active members, who work on a wide variety of environmental, biodiversity and sustainability issues.
You can read more about their work, get involved, or sign up to their newsletters to hear directly from them on their websites.
See all members here
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