More than 7,500 native trees were collected in Adare Manor Fields on Saturday (14 Feb) as part of the expanding Limerick Hare’s Corner initiative.
The event was coordinated by the Burrenbeo Trust in partnership with the Biodiversity and Tree Officers of Limerick City and County Council. It brought together community groups, farmers, landowners, schools and families from across the county.
Despite freezing weather conditions, turnout was strong as successful applicants from both the 2025 and 2026 programmes arrived to collect trees for creating new wildlife friendly habitats throughout Limerick.
A total of 195 participants will now contribute to the establishment of:
- 124 Mini Woodlands
- 108 Mini Orchards
- 120 native 10 metre hedgerows
These habitats will boost biodiversity, improve climate resilience and enhance community wellbeing across Limerick City and County.
The initiative is inspired by the traditional farming practice of leaving “The Hare’s Corner,” a small section of land reserved for nature. The programme provides practical support to landowners who want to take simple but meaningful environmental actions.
Speaking at the event, Sinead McDonnell, Biodiversity Officer for Limerick City and County Council said:
“The scale of engagement we’re seeing through the Hare’s Corner project is hugely encouraging. These trees will soon become vital habitats for wildlife, while also helping communities play an active role in addressing biodiversity loss and climate change. It’s inspiring to see so many people committed to making a positive difference. Even small spaces can have a big impact, and we are here to make it as easy as possible for people to create habitats that benefit wildlife and communities alike.”
Participants are encouraged to log their newly planted Hare’s Corner trees on trees.limerick.ie to track and celebrate their contribution to Limerick’s expanding tree stock.
The Hare’s Corner in Limerick is funded by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and Limerick City and County Council. The Hare’s Corner is co-ordinated by Burrenbeo Trust, a non-profit organisation and funded by a combination of public and private funding sources.
Visit theharescorner.ie for more.