The biodiversity initiative ‘The Hare’s Corner’ Returns to Limerick in the New Year.
Inspired by the term ‘The Hare’s Corner’ - an old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasn’t intensively farmed and so was ‘left to nature’ - the aim of this project is to help create habitats that have proven benefits for biodiversity, for climate-action as well as for the wellbeing of participants.
Last year, The Hare’s Corner created 1,600 biodiversity habitats across Ireland. In Limerick alone, by December 2025, the project supported 269 biodiversity actions, including:
- 70 mini-woodlands (50 native trees each, including oak, birch, hazel, holly, and rare species like Burren pine)
- 70 heritage orchards (5 heritage apple trees each)
- 60 wildlife hedges (50 native trees per hedge)
- 18 wildlife ponds
- 27 Plans for Water
- 24 Plans for Nature
These actions represent a major investment in Limerick’s natural infrastructure.
Funding and Local Support
The Hare’s Corner in 2026 is funded through the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund (85%) and Limerick City and County Council (15%). This partnership ensures strong local support and reflects our commitment to biodiversity and climate action.
Sinead McDonnell, Biodiversity Officer with Limerick City and County Council, says:
“The Hare’s Corner initiative is an action in the Limerick Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-30. This is a great chance for landowners, charities with lands, Tidy Towns, community groups and faith communities in Limerick to really help nature and participate in climate action. Even the smallest patch of land can add to the mosaic of nature habitats across the country.”
How to Apply
Applications open on the 1st January 2026 and close January 18th. To apply and learn more about the supports available, visit: www.theharescorner.ie
The website also offers practical tips, videos, and infographics to help you create your own Hare’s Corner.
Participants can choose from:
- Mini-woodland – 50 native trees + expert advice
- Wildlife hedge – 50 native trees + advice
- Heritage orchard – 5 heritage apple trees + advice
- Wildlife pond – hydrologist advice + support for costs
- Plan for Nature – site visit and tailored advice
Full details and eligibility criteria: theharescorner.ie/supports
About The Hare’s Corner
The initiative is coordinated by Burrenbeo Trust, a national non-profit dedicated to helping people take positive action for their local landscapes. Its proven success means demand is high – so apply early!
The Hare’s Corner in 2026 is being funded through a combination of public and private sector funding, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service's-NPWS - Local Biodiversity Action Fund, (85% NPWS and 15% participating local authorities), 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 grateful for the partnership with Heritage Council's Biodiversity Officer Programme, which is enabling biodiversity officers in each of the 10 counties to provide ground support for the initiative.
For further information: burrenbeo.com/thc
Other useful links:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BurrenbeoTrust/
X/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BurrenbeoTrust
Instagram: @burrenbeotrust
Linkedin: Burrenbeo Trust
