Green Sod Ireland, in partnership with Notre Dame University, are hosting a Biodiversity Summer School over the weekend after next, with an expert panel of speakers led by Benjamin Thébaudeau, of Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark, Dr Terry Morley of the University of Galway and Jess Williams of Hometree.

‘Green Sod’ is an Irish environmental charity and land trust based in Galway, dedicated to the protection of Irish land for its wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems; and the two day event will involve environmental charities, professionals, local community groups, and members of the public.

“We are proud to partner with Notre Dame and this is a real opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations to actively participate in the preservation of Ireland’s natural heritage. Participants can also learn how to take positive action for biodiversity loss and climate change in Ireland,” said Janet Laffey, Programme Manager of Green Sod Ireland.

“We in Green Sod work with ecologists who assess the land under conservation, largely gifted or willed by benefactors, who advise on action plans for immediate and future care. The organisation also works with farmers to improve the protection of ‘Wild Acres’ and the natural environment by applying a passive management approach to protect and conserve areas of biodiversity.”

The programme for Saturday, August 31, and begins at 10am and the series of talks, workshops and information sessions continue until 7pm with a break for lunch; the agenda for Sunday, September 1, kicks off a 9.45am, running until 3.15pm – again with a break for lunch.

Director of Greensod Maria Heneghan said that the focus of the event is to provide a series of talks, workshops and other events that are both educational and enjoyable.

“Events like this are invaluable as they help to raise awareness of not only the benefits of caring for biodiversity and land, but of the importance of understanding that all life is interdependent and interconnected,” she said.

“The benefits of rewilding will be demonstrated with the aim of inspiring those in attendance to engage in a conscious, flourishing relationship with the land.”

Green Sod Ireland is committed to the conservation of Irish land, recognising its inherent and historical wildness. Through the establishment of ‘Wild Acres’ and other initiatives, the organisation aims to create protected spaces that allow wildlife and ecosystems to flourish.

By protecting Irish wild spaces, Green Sod Ireland plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and biodiversity. The organisation believes that by safeguarding Irish habitats, we contribute to the overall healthy ecosystems.

Green Sod Ireland has been gifted 200 acres of land known as ‘Wild Acres’ in Counties Galway, Cork, Carlow, Donegal, Mayo and Cavan.

Pictured: The Greensod Ireland team ahead of the Kylemore Biodiversity Summer School.