Last year, The Hare’s Corner created 1,600 biodiversity habitats across Ireland. The biodiversity initiative returns in the New Year, with the aim to help create habitats that have proven benefits for biodiversity, for climate-action as well as for the wellbeing of participants.
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 initiative is coordinated by Burrenbeo Trust, a national non-profit dedicated to helping people take positive action for their local landscapes.
Participants can choose from a number of projects: 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.
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; and 24 Plans for Nature.
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.
Applications will open on January 1st, 2026, closing 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.
