We raised €68,492.15 over three years through online donations and fundraisers, channeling 94% of these funds directly into purchasing land. The 11-acre site, bought from a retiring farmer, cost €64,313.38. Remaining unavoidable costs included banking fees, insurance, and contractors. At the time the land was offered to us, we had only about €23,000 total in donations.

Through the following year, our fundraisers and donors-base grew enough to get really close to the asking price, which we finally reached by an interest-free loan of €15,000 from two patrons, demonstrating the goodwill and trust in our team. This loan was repaid in full in late 2024 through continued donations and fundraisers, reflecting the dedication of our operational team and the generosity of our supporters.

We also negotiated a land-swap with a local farmer consolidating three fields into one and gaining an additional 1.5 acres at no extra cost. The result is a 12.5-acre site ready for transformation into a thriving ecosystem.

Our approach to planting is guided by the Rewilding Post-Productive Landscapes dissertation by founder Eoghan Connaughton, which received a Distinction from Trinity College Dublin. Unlike conventional planting methods that prioritize high-density tree cover, we prioritize functional biodiversity.

Drawing inspiration from the Carrifran Valley Project in Scotland, we adopt a successional planting regime. This involves planting trees in phases and gradually introducing herbaceous and understory species once the canopy develops. By focusing on genetically Irish seed stock and incorporating Ancient Woodland Vascular Plants, we aim to recreate the intricate biodiversity of ancient forests.

This is the vision that ignited the founding of the GWP – the creation of a large, biologically diverse, long-standing woodland in the memory of the Irish emigrants, and the guiding star of our reforestation efforts.

It will stand as a centerpiece of our mission to conserve Ireland’s natural and cultural heritage. This unique site, steeped in both ecological significance and historical resonance, will bear the name of one of the Irish emigrants whose family stories are preserved in the Irish Immrama Archive—a living tribute to Ireland’s global diaspora and the resilience of its people.

In 2045, we will mark the 200th anniversary of the Great Famine with the placement of a commemorative standing stone at the heart of this woodland. This symbolic act honors the memory of those who endured immense suffering and those who were forced to leave their homeland. The standing stone will serve as a focal point for reflection, storytelling, and remembrance, ensuring that this pivotal chapter of Irish history is never forgotten.

Designed as a space for both learning and connection, the woodland will eventually be opened to the public when it is ecologically and operationally responsible to do so. Visitors will find a tranquil haven where Ireland’s natural beauty and cultural heritage intersect. The woodland will provide opportunities for education, fostering a deeper understanding of the Great Famine’s impact and Ireland’s enduring legacy of resilience and unity.

Through this commemorative woodland, we hope to inspire a renewed appreciation for Ireland’s interconnected natural and cultural landscapes, uniting communities around the world in remembrance, celebration, and the shared vision of a wilder, greener Ireland.