Biodiversity project open for applications in Louth for first time

Applications are open for The Hare’s Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative developed by the Burrenbeo Trust, a registered Charity, which is coming to Louth for the first time this year. 

Landowners, schools and community groups in Louth are invited to apply for support in the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows, mini-orchards and plans for nature on their land through the initiative, which takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasn’t intensively farmed and was therefore left to nature. 

Louth is one of nine counties involved in The Hare’s Corner project this year, with the others being Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Monaghan, Kerry, Sligo, Kilkenny and Wexford. Anyone interested in availing of the supports can apply via a simple online application form at www.theharescorner.ie.

Last year, the highly successful project marked its fifth anniversary by creating 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties around Ireland.

The ‘menu’ of supports available from The Hare’s Corner includes – a mini-woodland (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a wildlife hedge (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a heritage orchard  (5 heritage apple trees and advice), a wildlife pond (hydrologist advice and some expenses towards machinery costs), and a ‘Plan for Nature’ (a visit and advice from a trained Hare’s Corner adviser on how to enhance nature on your site). For more info on the supports and eligibility criteria please visit https://theharescorner.ie/supports/.

The website also offers practical tips, infographics and short videos aimed at helping people to create their own Hare’s Corners and helpful monthly ‘Hare’s Corner Clinics’ are available online for anyone with practical questions on caring 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 Local Biodiversity Action Fund, 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 The Heritage Council's Biodiversity Officer Programme, which is enabling biodiversity officers in each of the nine counties to provide ground support for the initiative, as well as to the Life’s2Good Foundation for their key support. 

The initiative is coordinated by the Burren-based Burrenbeo Trust, a registered Charity that supports people to take positive action for their local landscapes. Its flagship programmes – ‘Farming for Nature’, ‘Heritage Keepers’ and ‘The Hare’s Corner’ – initiated in and inspired by the Burren are spreading across the country due to their proven efficacy and demand. 

Ultimately, the project plans to go nationwide and welcomes interest from private and public funders to help achieve this. It is also interested in hearing from ecologists and hydrologists who have hands-on experience of working with people and nature and who would like to join The Hare’s Corner team as freelance advisers in their own counties. 

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Lee Worrell, The Hare's Corner Coordinator, says:

“We are delighted to be in Louth for the first time in 2026. It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest The Hare’s Corner generates up and down the country. We genuinely believe that these small, tangible actions for nature can have the collective impact that we need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss while also contributing to climate resilience and the wellbeing of participants. Our hope is that The Hare's Corner will reach every county in Ireland, and we would welcome new sponsors and partners interested in helping us to keep growing the reach of The Hare’s Corner.”

Helen Hanratty, Biodiversity Officer, Louth County Council, says:

“We are delighted to partner with The Hare’s Corner project this year and to bring the opportunity to create biodiversity habitats to the people of Louth.  Many people want to do something for nature but are confused as to what they can or should do, and how to do it, and The Hare’s Corner meets this need by providing the encouragement, advice, and micro-funding to do it.”