University of Galway has launched its Pocket Forest project, planting a new 100m2 native woodland on campus. 

Led by the Pocket Forests social enterprise, the mini-woodland was created by a team made up of university staff and students, Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire Máthair, Galway, community volunteers and Brendan Smith from Terryland Forest Park.

Supported by Lifes2Good Foundation, the Pocket Forest is located on North campus behind the Institute for Lifecourse and Society. It will compare the close planting of young native trees in one half with more conventional urban tree planting of wide-spaced semi-mature trees in the other half.

More than 200 of the saplings were sourced from the Pocket Forests nursery in Shelton Abbey Open Prison, which enables prisoners to learn about growing and caring for native trees, giving them a role in climate and biodiversity actions.

Professor Frances Fahy, Professor of Geography and Director of the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said: “The University of Galway Pocket Forest is a fantastic example of how we can integrate biodiversity conservation, wellbeing and environmental education. By planting native species at the heart of our campus, it enhances biodiversity while providing a peaceful environment for students and staff. This initiative shows that by making use of the small pockets of space around us, we can all contribute to tackling the ecological crisis.”

Maurice McQuillan, CEO of the Lifes2Good Foundation, said: “As a foundation based in Galway, we are delighted to support the work of Pocket Forests in the University of Galway as they research the idea of making space for nature in urban areas. The University of Galway is a great location for us all to learn about the importance of preserving native Irish trees and at the same time enjoy the greening of the campus.”

To mark the launch of the Pocket Forest, University of Galway hosted a roundtable discussion where academics and researchers working in sustainability and environmental climate change came together to discuss ways in which the Pocket Forest could add value to their teaching, research and outreach, and deliver meaningful impact to the campus and the wider community. The event concluded with a documentary screening of The Forest Midwife by Beta Bajgart followed by a Q&A with some of the key creative minds behind the project.

The film was supported by the University’s Ryan Institute and tells the story of forest regeneration through the eyes of Pocket Forests co-founder, journalist, writer and environmentalist, Catherine Cleary, along with her family, friends and new neighbours. After a ten-year stint as Restaurant Critic for The Irish Times, Catherine Cleary took a mid-life step into the unknown in 2020, purchasing a craggy piece of land in Roscommon that she would later transform into a thriving forest and nature reserve. 

Catherine Cleary said: “We urgently need reforestation of native woodlands across Ireland, but trees and shrubs also play a crucial role in making urban areas more live-able. The Pocket Forests team is looking forward to working with staff and students at the University of Galway to explore the best ways to bring nature-based solutions to our towns and cities to make them happier and healthier places.”

Watch the trailer of The Forest Midwife documentary here: https://vimeo.com/984388904

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