Hare’s Corner biodiversity project open for applications

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

Landowners, schools and community groups in Kilkenny 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.

Kilkenny is one of nine counties involved in The Hare’s Corner project this year, with the others being Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Monaghan, Kerry, Sligo, Louth and Wexford. Applications close on Sunday, January 18, and 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 (five 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 advisor 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 advisors in their own counties.

Lee Worrell, The Hare's Corner Coordinator, says: “We are delighted to be in Kilkenny 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.” 

Bernadette Moloney, Biodiversity Officer, Kilkenny County Council, says: “We are delighted to partner with The Hare’s Corner project this year. When the public were consulted as part of the preparation of the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Plan, this type of initiative was suggested. Kilkenny County Council is delighted to secure this collaboration with the Burrenbeo Trust as it aligns with Action 6.5 of the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030, providing people with assistance to increase the biodiversity value of their land with the Hare’s Corner team providing the encouragement, advice and micro-funding to do it.”