Green Sod Ireland and Notre Dame Partnership at Kylemore Abbey | News | Notre Dame Kylemore

Green Sod Ireland, in partnership with the University of Notre Dame, hosted a Biodiversity Summer School on August 31 and September 1 with an outstanding panel of experts led by Benjamin Thébaudeau of Joyce Country and Western Lakes Geopark, Terry Morley, Ph.D., of the University of Galway, and Jess Williams of Hometree.

Green Sod is an Irish environmental charity and land trust, based in Galway, dedicated to the protection of Irish land for its wildlife, biodiversity, and ecosystems; and the two-day event involved environmental charities, professionals, local community groups, and members of the public.

The Summer School was launched on the occasion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) being signed between Notre Dame Kylemore and Green Sod Ireland. The MOU formalises the partnership and relationship that has been developed over the past year. Notre Dame Kylemore has demonstrated its commitment to addressing the biodiversity and climate crises by supporting the work of Green Sod Ireland in their local area.

On the day, the Summer School was introduced by Lisa Caulfield, director of Notre Dame Kylemore, and Jenny Cunningham of Green Sod Ireland. Lisa Caulfield said: “This is a project that is aligned with our University’s strategy to be a force for good in the environment. We as an institution have the responsibility to address the effects of climate change locally and to be a part of and to support the local effort in this area, addressing the specific issues that impact the region.

“After many months of working together we are delighted to come to this day with Green Sod. We identified Green Sod as a key constituent player and are pleased to support them in their noble effort and also to see our students’ and faculty contribution as a resource to Green Sod. We want to show our commitment to a local organisation and our dedication to the landscape, and it is in this spirit that we are signing a formal agreement with Green Sod today.”

Janet Laffey, programme manager of Green Sod Ireland, says: “We are proud to partner with Notre Dame and this was a real opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations to actively participate in the preservation of Ireland's natural heritage. Participants were encouraged to take positive action for biodiversity loss and climate change in Ireland.

“We in Green Sod work with ecologists who assess the land under conservation, largely gifted or willed by benefactors, who advise on action plans for immediate and future care. The organisation also works with farmers to improve the protection of ‘Wild Acres’ and the natural environment by applying a passive management approach to protect and conserve areas of biodiversity."

Also speaking about the conference, Director of Green Sod Ireland Maria Heneghan said: “The focus of the event was to provide a series of talks, workshops and other events that were both educational and enjoyable. Our partners in the University of Notre Dame share our values of having a proactive approach to the preservation of nature and we are delighted that the summer school was so enjoyable and beneficial for all."

Green Sod Ireland is committed to the conservation of Irish land, recognising its inherent and historical wildness. Through the establishment of ‘Wild Acres’ and other initiatives, the organisation aims to create protected spaces that allow wildlife and ecosystems to flourish.

By protecting Irish wild spaces, Green Sod Ireland plays a crucial role in sustaining ecosystems and biodiversity. The organisation believes that by safeguarding Irish habitats, we contribute to the overall healthy ecosystems.

Green Sod Ireland has been gifted 200 acres of land known as ‘Wild Acres’ in Counties Galway, Cork, Carlow, Donegal, Mayo and Cavan. Contact Rory McCanna for more information, rory@greensodireland.ie 0871616451