Our Story
Living Woodlands was founded by two brothers, Colm and John Galvin, in 2022.
As children, forests and trees were always part of our imagination. The name Nature Boy followed John through primary school — at the time it was definitely not a compliment! — but perhaps it was a sign of what was to come.
Years later, standing on the slopes of Galtee Mór, we were struck by how empty the land looked. From that height, the lowlands stretched out for miles, but there were almost no trees in sight. Just the dark, geometric blocks of non-native conifers.
It hit us that Ireland — once 80% covered in forest — is now largely covered in grass. Grass that feeds sheep and cows, yes, but holds very little life. Beneath every field, you could almost feel the ghost of a forest.
We began to ask ourselves: Could we do something about this?
For two years we researched, listened, and learned. We discovered that restoring native woodland is a complex challenge, but also a powerful opportunity. Out of this came the idea of the Biodiversity Haven — adaptable wild spaces that make room for nature, right where communities live and gather.
Under every field is the ghost of a native forest…
Our Vision
We are working toward a vision of an interconnected network of Biodiversity Havens all over Ireland.
Imagine the transformation if even a small percentage of these underused areas of grass that fill our towns and villages became mini woodlands and community gardens and permaculture orchards?
And what if these Biodiversity Havens were connected by healthy hedgerows leading out into the countryside to connect with larger community woodlands created on marginal agricultural land?
What if instead of being bombarded with messages of anxiety and helplessness communities were able to take action right where they live?
Our Approach
We believe healthy soils = healthy ecosystems = healthy people.
Firstly, in Ireland, we are increasingly disconnected from nature and lack an understanding of the connection between ecosystem health and human health. We passionately believe that every square metre of healthy soil matters, not only in terms of biodiversity restoration and climate change mitigation, but also as the foundation of human health and wellbeing.
Secondly, we also have a huge resistance in Ireland to anything ‘wild’ and we struggle to allow space for nature in our towns, villages and cities.
We developed our Biodiversity Haven approach as a way of addressing these two issues.
All of our projects begin by ensuring the health of the soil on site and creating the right conditions to support the mycorrhizal network of fungi underground - which will in turn ensure the health of the Biodiversity Haven ecosystem as a whole. Our planting plans are designed to mimic as closely as possible the conditions and patterns we would find in an Irish woodland or hedgerow. Our focus is on creating complex and resilient ecosystems, building healthy soils and providing beautiful pockets of wild nature for people to enjoy
Every square metre of healthy soil matters
