Tree Sponsorship
To date we have planted
12,000 native species trees
across our 10-acre conservation
area.
Mixed Plantations
Mixed Plantations
An initiative to plant,
nurture, and celebrate trees
Our dedicated 10-acre Conservation Area provides special spaces for retreat and study. We have two flagship plantations: the Millenium Wood and, more recently, Dunbur Wood. These are in addition to a network of pathways, native hedgerows, and a thriving pond which channels an ancient stream.
Our Tree Sponsorship initiative was developed over eighteen years to have an impact on climate, biodiversity, remembrance and celebration. We now have mixed plantations including Oak, Silver Birch, Willow, Sweet Chestnut, Larch, Bird Cherry, Alder, and Hornbeam. We are proud of a truly international register of sponsors, whose financial support has directly strengthened and inspired our environmental mission.
Nature's Tune
Over the past 20 years our conservation area has become an incredible habitat for birds and small animals:
– In 2001, sixty-four species of bird were identified on the farm, including sightings of linnets, meadow pipits, curlews, lapwings, yellowhammers and reed buntings! That same year, one hundred and fifty skylarks were also counted – a rare bird to spot now on Irish farms. Swallows are particularly active here throughout the summer!
– Our pond now plenty of frog spawn in the Spring and countless water creatures, and we enjoy our bright marsh marigolds and an expanding family of mallard ducks.
– Over the years, we have identified 21 species of moth, one of which, a Blair’s Shoulder-Knot, had never been recorded in Ireland before.
Conservation Work
Conservation Work
Over the past 20 years we have also planted hedgerows with native shrubs in the Conservation Area - all of which are a wonderful habitat for birds and small animals. We have laid out with paths so that it can be used for tours & trails and field studies. We are always thinking of new ways our visitors can appreciate the stunning views over Wicklow Bay from our hilltop organic farm.
We no longer offer individual tree sponsorship - but we do still accept donations in support of the care of all of the trees in our Dunbur Wood plantation, and towards the development of Dunbur Wood as an educational resource with a focus on biodiversity. We have also continued the practice of issuing bespoke gift cards which acknowledge donations and, if required, mark a particular occasion: a wedding, a birth or birthday, a loss, an anniversary, or a graduation.
Dunbur Wood
Dunbur Wood
The place name Dunbur, one of the oldest in Wicklow Town, refers to Dunbur Head, the headland that juts into the sea directly east of the An Tairseach farm. Dunbur Head includes part of the scenic pathway that leads from the Black Castle to the Saint Brigid’s Well just north of Wicklow Head and the ‘seal beach’ at Lime-Kiln Bay.
Dunbur means, in Irish, ‘the fort of the blossoms’, an image of security and seasonal knowledge, and a reminder of the ancient landscape that we are attempting, with your support, to preserve.
May the mystery of trees nourish the landscape of our minds.
