The An Tairseach Tree Sponsorship Initiative
Aligned as it is with nature’s own processes, organic farming is an effective means of restoring habitats and boosting biodiversity.
In addition to the natural abundance of our seventy acre farm, we also have a dedicated ten acre conservation area, which we do not use for tillage or livestock. A special place for retreats, student groups and scientists to visit, our conservation area is at once peaceful and vibrant. Since its establishment in the late 1990s, 12000 native species trees have planted in our two flagship plantations: the Millenium Wood, and the more recently established Dunbur Wood.
In addition to a network of pathways, native hedgerows, and a thriving pond which channels an ancient stream from its nearby source, the An Tairseach plantations also include stands of Oak, Silver Birch, Willow, Sweet Chestnut, Larch, Bird Cherry, Alder, and Hornbeam.
The first An Tairseach Tree sponsorship initiative was run between 2000 and 2018. During that time a register of tree sponsors was created, a record of the names of donors and in many cases the names of people they wished to honour or remember, together with the details of their designated tree. A truly international register of sponsors was created, whose financial support directly strengthened and inspired An Tairseach in its environmental mission. Also during that time it was common for donors to visit the An Tairseach farm and the plantation in the company of one of the An Tairseach sisters.
The tradition of individual tree sponsorship has now been concluded, and, due to the fact that most of the founding An Tairseach sisters are in retirement, it is no longer possible to view a specific sponsored tree in the conservation area. Our first tree sponsorship project, facilitated by a community of generous and like-minded people, has come to fruition. Nature itself is reaping the reward.
Over the years we have continued to plant trees on a yearly basis so that we now have more than 12,000 trees in a variety of woodlands. There are no more trees available for sponsorship in these woods nor is there space for further planting. We have endeavoured to continue the viewing of the trees but as the numbers grow and our energy wanes it is no longer possible to arrange visits to view the individual trees.
Over the past 20 years in this area we have also planted hedgerows with native shrubs and trees which are a wonderful habitat for birds and small animals. We put in a pond which is an ecosystem in itself providing a home for frogs and tadpoles and all sorts of water creatures. We have even had mallard ducks come to breed here. This ten-acre Conservation Area is well laid out with paths so that it can be used for Farm walks and Field studies. We hope to continue offering a free guided Farm Walk on the First Saturday of every month from April to October starting at the Farm Shop at 11.00 a.m.so that the trees can be viewed in a general way and the stunning views over Wicklow Bay can be enjoyed by anyone interested.
However, An Tairseach still accepts 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.
Additionally, if requested, the An Tairseach sisters in the Dominican convent itself are always very happy to remember in their prayers the name of any donor to the Dunbur Wood fund, or someone close to them.
The placename 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.
To assist us in maintaining Dunbur Wood and developing it as a facility for biodiversity education in the years ahead, please download the An Tairseach Tree Sponsorship Form here, please download and return Tree Sponsorship Form and return it to the email address provided.
We suggest a contribution of €30, and we will ask you to have a brief phone conversation with our Farm Shop manager, to take the payment, and to discuss the kind of occasion you are marking with your donation and what kind of An Tairseach card might be appropriate.
With your permission, we will add your name to our register of Dunbur Wood donors and if you wish we will add you to our database, which means you will get an annual Newsletter and in that way be kept informed of all that is happening at An Tairseach. For week to week updates, please follow us on our social media channels.
