Louth landowners are being invited to apply for The Hare’s Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative coordinated by the Burrenbeo Trust in partnership with Louth County Council’s Biodiversity Office.
The project is coming to Louth for the first time and offers free practical advice and support to landowners who want to protect biodiversity and improve climate resilience. The initiative is inspired by the traditional farming term for a field corner left to nature and supports the creation of wildlife ponds, mini woodlands, heritage orchards, wildlife hedges and tailored plans for nature. Projects can take place on private land, farms, schools and community spaces.
Helen Hanratty, Biodiversity Officer with Louth County Council, said the council is delighted to support the initiative and encouraged anyone interested in making space for nature to apply. She said the provision of free native trees, hedging and heritage apple trees, along with the guidance of Burrenbeo advisors, will help landowners develop practical, site specific actions that benefit biodiversity and wellbeing.
Applications open on Thursday 1 January 2026 and close on Sunday 18 January 2026. Places are limited and priority will be given to community groups and schools. Farmers participating in the ACRES or NPWS Farm Plan Scheme are not eligible to apply for support for actions already covered under those schemes, in order to avoid double funding.
The Hare’s Corner project is funded through the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, with financial support from the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Louth County Council, SSE Generation Green Community Fund, NTR PLC, Greencoat Renewables PLC, ESB and Intact Insurance.
Further information, ideas for sites and application details are available at www.theharescorner.ie.
