Innovative biodiversity initiative Hare’s Corner opens for Kilkenny applications

Applications are now open for The Hare’s Corner, an innovative biodiversity initiative developed by Burrenbeo Trust, a registered charity, which is coming to Kilkenny for the first time this year.

Landowners, schools and community groups in Kilkenny are invited to apply for support in the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows, mini-orchards and plans for nature on their land through the initiative, which takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasn’t intensively farmed and was therefore left to nature.

Kilkenny is one of nine counties involved in The Hare’s Corner project this year, with the others being Limerick, Offaly, Donegal, Monaghan, Kerry, Sligo, Louth and Wexford. Applications close on Sunday, January 18th and anyone interested in availing of the supports can apply via a simple online application form at theharescorner.ie.

Last year, the highly successful project marked its fifth anniversary by creating 1,600 habitats for biodiversity in six counties around Ireland.
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The ‘menu’ of supports available from The Hare’s Corner includes – a mini-woodland (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a wildlife hedge (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a heritage orchard (five heritage apple trees and advice), a wildlife pond (hydrologist advice and some expenses towards machinery costs), and a ‘Plan for Nature’ (a visit and advice from a trained Hare’s Corner advisor on how to enhance nature on your site). For more info on the supports and eligibility criteria please visit theharescorner.ie/supports/.

The website also offers practical tips, infographics and short videos aimed at helping people to create their own Hare’s Corners and helpful monthly ‘Hare’s Corner Clinics’ are available online for anyone with practical questions on caring for nature.

“We are delighted to be in Kilkenny for the first time in 2026,” says Lee Worrell, The Hare’s Corner Coordinator.
“It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest The Hare’s Corner generates up and down the country. We genuinely believe that these small, tangible actions for nature can have the collective impact that we need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss while also contributing to climate resilience and the wellbeing of participants.

“Our hope is that The Hare’s Corner will reach every county in Ireland, and we would welcome new sponsors and partners interested in helping us to keep growing the reach of The Hare’s Corner.”

The Hare’s Corner in 2026 is being funded through a combination of public and private sector funding, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service's Local Biodiversity Action Fund, and is an action of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023 – 2030.

Bernadette Moloney, Biodiversity Officer, Kilkenny County Council, said the council is delighted to partner with The Hare’s Corner project this year.

“When the public were consulted as part of the preparation of the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Plan, this type of initiative was suggested,” she said.

“Kilkenny County Council is delighted to secure this collaboration with the Burrenbeo Trust as it aligns with Action 6.5 of the Kilkenny Biodiversity Action Plan 2025-2030 providing people with assistance to increase the biodiversity value of their land with the Hare’s Corner team providing the encouragement, advice and micro-funding to do it.”