Limerick residents given extra week to apply for Hare’s Corner biodiversity supports

LIMERICK residents have been given an extra week to apply for free supports under The Hare’s Corner, a biodiversity initiative that is returning for 2026 in partnership with Limerick City and County Council.

The application deadline has been extended to midnight on Sunday, January 25, giving landowners, schools and community groups additional time to submit their expressions of interest.

Developed by the Burrenbeo Trust, a Burren-based registered charity, The Hare’s Corner supports people to create small but meaningful spaces for nature on their land.

These include wildlife ponds, native hedgerows, mini-woodlands, heritage orchards and tailored 'Plans for Nature'. The project takes its name from the traditional farming term for an awkward corner of a field that was left unfarmed and allowed to flourish naturally.

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The initiative proved hugely popular in Limerick during its first year, supporting the creation of 269 new biodiversity habitats across the county.

Nationally, the project marked its fifth anniversary last year by delivering more than 1,600 habitats across six counties, and it continues to expand in response to strong demand from communities.

Limerick is one of nine counties participating in the scheme in 2026, alongside Offaly, Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Louth, Wexford, Kilkenny and Kerry.

Applications can be made through a simple online form at www.theharescorner.ie. The range of supports available includes native trees for mini-woodlands and wildlife hedges, heritage apple trees for small orchards, professional hydrologist advice and assistance towards machinery costs for wildlife ponds, as well as site visits from trained advisers to help landowners develop a practical plan to enhance biodiversity.

Lee Worrell, The Hare’s Corner co-ordinator, said the return of the project to Limerick reflects the enthusiasm shown by communities across the county.“We are delighted to be back in Limerick in 2026 after having such a highly successful first year.

It has been heartening to see the level of interest The Hare’s Corner generates. "We genuinely believe that these small, tangible actions for nature can have the collective impact needed to turn the tide on biodiversity loss, while also contributing to climate resilience and the wellbeing of participants,” he said.

Limerick City and County Council biodiversity officer Sinéad McDonnell said the initiative offers an accessible way for people to take part in climate and nature action.

“Even the smallest patch of land can make a difference. The Hare’s Corner project is designed to make it simple for people to create spaces that support wildlife, with great knock-on benefits for our own health and wellbeing too,” she said.

The project is funded through a combination of public and private sources, including the National Parks and Wildlife Service’s Local Biodiversity Action Fund, and forms part of the National Biodiversity Action Plan 2023–2030.

More information on online Hare’s Corner Clinics can be found on the website at www.theharescorner.ie

-Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme