The increase in one-off housing throughout the country is making Ireland's countryside less and less hospitable to native wildlife. However, private gardens can be modified to help offset decreasing habitats. In some nations facing massive urban sprawl, various programmes have been implemented to promote the creation and use of “habitat gardens” as a means of biodiversity conservation and as a cheaper alternative to the cultivation of typical lawns. However, no such programme has been implemented in Ireland despite the alarming rates of land-conversion from natural or rural landscapes to urban developments, as well as the spread of invasive species. To address this need and with a generous grant from The Heritage Council, Genetic Heritage Ireland (GHI) has begun the “Growing Wild” Conservation Programme to promote the design and development of habitat gardens in private homes.

Anyone can enhance the ecological qualities of their garden to make it more hospitable to native plants and more attractive to native animals like butterflies and birds. Regardless of the size of your garden, YOU can make a positive impact on Ireland's natural landscape!

This website gives a general overview of habitat gardens and provides resources on how to make your garden as eco-friendly as possible. We are constantly updating this site as information and resources become available. Please feel free to explore this site and contact us if you have any questions or comments.