University of Galway has officially launched a new project involving planting 100m² of native tree saplings on its campus.

The project was led by the Pocket Forests social enterprise, while the mini-woodland was created by a team made up of university staff and students, Transition Year students from Coláiste Muire Máthair, Co. Galway, community volunteers and Brendan Smith from Terryland Forest Park.

The Pocket Forest, which is supported by Lifes2Good Foundation, is located on north campus behind the Institute for Lifecourse and Society.

The project will compare the close planting of young native trees in one half with more conventional urban tree planting of wide-spaced semi-mature trees in the other half.

More than 200 of the saplings for the project were sourced from the Pocket Forests nursery in Shelton Abbey Open Prison.

This initiative enables prisoners to learn about growing and caring for native trees, while giving them a role in climate and biodiversity actions.

Commenting on the project, Professor Frances Fahy, professor of geography and director of the Ryan Institute, University of Galway, said:

“The University of Galway Pocket Forest is a fantastic example of how we can integrate biodiversity conservation, wellbeing and environmental education.

"This initiative shows that by making use of the small pockets of space around us, we can all contribute to tackling the ecological crisis."

Maurice McQuillan, chief executive of the Lifes2Good Foundation in Galway, said that they were delighted to support the work of Pocket Forests in the University of Galway as they research the idea of making space for nature in urban areas.

"The University of Galway is a great location for us all to learn about the importance of preserving native Irish trees and at the same time enjoy the greening of the campus," he said.

To mark the launch of the Pocket Forest, University of Galway hosted a roundtable discussion.

The event included academics and researchers working in sustainability and environmental climate change who discussed ways in which the project could add value to their teaching, research and deliver meaningful impact to the campus and the wider community.

The event concluded with a documentary screening of The Forest Midwife by Beta Bajgart.

The film, supported by the university’s Ryan Institute, tells the story of forest regeneration through the eyes of Pocket Forests co-founder, journalist, writer and environmentalist, Catherine Cleary, along with her family, friends and new neighbours.

In 2020, Cleary bought a piece of land in Co. Roscommon that she would later transform into a thriving forest and nature reserve.

"The Pocket Forests team is looking forward to working with staff and students at the University of Galway to explore the best ways to bring nature-based solutions to our towns and cities to make them happier and healthier places," Cleary said.