Nature and Sustainability at Johnstown Castle

Head Gardener Ciaran Fitzgerald will kick off the event by explaining how he and his team helps the gardens of Johnstown Castle and its biodiversity to thrive. They have reduced 22 acres of lawn down to 9 - turning the rest into native hay meadow and rough grassland encouraging rare butterflies and birds to thrive. Within the 50 acres of natural woodland, Ciaran will explain how they have also removed invasives and replanted native trees. Ciaran will also explain the planting styles in the walled garden used to increase pollinators. Ciaran will speak about our edible woodlands as a sustainable way to grow food, along with how over 6000 native bulbs have been planted and how our bees are looked after,

The 100 Million Trees Project is a national initiative in Ireland. It aims to plant 100 million native Irish trees across the island over the next decade. Developed by brothers Richard and David Mulcahy, this community-driven effort seeks to reverse environmental damage caused by deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Richard will come to talk about the impact of this project in Wexford and beyond.

A screening of film by Deirdre, The Quickening, is a powerful new sound and moving image artwork by Deirdre O’Mahony. Commissioned by The Douglas Hyde Gallery and supported by an Arts Council of Ireland Project Award. Bringing together urgent conversations, original music and moving image, The Quickening responds to issues facing farming, food production and consumption, in the face of present ecological and climate crises.