Tiny Forest Initiative Update

Members of the Kilmore Care of Creation Group, John Paul II Award participants and local community groups from across County Cavan met on the grounds of The Conaty Centre in Cavan on Saturday 7 February 2026 to complete Phase 3 of the CCLD LEADER funded ‘Tiny Forest’ initiative.

The community volunteers planted one hundred native trees ranging from Oak, Blackthorn, Whitethorn, Holly, Dogrose, Birch, Willow, Alder, Rowan, Hazel, Spindle and Gelder Rose.

Tiny Forests are dense, native woodlands packed into small, urban spaces – in this case measuring 25m². Based on the Miyawaki method it rapidly boosts biodiversity, fights climate change, and reconnects people with nature. The mix of native trees grow up to 5 times faster, providing significant environmental, health, and community benefits in as little as three years.

We thank John Toland of CCLD; Bishop Martin Hayes of the Kilmore Diocese; the St Patrick’s Trust; Patricia Keenan, Chairperson of The Kilmore Care of Creation Group; Daniel Monaghan, Forester and Education Specialist; Roisin Grimes, Ecologist; The Conaty Centre for their hospitality and all the fantastic members and volunteers for their contribution to nature, people and communities.

The Kilmore Care of Creation Group will survey and monitor how this specific group of trees, chosen for their location, develop in the coming years.