The Field

The Climate Crisis and the Biodiversity Crisis are inextricably linked – both are signs of our imbalance with natural systems, with high consumption lifestyles driving increased greenhouse gas emissions and the destruction of natural habitats and trophic levels.

In fact, the Climate and Biodiversity Crises are so bad that the University of Arizona has forecast that one-third of all animal and plant life faces extinction by 2070 – unless urgent action is taken to curb emissions and safeguard ecosystems.

This isn’t some far-flung issue – it’s already happening on our doorstep, and Ireland provides ample examples of how our unsustainable approaches to consumption and high greenhouse gas emissions are impacting the natural world.

Agriculture accounts for 35.3% of our nation’s total CO2 emissions – by far the single biggest source, and more than transport, residential, waste and commercial services combined – and less than 2% of our landmass is native forest, with clearance for farmland being a major factor in having the lowest woodland cover in Europe.

This has led to a 60% decline in bird species in Ireland and one third of the 98 wild bee species in Ireland being close to extinction, according to the European Commission’s EU Habitats Directive.

Which is why we are trying to do our part to rewild to aid nature and maintain vital carbon stores.

Finally, the plan for the field also included using a small amount of space to produce low-intensity food to reduce the food miles and emissions from the food we consume, and primarily to manage the land. Any excess will be shared with the local community.

To date we have planted 52 native trees comprised of Hazels, Horse Chesnuts, Blackthorn, Elder, Sessile Oak, Blackberries and more, as well as 38 fruit trees of many varieties. We’ll be adding to this number in the coming years.

The sheer abundance of insects, birds and frogs has been incredible, and is notable compared to previous years before any rewilding efforts started.

In the middle of the summer, a new species made itself abundantly clear, with the choruses of grasshoppers ringing out across the field as it became a lush summer meadow, replete with a wide array of grasses and wild flowers.

We have also set about installing a polytunnel and planting a plethora of fruit trees, which we hope will form an orchard in the coming years. A selection of apples, pears and plums will be enjoyed by us and the local birds and insects in the coming years – and we’ll ensure that as many as possible are left for wildlife to enjoy. We have also chosen as many Irish heritage varieties as possible to avoid monoculture and provide fruit that meets the needs of local wildlife.

Furthermore, we have been particularly cautious to only use battery electric equipment to clear any areas of foliage when planting trees – and not clear any more space than is necessary.

A core principle of the field is to produce as few greenhouse gas emissions as possible in its creation and maintenance, so that it becomes a positive carbon sink. We will only cut the grass when it is absolutely necessary to promote growth, and will only do so using electric tools or by hand.

We have also contacted ecology experts to better understand which plant species we can reintroduce to ensure that we are adding value to those species that already call the field home, and offer a safe space for other native species that traditionally might have resided in the area before it became agricultural land.

Our Duty

Interestingly, following my interview with Darragh Wynne on the Climate Alarm Podcast, he commented “If you can do something in the face of the Climate Crisis, you have the responsibility to take action.”

This is something that had already been on my mind for some time, and we were in the final stages of purchasing the field at the time of the interview. Part of the inspiration for undertaking this project - and the financial risk that comes with it - was to take action on my own climate anxiety.

Climate anxiety is becoming more and more common as government inaction on the Climate Crisis continues and the Climate Emergency intensifies. Alongside trying to use IrishEVs as a platform for education and awareness, the field has been a way for me to feel I can make a difference - no matter how small. And in the process manage my feelings of climate anxiety.

I hope that this is an example that IrishEVs is committed not only to speaking about the Climate Crisis and Climate Action, but also standing up and taking responsibility for action too.

We are in a privileged position to take out the bank loan, especially during the cost-of-living crisis, but we feel this is an important action we can take to do some local good and that the personal financial risks are worth it.

In the grand scheme of things less than three acres isn’t going to make a dent given Ireland’s sky-high emissions and destruction of nature – but I hope that it will at least be an educational tool, a symbol of what’s possible, and safe haven for native wildlife. We want to play our part and are learning as we go, and will keep you updated as our plans progress.

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