A circular black-and-white illustration of a resting deer is centered over a background of lush green forest foliage and a thick tree trunk.

Once and Future Forest links reforestation/native replanting initiatives in Ireland with the Tochar Phadraig/Irish West Camino. The mission of Once and Future Forest is to reforest the corridor of the Irish West Camino with a biodiverse ecosystem of native Irish trees. We envision the eventual creation of a wildlife corridor and green belt across Ireland. By planting the Camino with native Irish trees, we can revitalize the spiritual significance of the Irish forest by creating the opportunity for relationship between locals, pilgrims, and the original ogham trees of Irish myth and history. Our goal is threefold:~ to revitalize the native ecology of Ireland, lower Ireland&rsquo;s vulnerability to climate change, and reduce planetary carbon load;~ to provide aesthetic shelter and shade for pilgrims on the Irish West Camino and inhabitants of the surrounding areas;&nbsp;~and to foster conditions for a spiritual relationship between pilgrims of the trail and the mythology, history, and lore of the Irish forest. Our name is gathered from tales of heroes asleep beneath the soil of the land, ready to return when we need them- just as the sleeping seedbank of the ancient Irish forest sleeps beneath the soil, ready to return at our time of need. We enact our mission through storytelling and other community events. &nbsp;Donations from these events are used to purchase native trees and make them available to pilgrims and locals for planting along the trail. Local communities and pre-existing land stewardship initiatives assist us in identifying community land where trees are both welcomed and tended.

Once and Future Forest links reforestation/native replanting initiatives in Ireland with the Tochar Phadraig/Irish West Camino. The mission of Once and Future Forest is to reforest the corridor of the Irish West Camino with a biodiverse ecosystem of native Irish trees. We envision the eventual creation of a wildlife corridor and green belt across Ireland. By planting the Camino with native Irish trees, we can revitalize the spiritual significance of the Irish forest by creating the opportunity for relationship between locals, pilgrims, and the original ogham trees of Irish myth and history. Our goal is threefold:~ to revitalize the native ecology of Ireland, lower Ireland’s vulnerability to climate change, and reduce planetary carbon load;~ to provide aesthetic shelter and shade for pilgrims on the Irish West Camino and inhabitants of the surrounding areas; ~and to foster conditions for a spiritual relationship between pilgrims of the trail and the mythology, history, and lore of the Irish forest. Our name is gathered from tales of heroes asleep beneath the soil of the land, ready to return when we need them- just as the sleeping seedbank of the ancient Irish forest sleeps beneath the soil, ready to return at our time of need. We enact our mission through storytelling and other community events.  Donations from these events are used to purchase native trees and make them available to pilgrims and locals for planting along the trail. Local communities and pre-existing land stewardship initiatives assist us in identifying community land where trees are both welcomed and tended.

Once and Future Forest

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Once and Future Forest

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