Food Forests Ireland is a national environmental, education, and training organisation dedicated to planting and nurturing food forests across Ireland. We evolved from the Edible Landscape Project to expand our mission toward building resilient, community-led food forests that support climate adaptation, biodiversity, and a circular bio-economy.

A food forest is a layered, self-sustaining ecosystem modelled on natural forests but designed to produce food, fuel, and other useful products. It includes a mix of trees, shrubs, herbs, and groundcover plants that work together to regenerate the land, increase biodiversity, and provide sustainable yields for communities.

The circular bio-economy is an approach to managing natural resources that prioritizes renewable biological materials, waste reduction, and closed-loop systems. Food forests embody this by regenerating soil health, sequestering carbon, producing local food, and supporting biodiversity - all while minimizing waste and fostering sustainable local economies

There are many ways to participate! You can:

• Volunteer in planting and maintenance projects

• Host a food forest on your land or organisation

• Donate to support our work

• Partner with us as a business or community group

Visit our Get Involved page for current opportunities and events.

Individuals, schools, community groups, businesses, and local authorities can all host food forests. We provide guidance, toolkits, and support to help you plan, design, and maintain a thriving food forest that suits your space and goals.

We offer tailored education programs for schools, communities, and businesses, including:

• Curriculum-linked lesson plans

• Workshops and training in food forest design and care

Our aim is to empower learners of all ages to engage with nature and sustainability hands-on.

Our food forests contribute to:

• Climate resilience

• Increased local biodiversity

• Community wellbeing

• Promotion of a circular bio-economy

We track key metrics such as trees planted, forests grown, volunteers engaged, and children educated. Visit our Data & Impact page for live updates.

We are supported by a mix of:

• Grants

• Donations

• Partnerships

• Social enterprise activities

Our funders include public bodies, private foundations, and community supporters who share our vision for sustainable food systems and regenerative landscapes.

Our work supports:

• Ireland’s Climate Action Plan (2024)

• The European Green Deal (2019-2030)

• The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (2015-2030), especially goals related to climate action, biodiversity, sustainable cities, and responsible consumption.

• National Biodiversity Action Plan (2017-2025) - supporting restoration and protection of Ireland’s natural habitats.

• Heritage Ireland 2030 -promoting the safeguarding and celebration of Ireland’s cultural and natural heritage.

• Forest Ireland Strategy (2025-2045) - focusing on sustainable forest management, expanding native woodland cover, and integrating forestry with rural development.

By aligning with these policies, Food Forests Ireland advances a holistic approach to land stewardship that honours both ecological and cultural heritage while fostering resilient, productive landscapes.

Food Forests Ireland builds upon the foundation laid by the Edible Landscape Project, expanding its focus to incorporate:

• Circular bio-economy framework

• Broader climate adaptation strategies

• Enhanced community and educational programming

This transition reflects our evolving mission and scale.

Yes! We encourage community members, educators, volunteers, and partners to share their food forest experiences. Visit our News & Stories page to submit your story and help inspire others.

You can reach us via our Contact Us page, where you’ll find:

• A contact form

• Newsletter signup

• Social media links

We welcome questions, partnership inquiries, and media requests.

Ireland’s Climate Action Plan Climate Action Plan 2024 (Published: December 2023)

Focus: Nature- based solutions, community engagement, land use, just transition

European Green Deal European Green Deal (Launched: December 2019)

Ongoing through 2030 as the EU’s overarching sustainability framework

Includes: Farm to Fork Strategy (2020); EU Biodiversity Strategy for 2030 (2020); EU Circular Economy Action Plan (2020); Soil Strategy for 2030 (2021)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Adopted: 2015, to be achieved by 2030

Relevant goals for Food Forests Ireland: SDG 2 – Zero Hunger; SDG 4 – Quality Education; SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities & Communities; SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption & Production; SDG 13 – Climate Action; SDG 15 – Life on Land