Volunteers bring nature to life with new wildlife pond at TU Dublin
In a vibrant activity of partnership, community and action for the environment, TU Dublin has unveiled a new wildlife pond at the GLAS at TU Dublin community garden on the Blanchardstown campus.
The 'Stepping Stone Pond was brought to life over two days, between 9–10 June 2025, thanks to the collaborative efforts of volunteers from TU Dublin, Amazon, and local community groups.
The project was coordinated by John Kibred, Stepping Stone Forests, in partnership with TU Dublin and Amazon In Communities, who generously supported the initiative with funding and 17 enthusiastic volunteers.
Clad in bright orange vests on a sunny week in June, the team worked side by side to transform a patch of green into a thriving habitat for wildlife on the campus. The pond, now nestled among trees and shrubs within the garden, creates a welcoming environment for amphibians, insects, and birds.
Building a pond requires much work and a degree of skill - the activity involved shaping the pond’s edge, digging a large pit and lining it with natural stone, gravel and pond liner. Rob Gandola of The Herpetological Society of Ireland managed the project, bringing his expertise to ensure the pond would serve as a vital ecological resource. He was joined by Alan and Maria Tormey of the Blakestown Drive Community Group, TU Dublin Horticulture lecturer Rachel Freeman, and Global action Plan's (GAP) Lee Geoghegan, Head Gardener at GLAS at TU Dublin.
Speaking about the pond TU Dublin Horticulture lecturer Rachel Freeman said: This pond is more than just a beautiful addition to the GLAS garden, It’s a stepping stone for green spaces, connecting communities and industry partners, and giving wildlife a place to thrive in an urban setting. Amazon’s involvement through their In Communities programme reflects a growing trend of partnership support for grassroots environmental action. Their volunteers brought energy and enthusiasm to the build, helping to dig, shape, and fill the pond under expert guidance of Rob Gandola of The Herpetological Society of Ireland.
Speaking of the wider Stepping Stone Forests project, Maria Tormey of Blakestown Drive Community Group said: This is the 10th Stepping Stone Forest in the Blanchardstown area. These ponds along with our 11 Stepping Stone Forests are creating a mosaic of habitats in the area as part of our Citi Verde programme. Our objective is to encourage wildlife back into urban areas. Urban sprawl does so much to exclude our native wildlife and these stepping stones help to redress the imbalance.
The initiative also received funding through the Strategic Alignment of Teaching and Learning Enhancement (SATLE), highlighting its educational value. TU Dublin students, staff and GLAS garden volunteers will have the opportunity to use the pond as a living classroom, studying ecosystems, sustainability, and the importance of biodiversity in real time.
As the final stones were laid and the water began to settle, the Stepping Stone Pond stood as a testament to what can be achieved when education, community, and corporate responsibility come together.
This collaborative effort reflects TU Dublin’s commitment to People, Planet, and Partnerships, while advancing United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water and and SDG 15: Life on Land. It’s a small pond with a big impact.
