Pocket Forests

Pocket Forests

Organisation type: Social Enterprise

Overall interests and goals with respect to research:

Pocket Forests is an award-winning social enterprise, reconnecting communities to their natural heritage across all counties in Ireland. We collaborate with schools, residents groups, Tidy Towns organisations, businesses and community organisations to plant native trees and shrubs in small urban areas. Pocket forests build biodiverse habitat for wildlife and grow a sense of belonging and nature connection for communities. Since 2020 we have created more than 130 pocket forests and native hedgerows, planting over 9,300 native trees in urban and suburban areas all over Ireland.

What societal groups does the organisation aim to positively affect and support through collaborative research?

Nature deprived urban communities. Involving communities in creating high quality green spaces can improve mental and physical wellbeing, build community and create wildlife habitat in urban areas.

How might engaging in collaborative research with TU Dublin support these groups in the longer term?

Our interest and goals in research are to research the soil, plant and animal health of pocket forests and also to investigate the nature connectedness effect on people who create and use a pocket forest. Our work aligns with several SDGs - Sustainable Cities and Communities, Life on Land and Climate Action. 

Catherine Cleary, CEO.

Further Information:

• If you would like to know more about potentially collaborating with this organisation, please contact Catherine Bates, Research Engagement Lead at engagementandimpact@tudublin.ie.