Forests created or improved Darndale Donut
Why did we support this forest?
Urban forests are crucial to our well-being and can provide great environmental, social, and health benefits to the communities they serve. In an urban park in Dublin, we are growing a new forest as part of a European Union co-funded project that promotes urban reforestation across four member states.
History of the forest
Inside Darndale Park in Dublin, we are creating a participatory urban forest. The Darndale Donut project was established to increase greenery and enhance well-being in a densely populated area, mainly frequented by students, young people, and sports clubs. The shape chosen for the new forest is that of a doughnut, symbolising inclusion and shared space, which also provides shelter from the wind for the nearby fishing area.
Where is the forest located?
How we improved the forest
3,000 native trees were planted along the outer ring of the forest. The project involved the local community directly, under the guidance of field experts. Along with preparing the soil and mulching, protective barriers were installed around the trees to prevent damage from mowing or grazing.
Darndale Donut is not only a reforestation effort but also an educational program: local schools will participate in learning about nature, developing forestry skills, and building a lasting connection with this new urban forest.
This urban forestation project is part of the Uforest project, funded with support of the European Commission and promoted by Ersaf and Etifor. The Uforest project aims at promoting Europe’s innovation capacity among universities, cities and businesses to deliver a new approach to Urban Forestry.
The Darndale Doughnut project is becoming a reality thanks to the ongoing work of many local and international partners; the Dublin City Council and its parks department, the Darndale Community Centre and the Darndale implementation group, Trinity College Dublin and Trinity Business School, Etifor, and WOWnature.
News from the forest
Partner of the forest
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