Deadline extended for 'Hare's Corner' biodiversity project in Offaly

Offaly landowners, schools, and community groups have been given an extra week to apply for a biodiversity project which can help support the creation of wildlife ponds, mini-woodlands, hedgerows or mini-orchards on their land.

'The Hare's Corner' is the name of the biodiversity initiative developed by the nonprofit organisation Burrenbeo Trust.

Last year, a successful collaboration between Offaly County Council and the Burrenbeo Trust saw a total of 212 'Hare's Corner' biodiversity habitats being created across the county.

The deadline for applications this year was due to close this Sunday, January 18, but it will now remain open for an additional week, until Sunday, January 25.

'The Hare's Corner' initiative takes its name from the old farming expression for an awkward section of a field which wasn’t intensively farmed and was therefore left to nature.

Offaly is one of nine counties involved in The Hare’s Corner project this year, with the others being Donegal, Sligo, Monaghan, Louth, Wexford, Limerick, Kilkenny and Kerry.

The ‘menu’ of supports available from The Hare’s Corner includes – a mini-woodland (a mix of 50 native trees and advice) , a wildlife hedge (a mix of 50 native trees and advice), a heritage orchard (5 heritage apple trees and advice), a wildlife pond (hydrologist advice and some expenses towards machinery costs), and a ‘Plan for Nature’ (a visit and advice from a Hare’s Corner advisor on how to enhance nature on your site).

Lee Worrell, 'The Hare's Corner' Coordinator, said: "We are delighted to be back in Offaly in 2026, after having such a highly successful first year in the county. It has been heartening for us to see the amount of interest 'The Hare’s Corner' generates up and down the country.

"We genuinely believe that these small, tangible actions for nature can have the collective impact that we need to turn the tide on biodiversity loss while also contributing to climate resilience and the wellbeing of participants."

Ricky Whelan, Biodiversity Officer at Offaly County Council, added: "We are delighted to partner with 'The Hare’s Corner' project for another year.

" Many people want to do something for nature but are confused as to what they can or should do, and how to do it, and 'The Hare’s Corner' meets this need by providing the encouragement, advice, and micro-funding to do it."

Anyone interested in availing of the supports can apply via an online application form at www.theharescorner.ie.