Your questions, answered with heart and honesty

General questions about Reforest Nation

What is Reforest Nation and what does it do?

Reforest Nation is a not-for-profit social enterprise on a mission to rewild Ireland by planting native trees and restoring biodiversity. In simple terms, we make it easy for anyone to get involved in tree planting in Ireland. Every tree we plant helps revive natural forests, bring back wildlife, and combat climate change. Unlike a traditional business, we operate as a social enterprise – meaning any revenue we generate is reinvested directly into our environmental projects rather than into profits. Our goal is to grow native woodlands and healthy ecosystems that benefit both nature and local communities. From individuals “gifting” trees to monthly Rewilding Members and corporate tree planting partnerships, all our programmes contribute to one big vision: a greener, wilder Ireland that future generations can enjoy.

Ireland seems green already – do we really need to plant more trees?

Yes! Although Ireland’s landscape has plenty of green fields, our forest cover is actually one of the lowest in Europe. Only around 11–12% of Ireland is under trees, and just about 1.6% of our land has native woodland remaining. (In fact, there are now more Canadian Sitka spruce trees here than Irish oak or ash trees.) Historically, Ireland was once heavily forested, but centuries of deforestation left us with very little native forest. Planting native trees is critical to restore these lost woodlands, support declining wildlife (like the cuckoo and corncrake that have become rare), and improve our resilience against climate change. By replanting native Irish species, we’re bringing back habitats that nature desperately needs. In short, Ireland does need more trees – the right kind of trees – to heal our ecosystems and increase our woodland from that tiny ~2% base.

Who founded Reforest Nation, and who’s behind it now?

Reforest Nation was founded by Gearóid Mc Evoy, an Irish ecologist and field biologist passionate about restoring nature. What started as one person’s vision has grown into a small but mighty team. We’re largely volunteer-driven, with a dedicated core staff and many volunteers who plant trees, run events, and spread the word. Our founder Gearóid and the team work closely with local communities, conservation groups, and landowners to make each project happen. Even though we’re not a huge organisation, we punch above our weight by collaborating with others and by sharing a common passion. Together, we’ve already planted over one million trees (and we’re just getting started). This grassroots, community-powered approach means when you support Reforest Nation, you’re supporting real people on the ground in Ireland who genuinely care about making a difference.

How is Reforest Nation different from other tree-planting organisations?

We like to think we do things a little differently to maximise our impact:

• Focus on native biodiversity: We plant only certified native Irish tree species, sourced locally. That means our forests are packed with up to 27 different native species – the widest variety in Ireland – rather than monoculture plantations. This diversity leads to richer habitats and up to 100× more biodiversity compared to conventional forestry. Every tree is planted in a way that mimics nature, not in boring straight rows.

• Ecologically optimised planting: Our method is inspired by how wild forests regenerate. By planting trees close together in the right mix, we get forests that grow up to 10× faster and absorb 10× more carbon than typical tree farms. The result is a dense, self-sustaining forest rather than a plantation for timber.

• Transparency and proof: We prioritise showing our supporters the real impact. Unlike some organisations where you’re left wondering what happened to your contribution, we provide updates, photos, videos, and even coordinates for the trees you help plant. You can actually visit our sites, walk among the trees, and see the forests you’ve grown (we host annual tree planting days open to supporters). That level of openness is something we take pride in.

• Fair pricing and accessibility: Planting trees shouldn’t break the bank. While some Irish tree-planting initiatives charge €20–€150 to plant a single tree, we keep costs low so that more people can contribute. For example, a €25 tree gift with us actually plants several native trees, not just one. This means your money plants more trees and creates more impact – often 10× to 75× more trees per euro compared to other programmes.

• Local roots with a global reach: We started in Ireland and Ireland remains our focus, but we also extend our impact globally. For every native tree we plant here, we fund an extra tree (or seedball) in places like Kenya or Madagascar, which helps restore critical ecosystems abroad. We partner with reputable projects (like Seedballs Kenya, featured by David Attenborough) to double the impact of each contribution. So you’re contributing to Irish reforestation and global reforestation at the same time.

In short, Reforest Nation is different because we combine biodiversity-led action, tangible transparency, and community involvement in a way that few larger organisations or government programmes do. We’re restoring wild forests the way nature intended, at a reasonable cost, and showing you every step of the journey.

Is Reforest Nation a legitimate organisation I can trust?

Absolutely. We are a registered social enterprise in Ireland committed to full transparency and accountability. This means we operate like a business but for a social and environmental purpose, with no profit payouts – everything goes back into the mission. We work with trusted partners (from Irish nurseries to wildlife organisations) and keep meticulous records of every tree planted. Supporters receive proof of their impact – for example, tree gift purchases include the coordinates of the forest where the trees went into the ground, and members get dashboards tracking their trees and carbon impact in real time. We also regularly share updates via newsletters, social media, and our website so you can see progress (and we’re always happy to answer questions). To date, we’ve planted over one million trees in Ireland across 15 counties since 2021, and each one is accounted for. Reforest Nation is also Ireland’s most established reforestation initiative – being the first to reach the one-million native trees milestone – so you’re in reliable hands. If you ever have concerns or questions, our team is easy to reach (we may be small, but we’re friendly). Our track record, partner endorsements, and the forests you can physically visit all speak to our legitimacy. In short, you can trust that your support is genuinely making a difference on the ground – we stake our reputation on it.

Rewilding Membership

What is the Rewilding Membership and how does it work?

Our Rewilding Membership is Ireland’s first monthly membership that actively restores nature. Think of it as a subscription for good: every month your membership plants native Irish trees on your behalf and supports other rewilding projects across Ireland. When you become a member, you’ll choose a plan (we have options starting at €5.99 per month, which plants roughly 35 trees a year in Ireland). Each month, we’ll plant trees for you – growing wild forests in areas that need them – and we’ll also fund a specific environmental initiative. These initiatives range from wildlife rehabilitation to habitat restoration projects, and as a member you even get to vote on which projects you want us to support next. It’s a two-fold impact: building up native woodlands and backing local environmental heroes.

As a Rewilding Member, you’ll receive a personal impact dashboard where you can track everything in real time – how many trees you’ve planted, how much carbon they’re absorbing, what projects you’ve funded, and more. We’ll send you seasonal photo and video updates so you can watch your forest grow through the year. And you’re invited to be hands-on: members get exclusive invitations to tree planting days in spring and forest visits in summer to see the impact firsthand. In other words, this isn’t a “set and forget” contribution – it’s an interactive way to be part of Ireland’s rewilding movement. You’ll join a community of nature lovers and changemakers, all contributing a little each month to create a whole lot of wild beauty.

Isn’t this just like supporting a cause?

Not quite. A Rewilding Membership is more interactive and ongoing than a one-off contribution. When you support a cause once, you might get a thank-you and that’s it. With our membership, you’re part of something continuous – almost like being a shareholder in Ireland’s environmental future. You get to see your impact unfold: every month there’s new progress (trees planted, projects supported) that you can track and influence. Members help guide where support goes by voting on projects, and can literally watch their forest grow over time. It’s a two-way relationship. Think of it this way: rather than a single gesture, you’re joining a club or community that’s actively rewilding Ireland month by month. This comes with perks like regular updates, a say in decisions, and invitations to events. So while both a one-time contribution and a membership help the cause, the membership lets you engage and contribute in a deeper, ongoing way. It feels less like a one-off and more like a journey you’re taking with us to heal the planet.

Can I visit the trees I’ve helped plant as a member?

You can – and we highly encourage it. Reforest Nation loves connecting people with the forests they’re growing. Each spring planting season, we host volunteer planting days and members are welcome to grab a spade and join in. Even if you can’t make a planting day, you’re invited to visit our forest sites during summer member meet-ups, where you can walk among the young trees and see how everything is taking root. We’ll provide you with the locations (and many of the sites are in beautiful countryside or upland areas across Ireland). There’s nothing like seeing it in person – it really brings home the impact you’re making. Many members say that visiting “their” forest or planting a sapling with their own hands was a highlight of their year (“it hits different when you see it for yourself,” as one member put it). So yes, as a member you absolutely have the chance to see the results with your own eyes, and even meet the team and fellow members while you’re at it. A walk in the woods feels even more special knowing you helped bring that woodland to life.

Is this really helping the climate, or is it just a feel-good thing?

It’s absolutely helping, in a very real way – but we’re also honest that tree planting alone isn’t a silver bullet for climate change. Every member’s contributions are planting forests and restoring ecosystems that remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Over time, these trees will collectively pull millions of kilograms of CO₂ out of the air, which helps slow global warming. More than that, by rewilding landscapes we’re strengthening biodiversity and natural resilience, which is essential as the climate shifts. That said, no single action is enough on its own. We still need systemic changes and reductions in emissions – and we encourage members to live sustainably too (like reducing waste, eating locally, travelling smarter, and so on). Think of Rewilding Membership as a way to go beyond just lowering your personal carbon footprint – it’s how you can become climate positive by actively helping restore nature. In other words, after you’ve done what you can in daily life, this is a step that actually reverses some of the damage. So yes, it feels good – and it should – but it’s also measurable climate action. Every sapling is a little carbon sponge that grows stronger each year. And when you support things like wetland restoration or wildlife recovery through your membership, you’re tackling the crisis from several angles. So it’s not just symbolic – it’s real and rooted.

Do I really get to choose where my support goes each month?

You do! One of the things that makes our Rewilding Membership special is that members have a voice. Each month, we spotlight an Irish environmental project that needs support – it might be planting a community orchard, restoring bogland, funding equipment for a wildlife rescue, or something else nature-focused. You’ll be given a simple vote on which project you’d most like to support. We take those results and allocate part of our budget accordingly. This way, you’re not just contributing in the dark – you’re helping guide our collective impact. It’s like being part of a decision-making circle where we ask, “Shall we fund the bat sanctuary this month, or help plant a native hedgerow?” – and your vote counts. All the options are aligned with our mission, so there’s never a wrong choice. But having a say makes it feel more personal. You’ll also get follow-up stories about how the project you backed is going – so you’re not just voting, you’re watching your decision take shape. In short: yes, your membership comes with a real role in shaping what we do next. You’re not just funding rewilding – you’re co-creating it.

What if I need to cancel my membership?

No problem at all. We understand that circumstances change. You can cancel any time, hassle-free – there’s no minimum term or hidden fees. If you decide to stop or pause your membership, we’ll be sad to see you go, but everything you’ve already helped make happen will continue. Nature doesn’t go backwards – and neither do your trees. The ones you helped plant will keep growing, and the projects you supported will keep unfolding. Cancelling is as simple as clicking a button in your account or dropping us a message. And if you ever want to rejoin, we’ll be ready to welcome you back. This is meant to be flexible – it’s about what works for you. Whether you’re with us for one month or for many years, your part matters, and we’re grateful. So yes – you can cancel any time, no questions asked, and with our thanks for all you’ve already made possible.

Where exactly does my money go each month?

We’re big on transparency, so we love this question. Here’s the breakdown: your membership fee directly funds tree planting and impactful environmental projects around Ireland. A significant portion plants certified native trees in eco-optimised forests, and another portion goes towards the monthly project chosen by members. For example, if you give €5.99 in a month, part of that plants trees, part might go to a wildlife hospital or help restore a degraded bog, depending on the project that month. We keep our admin costs lean and efficient. We’re a not-for-profit, so there’s no profit taking – we use what we receive to do more good. As of 2025, approximately 80% of all income (from members and supporters alike) goes directly into our environmental work, while about 20% covers essentials like insurance, tree transport, a small team stipend, and basic operations. We’re proud of that ratio – and always striving to keep it high.

Your membership also comes with a personal dashboard that shows exactly what you’ve achieved: how many trees you’ve helped plant, how much carbon you’ve removed, how many projects you’ve helped fund, and more. It’s all visible, not buried in vague reports. If you want more detail, we’re happy to share it. We also publish regular updates in our newsletter so you can read stories and stats about how your support is shaping the land. So in summary: your monthly contribution goes into the soil, the trees, and the future – not into overheads or waste. It’s restoring Ireland one forest and one project at a time.

Tree Gifts

How does gifting a tree work?

Gifting a tree (or a bundle of trees) through Reforest Nation is a simple but meaningful process. Here’s how it works: you choose a tree gift package on our website – for example, a bundle of native Irish trees to plant in honour of someone. During checkout, you’ll provide your email and the recipient’s name (if you’re buying it for someone else). Immediately after purchase, you’ll receive instant access to a beautifully designed, personalised digital certificate that you can download and either print or send to your gift recipient. This certificate states how many trees have been planted and where, and it features exclusive artwork by Irish artist Antoinette Monet to make it extra special. Essentially, the certificate is the “gift” – it lets them know that native trees are being planted in Ireland on their behalf, helping to restore a wild forest.

Behind the scenes, we ensure the trees are planted during the next planting season at one of our reforestation sites in Ireland. Each tree is a certified native species (like oak, hazel, rowan, etc.) and is planted in an eco-optimised way to grow into a healthy forest. What’s more, it’s not just a tree planted and forgotten – we include the exact coordinates of the forest location where your gifted trees are planted. You and the recipient can look it up on a map (and even visit in person if you’d like). We also provide seasonal photo and video updates in our online member area, so over time you can see your trees grow from saplings into flourishing woodland. In short: when you gift a tree with us, you’re sponsoring real trees in Ireland, and you both get proof and updates of that living legacy.

How do I know the trees are really planted (and not just some certificate)?

We understand the importance of trust – that’s why we provide clear, verifiable proof. Every tree gift comes with the exact coordinates of the forest where your trees are planted. It’s not just a vague promise; it’s a real site you can locate on the map. Recipients often paste the coordinates into Google Maps and message us with excitement: “That’s where my trees are!”

On top of that, we keep you updated. You (and the recipient, if you choose) will receive seasonal photos or videos from the site – freshly planted saplings, young forests in summer leaf, or a short film showing the biodiversity that’s returning. These updates are your window into the forest you helped create.

You’re also welcome to visit. We host annual planting days and forest visits, and you’ll receive invitations if you’ve gifted trees. You can literally walk through the young woodland and see your impact. We don’t believe in vague promises – we believe in forests you can stand in. This is a gift that’s rooted in the real world, and we make sure you can see and feel the difference you’ve made.

What does the recipient actually receive when I gift a tree?

They’ll receive a bundle of thoughtful, eco-friendly digital items:

• A personalised digital certificate with their name, the number of trees planted, and a message explaining the impact. It’s beautifully laid out and comes in PDF format, ready to download immediately.

• Exclusive artwork by Irish illustrator Antoinette Monet, themed around nature and native Irish species. It adds a personal, artistic flair to the gift and can be printed or kept as a digital keepsake.

• Optional occasion inserts – we provide a selection of printable occasion card designs (birthday, memorial, new baby, wedding, and more) so you can customise the certificate to fit the moment.

• An invitation to visit the forest – recipients are warmly invited to our annual planting and forest visit days, where they can meet the team, explore the site, and connect with the forest growing in their name.

Everything is digital (no physical mailing involved). You’ll receive the files to download and forward or print at your convenience. It’s a quick, waste-free gift with long-term impact – a gift that lives and grows.

Do I have to personalise the tree-gift certificate right away?

Nope – take your time. As soon as you buy a gift, the download files are made available straight away. You can open the certificate when you’re ready and add the recipient’s name, your name, and a message whenever suits you. Whether you want to customise it immediately or wait until the day before you give it, it’s entirely up to you.

You can type directly into the PDF if you want it polished, or print and handwrite for a personal touch. Either way, you’ve got total flexibility. The trees will be planted in the background regardless – personalising the certificate doesn’t affect anything on our end. Just make it special in your own time.

Why are the trees sold in bundles instead of one at a time?

Great question. We sell trees in bundles to maximise your impact and offer better value. Planting just one tree is helpful, but planting five or more means a small patch of forest – and that’s where ecosystems really start to return. Bundling allows us to keep the price per tree low, so for example, a €79 gift plants five trees (not just one), giving you much more impact for your euro.

It also makes the gift feel more generous and meaningful. Saying “We planted five trees for you” lands differently than “We planted one.” And for us, bundling helps with efficiency – it lets us plan our planting sites more effectively, ensuring good species mixes and smart site design.

We offer bundles of various sizes, from five trees up to 100, for all kinds of occasions – from birthdays to memorials to company gifts. In short, bundles = more trees, more impact, more forest.

Is this a physical gift or digital only?

It’s 100% digital – and proudly so. That means there’s no physical item posted, which keeps the gift carbon-neutral and fast to deliver. Immediately after purchase, you’ll receive the download links and have 24 hours to save your files. No waiting, no packaging, no waste.

That said, the certificate and artwork are high quality and print beautifully if you want to turn them into a tangible gift. Many people print them at home or at a local printer, frame them, or include them in a greeting card. Others simply forward the email or display it on a tablet as a surprise reveal.

We made the experience flexible: you can keep it entirely digital, or create your own physical version if you wish. Either way, the impact is very much real – five native Irish trees planted in wild forests, growing for decades to come.

Can I or the recipient visit the trees I’ve gifted?

Yes – and we hope you do. We warmly welcome gift-givers and recipients to visit the forests they helped create. Once your trees are in the ground, we’ll invite you to a forest viewing day or planting day where you can meet the team, explore the site, and connect with your trees in person.

You’ll receive coordinates showing the exact area where your trees were planted, and you can visit independently or join us for a guided day out. The land is often in beautiful countryside, sometimes on community or partner-owned sites. While we ask visitors to respect the space (young forests need care), you’re absolutely encouraged to come and see your contribution in real life.

There’s something unforgettable about standing in a young woodland and knowing it’s there because of you or someone you love. These forests belong, in part, to those who made them possible.

Symbolic Wildlife Adoptions

What does it mean to adopt Irish wildlife through Reforest Nation?

Adopting Irish wildlife with us is a symbolic but impactful gesture that helps protect native animals and their habitats. It’s “symbolic” in the sense that you’re not taking an animal home or sponsoring a specific individual – instead, your adoption supports the wider wellbeing of an entire species.

Here’s how it works: when you adopt a species such as the Irish Hare or Barn Owl, we plant five native Irish trees in its honour. These trees go directly towards restoring the wild habitats these animals need – for example, planting oak, holly, and rowan for food, shelter, and nesting. At the same time, a portion of your adoption purchase helps fund the Irish Wildlife Hospital, which cares for injured or orphaned wild animals. So you’re helping in two ways: creating long-term habitat and supporting immediate wildlife care.

It’s a meaningful way to champion a species you care about. The adoption includes a personalised certificate, original Irish artwork, and invitations to take part in planting and forest visits. Each species is available to a limited number of supporters per season – usually 100 people – making it a special club of people actively restoring the wild. Your adoption doesn’t just represent one animal – it helps rewild the landscape for many.

Which wildlife species can I adopt?

At the moment, you can adopt any of the following nine native Irish species: Irish Hare, Red Fox, Pine Marten, Red Squirrel, Hedgehog, Robin, Barn Owl, Red Deer, and Badger. Each one plays a vital role in our ecosystems and is either under pressure or emblematic of Ireland’s natural heritage. We chose these animals not only because they’re beloved, but because habitat loss has impacted them – and our work directly benefits their future.

All adoption packages include the same benefits, so it’s up to you which one speaks to you (or the person you’re gifting to). Some supporters adopt a hedgehog because they used to see them in their mum’s garden growing up. Others choose the red squirrel for its rarity, or the robin for its charm. You’re also welcome to adopt more than one species – each one contributes to a different corner of the Irish wild.

How does my adoption help Irish wildlife?

Your adoption results in real-world action on two fronts:

• Habitat restoration: For every adoption, we plant five (sometimes ten) native Irish trees in an eco-optimised reforestation site. These trees are carefully selected to benefit the species in question – such as hazel and oak for red squirrels, or berry-producing rowan and holly for robins. As the trees grow, they create rich, permanent habitat that supports wildlife for generations to come.

• Wildlife care: A portion of the purchase also helps fund the Irish Wildlife Hospital, Ireland’s only dedicated facility for sick and injured wild animals. Your support goes towards food, medicine, rehabilitation, and eventual release back into the wild – ideally into forests we’re planting.

In short, your adoption builds a better Ireland for wildlife – from the forest floor to the treetop – while also helping animals in urgent need of care.

What do I receive when I adopt a species?

Each symbolic adoption comes with a beautifully presented, fully digital package:

• Personalised certificate: A digital certificate showing the species adopted, the number of trees planted, and the name of the adopter or gift recipient. You can download it immediately and personalise it at your convenience.

• Original artwork: A themed illustration by Antoinette Monet depicting your chosen species in an Irish forest setting. It’s unique to each animal and makes the gift feel truly special.

• Invitation to a planting event: Adopters are invited to plant trees as part of their adoption. You’ll receive an email with details and dates once the event is scheduled.

• Summer forest visit: Join us for a gentle walk through one of our planted sites and see how the habitat is progressing. You may even spot signs of the species you adopted.

It’s an experience that lasts far beyond the day of adoption – combining beauty, action, and real environmental impact.

How many trees are planted per adoption?

Every standard adoption plants five native Irish trees. In some cases, such as the Pine Marten limited edition, we plant ten trees to reflect the species’ need for more connected forest cover.

Regardless of species, we carefully choose the planting sites and species mix to suit wildlife – for example, providing fruit, nuts, cover, and roosting spots. These aren’t single saplings in isolation. Over time, hundreds of small adoptions combine into full native woodlands. So your five trees contribute to a much wider forest mosaic – and you’ll always be told exactly how many trees were planted as part of your specific adoption.

Can I adopt a species as a gift for someone else?

Absolutely – it’s one of the most popular ways to give. You’ll receive access to the digital certificate and artwork straight away, which you can personalise and forward or print as you prefer.

The recipient will receive everything a regular adopter would: the certificate, artwork, and invitations to events. Many people gift these adoptions for birthdays, anniversaries, or in remembrance of a loved one who cared deeply about nature.

You can include a custom message to make it feel more personal – for example, “Happy Birthday Liam – you’ve just helped protect the Irish hedgehog.” And rest assured, the trees will be planted and the wildlife hospital supported in their name, whether or not they ever visit the forest.

Is this a real animal adoption?

No – and yes. It’s not a literal adoption of a specific animal, like you might see in a zoo. You’re not assigned an individual fox or given a live animal to follow. This is a symbolic adoption: your support helps protect an entire species in the wild, both through habitat restoration and direct care.

Think of it as becoming a patron for that species. You’re not responsible for looking after a particular creature, but you’re helping all of them survive and thrive in Ireland. The certificate and artwork you receive are keepsakes, and the trees and funding are real – with very real consequences for animals on the ground. So while the word “adoption” is symbolic, the action it represents is absolutely tangible.Free Trees Campaign

Who can apply for Reforest Nation’s free native trees?

Who can apply for Reforest Nation’s free native trees?

If you have land in Ireland and the willingness to plant native trees, you’re welcome to apply. We accept applications from a wide range of people and groups – including landowners, farmers, schools, community organisations, and individuals with large gardens. The key is that the trees must be planted in either the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland, and the site must be suitable for native woodland species.

We do prioritise applicants who have already shown commitment to rewilding – for example, people who are Rewilding Members, have gifted trees, or adopted Irish wildlife. We also give preference to those who have helped fund trees for others in any way. This shows us that you’re thinking as part of a collective and genuinely care about restoring nature, not just receiving free trees.

But even if you’re brand new to Reforest Nation, you’re welcome to apply – we want to spread trees far and wide. All we ask is that you have permission to plant, a plan to care for the saplings (especially in their first year), and a good reason for wanting to rewild your land. Our goal is to make sure every free tree finds a proper home.

Where do the free trees come from?

All our free trees are grown in Ireland, with local provenance. That means the seeds were collected in Irish woodlands and raised by trusted Irish nurseries that specialise in native species. This ensures that the trees are genetically suited to Irish soil, weather, and biodiversity – and helps protect against diseases that sometimes arrive with imported plants.

Occasionally we also supply trees from surplus batches grown with community groups or gathered through our own propagation projects. But whether nursery-grown or home-grown, every tree we give away is native and ecologically appropriate. Common species include oak, birch, holly, rowan, hazel, alder, wild cherry, and Scots pine. We never give out non-native or ornamental trees – our aim is always to support real, wild, Irish nature.

Can I choose which native Irish trees I receive?

You can certainly indicate your preferences, and we’ll try to match them, but we can’t guarantee exact species. On the application form, you’ll be able to let us know what type of land you’re planting on and what kinds of trees you’d like – for example, “wet site, alder or birch preferred” or “love oak and holly if possible.”

We’ll use that information when allocating trees, but we generally provide a mix rather than just one type. This is intentional – biodiversity is better for the land and for wildlife. If you ask for oak, you might also receive birch and rowan as companion species. If you request hazel, we might include a few holly or wild cherry to help form a more resilient planting.

We also tailor species based on location – for instance, including Scots pine for upland areas or alder for wet ground. The more flexible you are, the more likely we can provide a healthy, balanced bundle that suits your land and our current stock. Either way, everything you receive will be native and beneficial.

Are these “free trees” really free? What’s the catch?

Yes – they are genuinely free. You don’t pay for the trees, the packaging, or the collection. And there are no hidden charges. These trees are funded by others – everyday supporters, businesses, and Rewilding Members who have contributed so that someone like you can plant them. It’s a community-powered cycle of generosity: someone funds the trees, you plant them, nature benefits, and we all move closer to a rewilded Ireland.

We don’t call it a handout – we see it as a shared mission. The only “catch” (if you can call it that) is that we ask you to plant the trees responsibly and look after them during the early stages. That means watering in dry spells, protecting them from animals or strimmers, and keeping an eye on their progress. We’re trusting you to honour the effort that others made to get those trees to you.

We’ve already given away almost 250,000 native trees through this campaign – making it the largest free tree programme of its kind in Ireland. And yes, it really is free. All we ask is that you plant with intention, and perhaps send us a photo or message once they’re in the ground.

When will I hear back about my free tree application, and when do I get the trees?

Our application window typically opens in late summer or early autumn. We review all applications after the closing date, which is usually in early November. You can expect to hear from us by winter – most often in December or January.

If your application is approved, you’ll receive an email with confirmation, details about the number and type of trees you’re being offered, and instructions on how to collect them. Distribution usually happens in spring (February to March), which is the ideal time to plant bare-root saplings in Ireland.

Most people will collect their trees from regional collection points – for example, we might set up pick-up days in Galway, Cork, Wicklow, or Donegal depending on demand. We’ll give you a time window and exact location. If you’re part of a larger group or receiving 100+ trees, we may be able to organise a delivery or special handover.

So the timeline looks like this:

Apply in autumn → Hear back in winter → Collect and plant in early spring.

If you haven’t heard from us by February, feel free to check in. But rest assured, we do our best to reply to everyone, whether approved or not.

What happens after I plant the free trees?

Once the trees are in the ground, you’re part of the growing Reforest Nation community. We encourage you to stay in touch, share updates, and connect with others who’ve planted trees through our campaign.

You’ll be invited to join our Free Trees WhatsApp group or community channel, where you can post photos, ask questions, or just celebrate your trees growing. We also love when people tag us on social media – it helps spread the word and show others how easy and joyful it is to rewild a little patch of Ireland.

We may follow up by email asking how your trees are doing, and we sometimes feature people’s planting stories on our website or social pages (with permission). You might also receive occasional invites to planting days, events, or workshops – these are always optional, but often lovely to attend.

We’ll also provide tree care tips, especially for that crucial first year. You’ll learn how to protect the saplings, when to water, how to prevent weeds from choking them, and what signs of success (or trouble) to watch out for.

And if all goes well, in a few years you’ll be watching your mini woodland flourish. Some people apply again the following year to continue expanding their forest – others simply enjoy watching the trees grow. Either way, the story doesn’t end at planting. It’s only just beginning.

Business and Corporate Partnerships

Why should my business partner with Reforest Nation for tree planting?

Partnering with Reforest Nation offers your business a genuine, measurable way to make an environmental impact — while also strengthening your brand, boosting customer and employee engagement, and meeting your sustainability goals in a meaningful way. Over 500 businesses have already partnered with us, from local cafés to international tech firms, not just because it feels good, but because it delivers real results.

Here’s why businesses across Ireland and beyond are choosing Reforest Nation:

• Unmatched cost-effectiveness

  We offer the most cost-effective native tree planting programme in Europe. At just €1.99 per tree, you can achieve major rewilding goals without a major budget. (By contrast, other Irish schemes can cost anywhere from €20 to €150 per tree.) With us, you can plant 10× to 75× more trees for the same spend. Whether your target is 100 trees or 100,000, we maximise your contribution.

• Real native forests, not token trees

  Every tree is a certified native Irish species — grown locally, typically 1–2 years old at planting for better survival. We plant up to 27 different native species, using an ecologically optimised method that mimics how wild forests grow. These aren’t monoculture plantations or promotional gestures — they’re diverse, healthy forests that grow faster, store more carbon, and support more wildlife.

• Transparency you can see

  We provide clear proof of your impact: coordinates of the planting site, seasonal photo and video updates, and downloadable certificates. Your team is welcome to visit or take part in planting events. There’s no mystery — you’ll see the very forest your support helped create. This openness builds trust with your team, your clients, and your customers.

• Global impact from a local base

  Your business contributes to rewilding Ireland, but that’s not all. For every tree you fund here, we plant a second tree (via seedball) in Kenya through our global biodiversity partners. So your partnership helps restore Irish ecosystems and regenerates land in one of the world’s most threatened environments — doubling the benefit and the story you get to tell.

• Marketing and storytelling support

  You’ll receive professional imagery, partnership badges, a certificate, and social media toolkits — everything you need to tell your green story with confidence. We’ll also publicly celebrate your support when possible and may feature your company across our channels. Whether you’re updating your website, training staff, or engaging customers, we’ve got the materials to back you up.

• Flexible, tailored partnerships

  No two businesses are the same. Whether you want to plant a tree for every order, offset your carbon footprint, fund a new forest, or gift trees to customers, we’ll work with you to build a plan that fits. There’s no minimum spend — we welcome small businesses and large corporations alike. You’ll have a friendly, knowledgeable team to guide you every step of the way.

In short: you get real trees, real proof, and real support — not greenwashing. Partnering with Reforest Nation means joining Ireland’s most established rewilding initiative, with over one million trees already planted and a bold goal of ten million by 2030. It’s one of the most impactful and visible ways your business can help restore nature — and your customers will love you for it.

How is your tree cost so low compared to other Irish initiatives?

We often get asked how we plant native trees for just €1.99 when others charge so much more. The answer? We prioritise transparency, efficiency, and impact over inflated pricing. Here’s how we keep our costs low without compromising quality:

• We run lean and ethical

  We’re a not-for-profit social enterprise — which means we’re not here to make a margin per tree. We charge only what’s needed to get native trees in the ground and cared for. Unlike other initiatives that might include marketing budgets, executive salaries, or high admin fees in their pricing, we strip all that away.

• Smart operations and partnerships

  We work directly with trusted Irish nurseries, partner with landowners, and use bulk ordering, local logistics, and seasonal volunteer support to reduce costs. We also use an ecologically optimised planting method that increases survival rates and lowers long-term maintenance needs — meaning fewer replantings and better value per euro.

• High volume = lower cost per tree

  We’ve planted over one million trees across Ireland and have developed systems that scale. That means better deals from suppliers, more efficient planning, and the ability to pass those savings on to you. We also share infrastructure between projects (e.g. tools, fencing, site prep), keeping things practical and streamlined.

• No fluff, no gimmicks

  We don’t spend big on advertising or glossy campaigns — we let the forests speak for themselves. And because we’re not selling carbon credits or aiming for complex third-party certification, we avoid the costs (and overheads) that come with commodifying nature

Despite the low cost, the quality is exceptional. Every tree is:

• A certified native Irish species

• Sourced from reputable nurseries

• Planted in an ecologically optimised forest

• Grown to 1–2 years old before planting for better survival

• Planted in diverse, species-rich mixes — not rows or monocultures

In short: €1.99 goes further here than almost anywhere else — and you can see and visit the results. We believe tree planting should be accessible, not expensive. That’s why we’ve built our model to maximise impact, not markup.

What’s the minimum budget to get started as a corporate partner?

There’s no minimum budget. Whether you’ve got €600 or €6,000,000, we’ll tailor a partnership that fits your goals, your capacity, and your values. We believe every tree counts — and every business should be able to take part in rewilding Ireland.

Here’s how it works:

• Start small or go big

  Some companies begin with just €199 — enough to plant 100 native trees — as a gesture for a company anniversary, a product launch, or as part of their sustainability goals. Others contribute tens of thousands to support entire forest sites or multi-year climate initiatives. Whatever your starting point, we’ll create a plan that works for you.

• Perfect for small businesses too

  We work with cafés, co-ops, salons, online shops, and start-ups that want to give back. You can plant a set number of trees per month, add a €1 customer contribution at checkout, or celebrate milestones like employee anniversaries or carbon offsetting. We’ll help implement it simply and clearly — no overwhelm, no jargon.

• We can grow with you

  If you’d like to start with a small project and expand later, no problem. Many of our partners begin with a single initiative and grow their impact over time. We’ll help track your results and build on your progress, whether it’s more trees, deeper engagement, or expanded marketing support.

• Creative and collaborative

  Even if your budget is tight right now, we’re happy to explore low-cost, high-impact ideas — like volunteering, in-kind support, or helping spread the word. It’s not all about money; it’s about momentum. And if you’re ready to fund trees next quarter or next year, we’ll be here.

In short: you don’t need a big budget to plant a forest. You just need the intention — we’ll provide the tools, the transparency, and the trees.

Can you help our company calculate or offset our carbon footprint?

Yes — we can absolutely help you measure and offset your footprint through native tree planting. Whether you’ve already got carbon data or are starting from scratch, we’ll guide you through it.

Here’s how we approach it:

• If you already know your emissions

  If you’ve already calculated your annual CO₂ output (say, from energy use, shipping, travel, or product lifecycle), we can help you translate that into a tree planting plan. We’ll suggest a meaningful number of native trees to plant each year, based on scientifically informed estimates of carbon absorption over time.

• If you don’t have your carbon footprint yet

  No problem. We offer a simple carbon calculator (via one of our partners) for small businesses to estimate their emissions. It’s straightforward and quick to use — covering things like electricity, fuel, flights, and freight. We can guide you through it and help you make sense of the results.

• Realistic, honest offsetting

  We’re upfront: one tree doesn’t absorb a tonne of CO₂ overnight. Trees remove carbon slowly over their lifetime — and that’s fine. We help businesses create forward-looking plans that reflect this. For example, if your footprint is 100 tonnes of CO₂, we might recommend planting 500+ trees per year to absorb that amount over time. You can then report that your company is removing existing emissions in a nature-based, biodiversity-positive way.

• Not just offsets — positive climate action

  We don’t believe in planting trees as a guilt pass. We’ll encourage you to reduce emissions first where you can, and then offset what you can’t. Our goal is to help your business go beyond neutrality and become climate positive — actively restoring nature and reversing damage, not just cancelling it out.

• Clear records and impact summaries

  Although we don’t offer formal carbon credits, we do provide detailed reports, certificates, and site data so you can confidently include your tree planting in sustainability reports. If you need something bespoke for ESG documentation, we’re happy to assist.

So whether you’re aiming for net zero, launching a climate initiative, or just getting started on the journey, we’ll support you with clear advice and measurable action. We make offsetting credible, visible, and rooted in the Irish landscape.

How can we promote our partnership with Reforest Nation?

We make it easy (and exciting) for you to share your tree planting story. A good partnership deserves a spotlight — so we equip you with tools, visuals, and support to show your customers, team, and community the impact you’re making.

Here’s what we provide:

• Beautiful, ready-to-use assets

  You’ll receive a partner certificate, social media graphics, and digital badges like “This Business Plants Trees” or “Reforest Nation Partner” to use across your website, emails, and packaging. We can also co-brand custom visuals — such as “We planted 5,000 native trees — and counting.”

• Professional photography and video

  We’ve got a full library of high-quality forest images, drone footage, and behind-the-scenes shots of tree planting in action. Perfect for your sustainability page, social media, newsletters, or even press releases. Need a timelapse or team planting photo? Just ask.

• Social media shoutouts and visibility

  We’ll celebrate your partnership with a welcome post on our channels (30,000+ engaged followers) and often feature standout stories from partners. Whether it’s a staff planting day or a customer-driven initiative, we help you amplify the moment and inspire others.

• Content and copy support

  Not sure how to talk about your impact? We’ll provide caption suggestions, hashtags, and short blurbs to make writing posts easy. If you’re planning a press release or campaign, we can provide quotes, facts, or help draft messaging.

• Internal engagement and team buy-in

  Want to get your staff excited? We can supply one-pagers, Q&As, or even host an online session to explain the partnership. Planting days and forest visits also make great morale-boosting team outings — and incredible content for LinkedIn or internal newsletters.

• Feature opportunities and PR

  From time to time, we feature partners on our blog or in email spotlights, telling your story to our wider network. It’s our way of saying thank you and helping more people discover your brand through the lens of your environmental leadership.

In short, you’ll have everything you need to make your forest part of your brand story — and we’ll be cheering you on every step of the way.

Is our contribution tax-deductible as a business expense or purchase?

Yes — your contribution to Reforest Nation is fully tax-deductible as a standard business expense. We’re a registered Irish social enterprise, not a charity, so your payment is treated as a business-to-business purchase of an environmental service — native tree planting and rewilding.

Here’s how it works:

• Straightforward accounting

  When you contribute (for example, €1,990 + VAT to plant 1,000 trees), we issue an invoice with a clear breakdown of the service provided. Your finance team can record this as a business expense, just like any sustainability, marketing, or CSR initiative.

• No charity admin or restrictions

  Because we’re not a charity, you won’t need to navigate donation forms, tax relief applications, or Revenue compliance for charitable giving. This simplifies things — it’s a clean, professional transaction for a service your business is purchasing.

• Aligned with sustainability goals

  Your contribution supports tree planting, biodiversity restoration, and verified environmental outcomes — and we document all of it. You can use this evidence in your ESG reporting, annual impact reports, or internal stakeholder briefings.

• Audit-ready and transparent

  We provide clear documentation of what was delivered (trees planted, site information, timing, etc.). Many businesses find our reporting easier to integrate than traditional giving, because it’s straightforward and service-based.

In summary: your contribution is classed as a standard business expense. It’s fully deductible, cleanly invoiced, and comes with the proof and paperwork you need to show the environmental value your business has created.

How are the funds our company contributes actually used?

Every euro your company contributes goes directly towards restoring nature — not just planting trees, but creating a real, lasting environmental impact you can be proud of. Here’s what happens with your €1.99 per tree:

• 1. Planting a native Irish tree

  Each contribution funds the planting of a certified native Irish tree on one of our rewilding sites. This covers everything from the cost of the sapling itself (sourced from trusted local nurseries), to the planting process, site preparation, and seasonal care. These trees are planted using ecologically optimised methods — not in straight rows, but in biodiverse clusters that mimic natural forest growth.

• 2. A bonus tree in Kenya

  We don’t just rewild Ireland — we double your impact by funding a second tree abroad. For every Irish tree planted, we support a bonus tree or seedball through our partners in Kenya, such as Seedballs Kenya. These seedballs reforest degraded land using native species in a highly efficient, proven model. It’s a one-for-one model: one tree here, one tree there — same contribution.

• 3. Community-led planting and education

  Your contribution also helps us deliver free native trees to community groups, schools, and eco-conscious landowners across Ireland. We believe rewilding should be accessible to everyone — and your business helps us make that happen through our Free Trees initiative and local planting events.

• 4. Tools, logistics, and site support

  A small percentage of your contribution supports the logistics behind the planting: tools for volunteers, transport, tree guards, insurance, staff time, and ongoing site monitoring. It also includes creating materials for you — like reports, media, and certificates — and ensuring everything is delivered to a high standard. We reinvest into what works and build capacity to scale rewilding across the island.

• 5. Grants for Irish environmental groups

  In 2024, we provided €20,000 in small grants to grassroots environmental projects across Ireland — from wildlife rehabilitation to community wetland restoration. As we grow, we plan to increase this support. Your contribution helps create this wider ripple effect for biodiversity beyond the trees you fund directly.

• 6. Ongoing maintenance and transparency

  We maintain our planting sites to ensure survival and long-term success — and we keep you informed with seasonal updates, photos, and site information. Everything is traceable, and we provide location data so you know exactly where your trees are growing.

In short, your support does exactly what it says on the tin: plants native trees, funds global biodiversity, engages communities, and builds a nature-based legacy for your business. We track every cent and ensure it’s used in the most impactful way possible — always focused on results, not red tape.

Where does Reforest Nation plant trees in Ireland?

We plant trees across a growing network of rewilding sites throughout Ireland — from the hills of Wicklow to the pastures of Clare and the wilds of Donegal. We partner with local landowners, farmers, community groups, schools, and nature reserves to restore native forests in the places they’re needed most.

We don’t own all the land — instead, we collaborate with people who have access to suitable sites but need support to bring nature back. This model allows us to restore more land, faster, while also working with those who care deeply about protecting it long term.

Every site we plant on meets a strict set of ecological criteria:

• It must be suitable for native woodland (so we don’t plant in species-rich grasslands or sensitive bogs)

• It should offer long-term protection for the trees

• It must benefit local biodiversity and contribute to a wider ecological network — such as creating wildlife corridors, supporting pollinators, or improving soil and water quality

We currently have sites in over 15 counties, including places like:

• Wicklow – extending existing oak woodlands

• Meath – hedgerows for rehabilitating wildlife

• Clare – community-led pocket forests

• Mayo – regenerating agricultural land

• Louth – planting near schools and family farms

Each year we expand, and our long-term goal is to plant in all 32 counties on the island of Ireland.

When you fund trees through us, we’ll let you know where they’ve been planted. Your certificate, dashboard, or report will include the planting location and often the coordinates of the forest. You’re welcome to visit — either during one of our planting or forest viewing days, or by request if the site is accessible.

To summarise: your trees are planted across Ireland in ecologically meaningful places, not just wherever’s easiest. They’re restoring real land, creating real forest, and bringing native nature back to places that need it most.

What kind of trees do you plant, and are they native?

Yes — every single tree we plant is a certified native Irish species. Native trees are the heart of what we do, because they’re the ones that belong here. They’ve evolved alongside Ireland’s wildlife and are the only species that truly restore lost habitats and support biodiversity.

We plant a diverse mix of up to 27 different native species, including:

• Oak (sessile and pedunculate) – our iconic long-lived giants

• Birch (silver and downy) – quick growers that prepare the soil

• Scots pine – Ireland’s only native conifer

• Hazel, rowan, holly, alder, willow, hawthorn, blackthorn – providing shelter, food and resilience

• Wild cherry, aspen, crab apple – for pollinators and diversity

The trees we plant are not seedlings fresh from a greenhouse. They’re healthy 1–2 year-old saplings, 50 cm to 2 metres tall, grown from Irish seed in Irish nurseries. This local provenance is crucial: it ensures genetic suitability for Ireland’s climate and avoids imported disease risks.

We don’t do monoculture. Every forest we plant includes a rich mix of native species, mimicking natural woodland and increasing biodiversity by up to 100× compared to commercial plantations. Our method — called ecologically optimised planting — means trees are spaced and grouped to encourage natural growth, canopy layering, and long-term resilience.

And no, we don’t plant beech, sycamore or other historical imports. While those trees are common in Ireland, they’re not truly native and don’t offer the same ecological value.

In short: our forests are built the way nature intended — with Irish-grown, certified native species, planted for biodiversity, climate resilience, and wildlife recovery. These are not just trees. They’re future ancient woodlands.

How much carbon does one tree absorb, and does tree planting really help climate change?

Each tree is like a little carbon sponge — but it takes time to do its work. In its first year, a young tree in Ireland might absorb between 0.25 and 1 kilogram of CO₂. As it grows, that figure increases. A mature tree can absorb 20–22 kg of CO₂ per year, depending on the species, site conditions, and climate. Over its lifetime, a single tree can sequester hundreds of kilograms, sometimes over a tonne.

Carbon capture doesn’t happen all at once — it builds year after year. Think of a tree as a savings account for the atmosphere: the older it gets, the more carbon it stores. Most of the real climate benefit comes after 10–20 years, once the forest canopy starts to close and the trees begin to bulk up. But the sooner we plant, the sooner that carbon drawdown begins.

Since 2021, Reforest Nation has planted over 1,000,000 trees — a mix of native trees across Ireland and seedballs through our partners in Africa. Together, these projects have already started absorbing carbon and will continue doing so for decades to come.

But it’s not just about carbon. Native forests also:

• Cool the landscape and regulate local temperature

• Reduce flooding by improving soil structure and water retention

• Store carbon in soil and roots for centuries

• Support pollinators, birds, and other wildlife that also play a role in ecosystem health

Tree planting is not a silver bullet. It’s not a substitute for reducing emissions. But it’s one of the best long-term natural solutions we have — and it comes with biodiversity, beauty, and resilience built in.

In short: yes, tree planting helps. Not just by removing carbon, but by rebuilding the ecosystems that will carry us through the climate crisis.

How do you ensure the trees you plant survive and are protected?

Planting a tree is just the beginning — we’re here to make sure it grows into a forest. Our focus is not on quick wins, but on long-term woodland that thrives. Here’s how we give every sapling the best possible chance:

• Careful site selection: We only plant where trees can truly succeed. That means assessing soil quality, drainage, altitude, wildlife pressures, and more. We avoid places where trees aren’t meant to grow — like bogs or species-rich grasslands — and focus on areas where native woodland can naturally take hold.

• Proven planting method: We plant ecologically — densely and with up to 27 native species, mimicking how natural forests regenerate. This encourages healthy competition, shared root networks, and better microclimate conditions, all of which help young trees survive and self-thin over time.

• Stronger saplings: We use two-year-old bare-root saplings (about 50 cm to 2 metres tall), grown from Irish seed. These have stronger root systems and higher survival rates than plugs or tiny seedlings, meaning they’re ready to face Irish weather from day one.

• Protection from grazers: On sites with rabbits, deer or livestock, we install tree guards or perimeter fencing to prevent browsing. This is often the single most important factor in early survival. If needed, we also use mulch or spot-weeding to reduce competition from grass or brambles.

• Ongoing aftercare: We revisit sites in the months and years after planting. If some saplings don’t make it (which naturally happens), we carry out replacements in the next season. We also monitor for threats like invasive species or disease and take action where necessary.

• Long-term agreements: We work with landowners who agree to protect the forest permanently. Many sites are under long-term stewardship arrangements, and in some cases, we plant on public or trust-owned land where felling is not permitted. This ensures the forest is not just planted — but preserved.

• Community involvement: Many of our sites are monitored by volunteers or local community members who keep an eye on progress and let us know if issues arise. This kind of local stewardship adds another layer of protection and accountability.

• Legal and ecological protection: Native woodlands in Ireland benefit from legal protections once established. And ecologically speaking, the diversity of our forests acts as insurance: if one species suffers (due to climate stress or disease), others will take its place, keeping the forest resilient.

In short: we don’t just plant and walk away. Every site is carefully chosen, every sapling is planted with intention, and every forest is nurtured until it can stand on its own. We’re here for the long haul — because real rewilding means real responsibility.

Can I choose where my trees are planted?

Not exactly — and there’s a good reason for that. When you contribute to tree planting through Reforest Nation (whether as a member, gift-giver, or business), your trees are planted at one or more of our active rewilding sites. These sites are carefully selected based on ecological need, land readiness, and long-term protection — not personal preference.

We group contributions together so we can plant at scale, with better planning, biodiversity, and efficiency. This allows us to create real forests rather than scattered trees — and to plant where reforestation is most urgently needed.

That said, we do always provide location details. For gifts and wildlife adoptions, we include coordinates of the forest site. For Rewilding Members and business partners, updates and dashboards will often include site names, counties, and even media from those locations.

And if you really want to visit your trees, you can. We host forest walks and planting days throughout the year, and the public is often welcome to see the sites. You won’t be able to say “this exact tree is mine,” but you can absolutely walk the land you helped rewild and see the living results.

For larger business partnerships, we sometimes match contributions to regional sites (e.g., if you’re based in Limerick and we’re planting nearby). But even then, we prioritise ecological suitability over geography.

In summary: you can’t hand-pick a site, but rest assured your trees are planted exactly where they’re most needed — and we’ll always show you where that is.

How do I know the trees are actually being planted and accounted for?

We believe that trust should be earned — not assumed. That’s why we go further than most when it comes to proving your impact:

• Coordinates and site info: For every gift or wildlife adoption, we provide the planting location’s coordinates so you can look it up. For members and partners, our dashboards and reports include site names, counties, and sometimes even planting dates and species mixes.

• Seasonal updates: We share photo and video updates from our planting sites throughout the year — spring planting, summer growth, autumn colour. You can see saplings going into the ground and watch those same sites as they transform season by season.

• Dashboards and records: Members and partners have access to live dashboards showing exactly how many trees they’ve planted, how much carbon they’re projected to absorb, and what projects they’ve helped fund. We keep accurate internal records so the data matches the reality.

• Public milestones: We publicly share our tree planting milestones, including the number of trees planted and in which counties. As of 2025, we’ve planted over 1 million trees across Ireland and with our partners in Africa — and every one of those is counted.

• On-the-ground proof: We don’t just give digital proof. We invite supporters to forest visits and planting days so you can see (and help plant) the trees yourself. Nothing builds confidence like walking through the forest you helped grow.

• Internal checks and external partners: All trees are sourced from reputable Irish nurseries and delivered to registered land partners. We track every tree from order to planting. In many cases, third-party collaborators (like schools, farms, or community groups) provide their own documentation or feedback as part of the process.

• We never overpromise: If we ever hit a delay due to weather or land access, we communicate it honestly and either reallocate to another site or plant in the next window. Every tree you pay for is eventually planted — and if something ever changes, you’ll be told. That’s our guarantee.

In short: we account for every tree, show you where it’s growing, and invite you to visit it. If we say it’s planted, it’s planted — and we’ll back that up with data, visuals, and access.\

How is Reforest Nation ensuring transparency in its operations and use of funds?

Transparency is built into everything we do — not just with trees, but with finances, decisions, and impact.

• Clear fund allocation: Approximately 80% of all contributions go directly to tree planting, rewilding projects, and related environmental work. The remaining 20% covers essential support functions — like tools, site prep, insurance, event logistics, and the small team that coordinates it all.

• Open communication: Our website outlines how we operate, what projects we fund, and how we measure impact. We’re always happy to explain anything further — from pricing to methodology to site selection.

• No greenwashing: We don’t claim that trees fix everything. We’re honest that planting is part of a bigger solution, and we avoid vague statements like “one tree offsets a flight” unless properly explained.

• Project reports and updates: We share updates throughout the year that detail where trees have been planted, what species went in, how the land has changed, and what results we’re seeing. For business partners, we offer tailored reports that show exactly what their funding achieved.

• Supporter engagement: Anyone who supports us can reach out directly. If someone says “I helped fund 100 trees — where are they?” we’ll gladly answer with clarity and pride.

• Real-world access: You can walk on our sites. If you support us, you’ll be invited to visit, plant, or join a forest walk. We want you to feel the bark and smell the leaves — because transparency should be tangible.

• Responsible structure: We’re a registered social enterprise and operate with strong governance and financial oversight. We’re not run for profit, and everything goes back into the mission.

• No vague “admin costs” excuses: We detail what our support costs cover — things like transport, signage, staff time, tree guards, or community outreach. You’re not funding fluff; you’re funding function.

In short: we tell you what’s being done, show you the results, and invite you to experience it yourself. Transparency isn’t a marketing promise — it’s a daily practice.

Why not just let nature regenerate forests on its own (instead of planting trees)?

Natural regeneration — when forests regrow by themselves — is a beautiful concept, and in some cases, it’s the right choice. But in Ireland’s current landscape, nature often needs a nudge. Here’s why we actively plant:

• No nearby seed sources: In much of Ireland, especially farmland and uplands, there are no existing trees nearby to seed a new forest. A bare field won’t suddenly turn into a woodland — not without help.

• Degraded land: After decades (or centuries) of farming, grazing, and drainage, many sites are stuck. Even if seeds arrive, the soil or conditions may not support them without intervention.

• Time is running out: Natural regrowth is slow — it can take 50+ years for a forest to properly establish on its own. We’re in a climate and biodiversity emergency. We simply don’t have that long.

• We mimic natural patterns: Our planting isn’t artificial. We plant densely, with diverse species, in patterns that reflect how forests regenerate after storms or fire. Think of it as fast-tracking what nature would do on her own, just faster and with more support.

• Avoiding monocultures and invasives: If left alone, land often fills with brambles or a single species (like willow) — or worse, invasive species like laurel or rhododendron. By planting a tailored mix of 25–27 native trees, we create healthy, resilient woodlands from the outset.

• Boosting biodiversity: We’re not just planting trees — we’re planting ecosystems. When we add oaks, hazels, rowans, alders, and more, we’re bringing back food and shelter for countless birds, mammals, and insects.

• Hybrid approach: We often do allow natural regeneration alongside our planting. Volunteers might notice wild seedlings joining our planted saplings — brilliant! But it starts with us taking that first step.

In short: letting nature take over is wonderful — when it’s possible. In Ireland, it usually isn’t. That’s why we plant. And when we do, we plant with nature, not against it.

Why not contribute to a bigger or more established environmental organisation instead of Reforest Nation?

It’s a fair question — and the answer comes down to what kind of impact you want to make. Reforest Nation offers something unique:

• Local focus, visible results: We exist to rewild Ireland, and that’s exactly where your support goes — not into distant projects or vague global programmes. When you contribute, you’re funding real trees planted in real Irish soil, and you can see where and how it happens.

• Direct, measurable impact: Every euro supports something tangible. A few minutes on our site and you’ll find stories, stats, coordinates, and photos from projects your support has made possible. With large organisations, your contribution can feel like a drop in the ocean — with us, you’ll see it ripple.

• We’re lean and efficient: We don’t have flashy offices or layers of bureaucracy. We focus our resources on trees, habitats, and impact — not executive bonuses. That means more of your support goes directly to rewilding efforts on the ground.

• Transparency at every step: You’ll know where your trees are planted. You’ll see updates. You’ll be invited to visit the forest. Bigger organisations might offer quarterly reports — we offer real-time dashboards, personal updates, and open invitations to get involved.

• Stronger cost-to-impact ratio: With us, €25 can plant several trees and support wildlife care. With many larger groups, you might pay that per tree or more. We believe in fair pricing and practical reforestation — not inflated costs or prestige pricing.

• A pioneering force: Reforest Nation was the first in Ireland to plant over a million native trees, and we did it in record time. We’re building forests, but we’re also building a movement — and we’re inviting people like you to be part of it.

• We’re hands-on and people-powered: You won’t just be a name on a list. We respond personally to questions, welcome visits, and work closely with individuals, schools, businesses, and communities. It’s a human-scale effort with national reach.

• We focus on biodiversity, not just numbers: Some larger programmes are designed around targets — hectares, tonnes, headcounts. We focus on balance: planting up to 27 species per site, supporting wildlife, and restoring healthy ecosystems from the roots up.

• Your values, your legacy: If your heart is in Ireland — if you want to see wild places return and wildlife thrive here — we’re the most direct route to that. Larger groups may spread your support across unrelated causes or countries. With us, it stays close to home.

In short, we’re not here to compete with big names — we’re here to do things differently. And if you care about Ireland’s natural future, that difference matters.

How is planting trees with Reforest Nation different from traditional carbon offsetting?

We don’t sell carbon credits. We plant forests. Here’s how that sets us apart:

• You’re funding action, not trading a number: When you buy a carbon offset, you’re often buying a certificate linked to a tonne of CO₂ from a project you never see. When you support Reforest Nation, you’re funding real trees in Ireland — and you’ll know exactly where and how they’re growing.

• No middlemen or speculative markets: Our model is transparent and direct. You’re not entering a financial scheme or emissions trading platform. You’re funding a physical, living forest that will sequester carbon over time and support wildlife as it grows.

• Our focus is biodiversity-first, not carbon-first: Many offsetting projects prioritise volume — fast-growing monocultures that absorb carbon quickly but do little for ecosystems. We plant diverse native woodlands that absorb carbon and restore the web of life: birds, pollinators, fungi, mammals, and more.

• We’re honest about what trees can (and can’t) do: A tree takes time to grow. We’ll never claim that one sapling instantly cancels out your flight. But we will say that planting a tree today builds a better climate tomorrow — and combined with lifestyle change, that’s powerful.

• No “guilt-washing” allowed: Offsets can be used to justify inaction: “I’ll just buy credits and keep polluting.” Our model is about taking responsibility and taking action. We encourage reducing emissions first, and planting trees as a way to go further — to restore what’s already been lost.

• It’s a movement, not a transaction: Supporting Reforest Nation means becoming part of something ongoing — not just ticking a box. You’ll be updated, included, invited, and inspired. That’s not something you get from buying credits on a carbon platform.

• Long-term commitment, not quick fixes: We plant trees that live for decades or centuries. We care for them. We visit them. Our impact is designed to last — not just to clear a balance sheet for one year.

So while both approaches aim to reduce atmospheric carbon, planting with Reforest Nation is more than a number — it’s a long-term investment in living, breathing forests that give back for generations.

Final section:

We hope this comprehensive FAQ has answered your questions and helped you feel confident in Reforest Nation’s mission and approach.

Whether you’re joining our Rewilding Membership, gifting trees, adopting Irish wildlife, applying for free trees, or partnering with us as a business — our goal is to make rewilding easy, transparent, and meaningful for everyone involved.

Reforest Nation is powered by people who care — not just about the planet, but about doing things right. From hand-picking each native tree to carefully planning where it goes and sharing its journey with you, everything we do is rooted in integrity and designed to leave a legacy.

So if you’ve made it this far, thank you. We mean it. You’re not just reading about change — you’re part of it. And whether you fund one tree or one thousand, your impact is growing every day.

If there’s anything else you’d like to ask, feel free to reach out. Our team is always happy to chat.

Together, let’s grow a wilder Ireland — and a more hopeful world.