Rewilding Ireland: One Man's Mission to Restore Nature

Eoghan Daltun, a sculptor in West Cork, is leading a rewilding effort to revive Ireland's ecological health, a necessary shift amid concerning environmental statistics.

Eoghan Daltun, a sculptor based in West Cork, Ireland, is on a mission to change the narrative surrounding the island's famed green landscape. Contrary to the popular perception that Ireland's lush fields signal a thriving ecosystem, Daltun argues that much of the country resembles an ecological desert, lacking the rich biodiversity it once possessed. “Ireland really coasts on its reputation as the Emerald Isle,” he stated from his home that overlooks a restored temperate rainforest.

In a recent report, Ireland's Environmental Protection Agency characterized the country’s ecological condition as "poor." Historically, Ireland was covered in forests, with trees occupying about 80 percent of the land, but now that number has plummeted to a mere 11 percent, most of which consists of nonnative Sitka spruce. Furthermore, only 1 percent of Ireland is populated by native trees.

This decline in tree coverage indicates a larger issue with biodiversity. Despite its picturesque green fields, much of the agricultural land is dominated by grass monocultures, described by Daltun as “biological deserts.” He emphasizes that these environments hold little value for native wildlife and plants.

Daltun highlights the importance of acknowledging not just historical grievances against colonialism, stating that such blame no longer holds ground in modern discussions about Ireland's environmental health. "The thing about Ireland is, we’ve had this long tendency to blame the English and colonialism,” he remarked, suggesting that contemporary Ireland must now confront its own stewardship of the land.

In an effort to address the ecological crisis, Daltun has chronicled his rewilding journey across his 73 acres through two publications, including the recently released “The Magic of an Irish Rainforest.” His work aims to inspire others to join him in restoring natural habitats across the Emerald Isle, ultimately revitalizing a landscape that once thrived with rich ecological diversity.