Natural Wild Gardens

29/12/2025

The Christmas Furze

Have any of you noticed the furze are back in bloom? I noticed it over the past week and they always come into bloom on the ditches near me for Christmas. It’ll dip down again the new year and come to life again for the 1st of May and that is why they were often used them as May Bushes here.

The colour lifts your heart on dark Winters days but sadly they are often cut and chopped and we never see them in their full glory. A few years ago a woman from Wexford told me they didn’t have Christmas trees growing up (like most rural Irish people pre-1960s) and she said they’d bring in a piece of furze and decorate it. I thought that was lovely as it’s all about bringing life and light into our lives in middle of Winter.

Especially noticeable on the past few bright days we’ve been having.

Text: Michael Fortune

29/12/2025

If your work has national or regional significance, this fund is here to help you grow stronger and make a lasting impact.

29/12/2025

03/12/2025

On Dec 1st Israeli occupation forces raided the offices of La Via Campesina’s member organisation in Ramallah & Hebron, detaining La Via Campesina members alongside allied agricultural workers.

The raid targeted infrastructure of the Palestinian seed banks in Hebron, destroying seed stocks.

We urge the Irish Government to:

-Call for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained members of La Via Campesina and allied agricultural workers;
- Seek assurances that they will not be subject to ill-treatment, coercion, or further intimidation;
- Request an independent investigation into the raid on their offices and the confiscation or destruction of materials; and
- Communicate clearly, through diplomatic channels, that the repression of lawful civil society organisations is unacceptable.

Read full press statement in linktree.

21/11/2025

🍂 Willow Effigy to Be Returned to Nature 🍂
Join us for the closing ritual of Samhain Chiarraí – A Kerry Halloween Festival at Tralee Bay Wetlands Willow Park.

Event: Gabh Buíochas / Gratitude
🗓️ Friday, 21st November 2025
⏰ 4:30 PM

Experience an atmospheric ceremony of fire, song, and ritual as the Cailleach Willow Effigy, lovingly created through community willow-weaving and lantern-making workshops across Kerry, is ceremonially returned to the earth.

A magical way to close this year’s festival and connect with nature, tradition, and community.

14/11/2025

08/11/2025

01/11/2025

Our next talk will take place on Thursday 13th November at Ardfert Community Centre & Ardfert Recreation Centre ARC in Ardfert Village.
The talk will be given by Geologist Gosia Horajska-Shaikh & will cover ‘The beach bogs of Tralee Bay’. The talk will begin at 8pm & voluntary donations will be accepted at the door. All are welcome to attend this event.
Gosia maintains the Kerry Geo page & is well known in her Geology field & has previously delivered a talk for us on ‘The lost peat bog at Akeragh’.

Kerry Archaeological and Historical Society Kerry County Museum Kerry Library Digimac Photography ArdPix TidyTowns Kilmoyley Ardfert Printing Saint Brendan the Navigator Churchill Forge Heritage Centre Kerry Writers Museum St. Brendan's Hurling Club Ardfert GAA Tralee Guided Walks

31/10/2025

Biddy’s Day 2026 is coming…

We’re looking for facilitators to host events & workshops at Biddy’s Day 2026 in January - from nature walks and foraging to pottery, dance, food, craft, storytelling and all things Spring, feminine, fiery, and creative.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
DM us or email biddysday@gmail.com

Submission Closing Date: Friday 7th November

26/10/2025

Good to educate ourselves about poisonous plants!