A 'Celtic Forest Garden' in 21st century Ireland

Known as 'An Ghairdín', the Ballinfoile Mór Community Organic Garden is located in the grounds of Terryland Forest Park and is as a result surrounded on two sides by hundreds of native Irish trees such as hazel and hawthorn. Oftentimes when volunteers come in on early mornings to start working in the garden, they will see wild animals such as hare, fox and pheasant retreating back into the last great refuge of the animal kingdom in Ireland, namely the forests. Whilst later in the day undertaking duties such as planting, weeding and harvesting, they are blessed to hear a chorus of birdsongs emanating from the trees.

As with colonial Ireland, today's destruction of the Amazonian Forests is destroying an ancient civilization &  way of life that was in harmony with Nature. All done to benefit the greed of outsiders

Destruction of the Irish Forests

Until the defeat of the Irish clans and the coming of British colonists in the early 17th century, the Irish countryside was covered with great swathes of forests. The destruction of these woodlands to make way for colonial farms and to provide wood for the making of British ships, stave pipes and charcoal for iron furnaces led to the elimination of much of our larger native wild animals such as the wolf and the boar. 

Hawthorn Tree, St. Brendan's Abbey, Annaghdown, Co. Galway

 Celtic affinity with Nature
The Irish Celts had a tremendous affinity and respect for Nature and particularly with forests, with trees even having an honour price that had to be paid if they were cut down.
Whilst the Irish Celts did not carve large areas of farmland out of the woodlands, they did clear small areas near their settlements and on the edge of the forests for the planting of herbs, fruits and vegetables. These areas were known as 'Leana' or 'Lus Leana' , meaning 'garden' or 'herbal garden'.

The Rowan (Irish = Caorthann) Tree, associated with Female fairies, A Druid's wand was made from its wood. Its berries were important source of food for wildlife in late autumn

So it is appropriate that the Ballinfoile Mór Community Organic Garden is bordered on one side by the forest and on the other by a modern housing estate called 'Lus Leana'!! 

A total coincidence. But nevertheless so surreal and so full of serendipity!

St. Brendan's Abbey, Annaghdown, Co. Galway