Westmeath Branch - Native Woodland Trust

17/07/2026

Huge thanks to all of our wonderful Westmeath branch of volunteers who showed up to make hay for nature while the sun shone today 🌞

14/07/2026

Don't miss your chance to collect Hazel nuts with us in September - DM us or email [email protected] to join our Westmeath mailing list

The Environment and Climate Action Department of Westmeath Council Westmeath County Council Westmeath PPN - Public Participation Network

🌰 The hazelnuts are coming...

With such marvelous oak trees at Ardan Wood (Westmeath) it's hard to take your eyes off the canopy. Whilst visiting yesterday, we made sure to scan the understorey. Checking veteran hazel trees monitoring the development of hazel nuts!

By mid-September, they should be ripe for picking, which can only mean one thing...
🐿️ Squirrel Squadrons Assemble!

Across several Native Woodland Trust reserves, volunteers will soon be heading out to collect native hazel seed for the next generation of woodland.
Hazel is one of Ireland's most important native trees. At Ardan Wood, veteran hazels help define the character of this ancient woodland. Their sprawling forms provide shelter for wildlife, create valuable habitat for mosses and liverworts, and produce a vital food source for birds, mammals and insects alike.

Every year, we collect seed from these remarkable trees, grow it on in our nurseries, and return it to the landscape through:
🌱 Ancient woodland expansion
🌱 Woodland rehabilitation projects
🌱 New native woodland creation
🌱 Hedgerow restoration
By growing trees from local seed and planting them close to their parent woodlands, we help preserve the unique genetic heritage of these special places.

Want to be part of it?
Keep an eye on our events page and social media channels as our Squirrel Squadrons prepare for another busy autumn of seed collecting, sowing and growing. Email [email protected] to join our mailing list(s)!

After all, every woodland starts with a seed. 🌰🌳
Westmeath Volunteer Centre Westmeath PPN - Public Participation Network Westmeath Examiner Westmeath County Council The Environment and Climate Action Department of Westmeath Council Westmeath Branch - Native Woodland Trust

31/05/2026

30/05/2026

Huge thanks to The Environment and Climate Action Department of Westmeath Council for supporting another Forest School Fun at Ardan Wood near Kilbeggan. Helping us connect local children with the great outdoors!

Forest School Fun at Ardan Wood – Summer Edition 🌿

On Wednesday, our Westmeath Branch welcomed students from Rahugh N.S. and Kilbeggan N.S. back to Ardan Wood for our Summer Forest School Fun Day 🌳

With continued support from the Westmeath County Council Westmeath County Council Environment and Climate Office, we’re delighted to keep this seasonal programme growing — giving children the chance to learn, play and connect with nature.

Under the guidance of Forest School Leader Caroline Youngat LittleBuds natural wellness, the day focused on learning through play, sensory exploration and curiosity. Younger groups explored themes like native woodland animals, leaf identification and camouflage — collecting leaves, playing bingo games, creating clay woodland creatures and building homes inspired by nests and dens.

For returning students, the session built on previous visits — exploring woodland and meadow ecosystems, identifying native species, and learning about animal adaptations through creative activities and group work.

From sit‑spot moments and quiet observation to nature art and imaginative play, the woodland became a classroom — one where learning happens through doing, sensing and discovering.

There really is no better time to get our children outdoors, having fun and learning. Fostering a love for native woodlands and nature is one of the most important things we can do for the future 🌱

We’re so proud to partner with Westmeath County Council to keep this important project alive.
Westmeath Heritage

25/03/2026

The magic of Ardan Wood 🤩

There’s something special about seeing the familiar splashes of colour return to the woodland floor. Primrose and wood anemone are emerging at Ardan Wood in Co. Westmeath — signaling the start of a race among occupants of the herb layer in our native woods. Whilst our native trees, wisest of all, give them a head start before closing up the canopy for summer.

These native species are more than just beautiful. They are indicators of ancient soils, plants that have persisted here over long periods of time, closely tied to the history of the land beneath our feet.

Some of the wood anemone at Ardan even show a delicate pinkish hue, a subtle reflection of the mineral composition of the soil — a reminder that every woodland tells its own story.

Primrose comes from prima rosa — “the first rose” — one of the earliest heralds of spring.

At Ardan, where we are working to support the natural expansion of an ancient woodland into surrounding fields, these flowers feel like a promise. A glimpse of what’s possible when nature is given time, space, and care.

07/03/2026

We've so much planned for this year and we'd be delighted to have your help - DM us or email [email protected] to join our Westmeath Branch of Woodland Warriors!

26/02/2026

Ferns with John Feehan - the first of the 2026 series - 10 minutes of wonder ahead! View on this link or on the Offaly Heritage Youtube channel.
With thanks to Tina Claffey Photography for filming.
https://youtu.be/aZf7hD7-yMo

07/02/2026

A wonderful day out at Ardan Wood - thanks to everyone who joined for tree and trail TLC, and deploying trail cameras! Watch this space for the footage 👀🐿️

03/02/2026