GreenFridays4Future

GreenFridays4Future Green Fridays 4 Future is a resource for individuals on their green journey. Our aim is to make it easier for you to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle.

This month's Green Fridays newsletter explores the state of Ireland's rivers, why they matter and, most importantly, the...
02/08/2026

This month's Green Fridays newsletter explores the state of Ireland's rivers, why they matter and, most importantly, the practical solutions that can help them recover.

Inside this edition you'll discover:
✅ What makes a healthy river
✅ Why excess nutrients are putting rivers under pressure
✅ The wildlife that depends on clean water
✅ How investment in wastewater treatment is improving water quality
✅ River restoration success stories from Ireland and across Europe
✅ Nature-friendly farming approaches that are already delivering results
✅ Practical ways we can all help protect and restore our rivers

One of the strongest messages to emerge from this month's research is that restoring rivers isn't about inventing new solutions. We already know what works. From removing obsolete barriers and restoring floodplains to improving wastewater treatment and supporting nature-friendly farming, positive change is already happening.

Nature can bounce back remarkably quickly. We just need to give it the right conditions to do so.

Sources indlude:
EPA Ireland RTÉ News The Irish Times Inland Fisheries Ireland Rewilding Europe The Rivers Trust

Ireland's rivers are home to some of Europe's most remarkable wildlife.From Atlantic salmon that travel thousands of kil...
22/07/2026

Ireland's rivers are home to some of Europe's most remarkable wildlife.

From Atlantic salmon that travel thousands of kilometres across the North Atlantic before returning to the very river where they were born, to freshwater pearl mussels that can live for more than a century, our rivers support species found in few other places in Europe.

They are also home to white-clawed crayfish, otters, kingfishers, mayflies, stoneflies and countless other species that depend on clean, healthy, free-flowing rivers.

Many of these species are now under increasing pressure from pollution, habitat loss, barriers to migration and declining water quality. But river restoration works, and with the right action, these habitats and the wildlife they support can recover.

Our latest Green Fridays carousel explores:
💧 Why healthy rivers matter for wildlife
💧 The remarkable species that depend on them
💧 The challenges they face
💧 What Atlantic salmon need to recover
💧 Practical actions that can help restore river habitats.

Sources: National Biodiversity Data Centre Inland Fisheries Ireland The Irish Times National Parks and Wildlife Service Ireland Transport And Infrastructure IUCN The Vincent Wildlife Trust BirdWatch Ireland Water Forum RTÉ News Irish Wildlife Trust EPA Ireland Irish Examiner Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water cuanbeo Green Ocean Foundation and Sustainable Water Network

Ireland's rivers are among our most valuable natural assets, but they're under increasing pressure. They provide clean d...
17/07/2026

Ireland's rivers are among our most valuable natural assets, but they're under increasing pressure.

They provide clean drinking water, support wildlife, help reduce flooding, sustain farming and create places for recreation and wellbeing.

Yet the latest EPA report found no overall improvement in Ireland's river water quality, with only 54% of monitored river water bodies in good or high ecological status.

explores:
- Why healthy rivers matter
- What a healthy river looks like
- The current state of Ireland's rivers
- Why High Status (Blue Dot) rivers are so important
- Practical actions that can help restore river health

Healthy rivers don't just benefit wildlife. They support our communities, our economy and our future.

Sources include: EPA Ireland Conservation Lands Foundation National Parks and Wildlife Service Ireland Wetland Surveys Ireland Local Authority Waters Programme and

🌿 How do we restore nature in Ireland? The answer may be closer than many people realise.Around 63% of Ireland's land is...
26/06/2026

🌿 How do we restore nature in Ireland? The answer may be closer than many people realise.

Around 63% of Ireland's land is farmed, making farmers some of the country's most important custodians of nature. Across Ireland, many are already restoring wildlife by creating ponds, planting native trees, protecting hedgerows, establishing wildlife corridors and adopting nature-friendly farming practices.

Our latest newsletter explores practical ways nature is being restored across Ireland and highlights some of the inspiring people, organisations and initiatives making it happen.

Inside you'll discover:
✅ Why farming is central to restoring nature in Ireland
✅ The simple but powerful idea behind Hare's Corner
✅ How wildlife corridors reconnect fragmented habitats
✅ What regenerative farming really means
✅ Practical actions that benefit both biodiversity and farming
✅ Nature events and experiences taking place across Ireland this summer

One of the biggest lessons we've learned through Green Fridays is that nature restoration isn't something for the future—it's already happening. Every pond, hedgerow, wildflower meadow and native woodland is helping to create healthier, more resilient landscapes.

We hope you enjoy this edition 💚


Thanks to Farming For Nature
HedgeHOG National Parks and Wildlife Service Ireland Cloudforests Ireland Burrenbeo Trust Refarm'd Wildacres Kerryann & John - seaweed Kerry Ireland Hometree .farm

🌿 Looking for ways to connect with nature this summer?Across Ireland, organisations, farmers, conservationists and commu...
17/06/2026

🌿 Looking for ways to connect with nature this summer?

Across Ireland, organisations, farmers, conservationists and communities are creating opportunities to learn, explore and experience nature first hand.

From regenerative farming festivals and guided walks in the Burren to woodland restoration, seaweed foraging and family-friendly biodiversity events, there is something for everyone.

We're highlighting a selection of nature events and experiences taking place this summer and early autumn. They offer a chance to meet inspiring people, discover remarkable landscapes and learn more about the projects helping nature thrive across Ireland.

Whether you're interested in farming, wildlife, forests, the coast or simply spending more time outdoors, we hope you'll find something that sparks your interest. Enjoy 💚

Farming For Nature Burrenbeo Trust Wildacres Hometree The Heritage Council and .farm

School grounds represent thousands of hectares of untapped opportunity for biodiversity, climate action and outdoor lear...
29/05/2026

School grounds represent thousands of hectares of untapped opportunity for biodiversity, climate action and outdoor learning across Ireland.

This year, Green Fridays has been working with schools, students and local communities to create greener, more biodiverse spaces through tree planting, biodiversity murals, wildlife-friendly gardens and outdoor learning areas.

In our latest newsletter, Greener Schools: Planting for the Future, we look back at projects in Wesley College Dublin and Ringsend National Schools and share practical ideas for schools planning biodiversity projects for the new academic year.

Inside, you'll find:
🌳 Tree planting and school greening initiatives
🎨 Biodiversity murals and outdoor learning spaces
🐝 Ideas for supporting pollinators and wildlife
🌱 Resources and campaigns available to schools across Ireland
🎥 An interview with John Kiberd of the Stepping Stone Forests Project on transforming school grounds into thriving mini native forests

We hope you enjoy the read 💚

Sources include:
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Last week, we shared a little “sneak peek” from the unveiling of the new biodiversity murals and gardens at Ringsend Nat...
15/05/2026

Last week, we shared a little “sneak peek” from the unveiling of the new biodiversity murals and gardens at Ringsend National Schools — and promised lots more photos… so here they are! 🌿

What started as a simple idea grew into a brilliant community project involving the schools, Green Fridays, Ringsend Men’s Shed, parents, volunteers, community gardener Clare Power and the incredibly talented artist Diana Yung.

Over the past few years, the project has gradually helped transform school spaces through:
🌱 A restored wildlife-friendly garden
🎨 Beautiful biodiversity murals
🌳 Outdoor spaces where children can learn, play and connect with nature

The response from the children, teachers and wider community has been amazing. The girls from the Green Schools team absolutely stole the show on the day with their speeches, and seeing the excitement and pride from the students made all the hard work worth it.

A huge thank you to everyone involved in making this happen — Projects like this remind us what can happen when communities come together.

, , , , , , ,

Pollinators are under pressure — and spring is one of the most important times for them.As we head into the long weekend...
02/05/2026

Pollinators are under pressure — and spring is one of the most important times for them.

As we head into the long weekend, many of us will be spending time in the garden — which makes it a great opportunity to support pollinators.

At the exact moment they emerge from winter, food can be scarce.

The good news? Small, practical changes across everyday spaces can make a real difference.

From gardens and schools to workplaces and community areas, we’ve pulled together simple ways to help.

💚A slightly longer lawn.
💚A few more flowers.
💚A corner left untouched.

It all adds up.

Sources include:

Visit greenfridays.org for a pdf with downloadable links.

30/04/2026

The murals, created by the incredibly talented Diana Jung, have completely transformed the space — full of colour, nature and life.

This has been a true team effort between the boys’ and girls’ schools, the local Men’s Shed and Green Fridays. Alongside the murals, we’ve also been working on wildlife-friendly gardens and outdoor spaces, helping children connect with nature in a hands-on way.

A big thank you as well to James Geoghegan TD, Jim O’Callaghan TD and Eoin Hayes for coming down and supporting the day.

And to everyone involved — principals (Brenda and Ian), teachers, students, the Men’s Shed, community gardener Clare Power and local volunteers — thank you. It really shows what’s possible.

Next week, we’ll share more photos and a bit more about this amazing project — consider this a sneaky peek!

As tree planting season in Ireland winds down, we’ve been out with schools continuing our School Tree Planting Initiativ...
23/04/2026

As tree planting season in Ireland winds down, we’ve been out with schools continuing our School Tree Planting Initiative — helping to create greener, more biodiverse spaces for students to learn and enjoy.

Last week, we partnered with students at Wesley College Dublin to plant a mix of native trees, including oak, rowan and lime.

This timing is particularly important. Early spring planting helps trees establish well and supports pollinators as they emerge, providing vital habitat and food sources at a critical time of year.

It’s also rewarding to see the impact over time. Trees we planted in 2024 are already growing strongly, showing how quickly these projects can begin to transform school spaces.

Planting native species is not just about adding greenery. It helps build long-term biodiversity, supports local ecosystems and gives students hands-on experience in understanding and caring for the natural world.

For more on getting involved in tree planting for schools email us on [email protected]

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