Join the Fight to Restore Ireland’s Native Woodlands
- David Condon
- Aug 20, 2018
- 4 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Ireland’s native woodlands are disappearing fast — Hometree is working to restore them, and you can be part of that effort.
Note: This post has been updated several times since it was first published. When I originally wrote it, planting a native tree with Hometree cost just €3. By early 2023, that had increased to €10 and came with a lovely certificate. As of 2024, it's now €15 to plant a single tree (or €55 for five), both options still include a posted certificate. Hometree also offers a wider range of options now, from one-off donations to planting up to 100 trees in one go. If you can, give what you can — it's for a good cause. As of 2025, their website has been experiencing some connectivity issues, but I’ll update this post once things are back online.
TL;DR (Too Long; Didn’t Read)
Hometree is an Irish non-profit planting native trees along the west coast to restore Ireland’s natural woodlands. I’ve supported their work for several years by donating trees through my woodturning business — and I encourage others to do the same. Even one tree makes a difference, and it’s an easy, meaningful way to give something back.
I’ve worked with wood for more than half of my life. For many years, I gave little thought to where it came from or how sustainably it was sourced. Like most people, I was unaware of just how vital trees are — not just for the environment, but for our communities and future generations.
Steep Learning Curve
Since starting my Woodturning business I was suddenly thrust into a world I did not really know about and as a result, a new found respect for trees started to emerge. I was looking around me on a daily basis for hardwood trees for my business and found very few, which bothered me immensely. Ireland used to be covered in hardwood trees once upon a time, over 90% coverage in fact. Granted, this was 10,000 years ago. Our current tree coverage is estimated at around 10% and we are supposed to have a government organization in charge of replanting 4 trees planted for every 1 cut down. What you see out there is mostly forests of planted softwoods which are cut when the trees mature (5 to 10 years) leaving an ugly landscape full of stumps. These are cash crops, used for firewood, fencing, non structural wood etc.
In comes hometree.ie....
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🌳 If you’d like to read more about why I believe tree planting in Ireland is so important, visit my earlier post: Why Aren’t We Planting More Trees
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Hometree
Hometree is a volunteer organization that grows a variety of trees from seeds and once old enough are transplanted wherever a permanent position can be found. To date they have expanded from their original site and even bought small areas of land for the express purpose of growing new trees. Donations are used to buy new seeds and land suitable for tree planting. My explanation of what they do would not be as effective as theirs so go visit their website today and check out their message. Links at the bottom of this post. Table of Contents
Donation
For my part, I now donate a portion of each sale in support of this great endeavour and as of today I have 18 trees planted on my behalf and many more to come. Matt Smith from Hometree has kindly given me access to some pictures below. 2025 Update; I have 30 to 40 planted at this stage, I can't remember exactly.
Takeaway
The moral of the story here is that trees mean life for more than just our species and what we do now determines the state of our country and the world for the future. Don't leave it to the Irish government to take the initiative here, donate and become part of the solution!!! Table of Contents
If you would like to see what I make out of hardwood, please visit my website David Condon Woodcraft
Update in 2024
Now 2025; I thought people might appreciate a look at a Tree Planting Certificate from Hometree. I believe I have donated somewhere in the region of 30 to 40 trees at this stage but I can't remember exactly. This is bigger than the one I got last year and again I think it is a very nice touch. I share not for ego but hopefully to lead as an example to others.
About the Author
I’m David Condon, a woodturner and small business owner based in Tralee, Co. Kerry. I’ve worked with wood for most of my life, 11 years as a carpenter and over a decade running my own woodturning business.
Working with Irish hardwoods every day has made me appreciate just how valuable our trees really are. I teach woodturning, craft each piece by hand, and share what I’ve learned about using wood responsibly — from selecting the right timber to finishing techniques that bring out its natural beauty.
I also stock a carefully chosen range of turning blanks, tools, and craft supplies that I use myself. You can explore more of my handcrafted pieces and classes at David Condon Woodcraft.
© David Condon Woodcraft – All Rights Reserved.
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I used to run ads on my website to generate a small income, but they slowed things down and didn’t fit the feel of what I’m building here. So, I’ve removed them in favor of something simpler and more personal—a “Buy Me a Coffee” button.
If you found this post interesting, helpful, or simply enjoyable, feel free to use the link below to show your support. No pressure at all—but every little bit helps, and it’s always genuinely appreciated. As a small independent maker, I rely on a mix of teaching, crafting, and sharing to keep things going. This is just one way to help keep the shavings flying. Thanks so much!
More Pages to Explore
Household Woodcraft Gifts - Discover my range of Household Woodcraft for everyday use or special occasions, each crafted with care from exquisite Irish hardwood.
New Crafter's Haven - Browse a large selection of craft supplies I also sell including gift bags and ribbon that would accentuate my wood products when giving as a gift.
Christmas Ribbons - Show off your gift with some colourful festive Christmas Ribbon!
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