Hedgerows, a Biodiversity Lifeline

On this immersive walk, the Irish Wildlife Trust join the CECAS team to discuss some of the communities of wildlife that rely on hedgerows and explore the history and cultural significance of these liminal spaces. We will also take a look at examples of the damage caused by invasive species and what can be done to reverse this.

Myross Woods, located near Leap in West Cork, is a wildlife haven. Stitching these habitats together are hedgerow plants – hawthorn, bramble, holly, nettle. This living network provides shelter, food, navigation and connectivity for birds, mammals, insects, and wildflowers.

This National Biodiversity Week 2026 event is a joint collaboration between the Irish Wildlife Trust, CECAS, and Green Skibbereen CLG, which was established to address the challenge of moving to low carbon energy through actively engaging, educating and facilitating a whole community approach throughout Skibbereen and West Cork.

The 30-acre site features ancient woodland and a coastal estuary managed by Green Skibbereen who run CECAS (Centre of Excellence for Climate Action and Sustainability) at Myross Woods House, a community-powered hub.