Biodiversity Project in Ballymun

Sr. Pauline Hannon is a member of a Biodiversity Group, working on a ‘Pocket Forest’ in Ballymun, Dublin.

Inserted into the heart of our future forest is an outdoor classroom made with sustainable wood by students and donated to us!

The next phase is the planting of native hazel trees and other native varieties, which will involve our schools, hence promoting awareness and care of all trees.

We look forward to an emerging forest, drawing many varieties of species: birds, bees, insects, butterflies and perhaps we will once more see our native red squirrel finding its home there too!

In Laudato Si we are reminded of what the Bishops of Japan observe,

“The sense of each creature singing the hymn of its existence is to live joyfully in God’s love and hope”.

We are mindful too of climate change and the dreadful consequences of our actions.  It is hopeful to realise that trees accumulate carbon, reduce water run-off, create healthy soil and provide a foundation for abundance of life.

Pope Frances also reminds us, “The entire material universe speaks of God’s love and God’s boundless affection for us. Soil, water, mountains: everything is a caress of God”. (Laudato Si 84)