Transparency
Building Trust Through Clear Actions and Honest Reporting
How We Operate
An Inside Look at Our Financial Independence, Volunteer Power, and Leadership Approach
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Financial Independence
Our journey is fuelled by the generous support of the public and like-minded businesses that recognise the urgency of reforestation. We operate with a foundation of financial independence, allowing us to pursue our goals without external pressures or influences. This independence is crucial in ensuring that our projects directly reflect the values and objectives of our supporters, as well as the environmental mission we are committed to.
No Government Grants
We consciously choose not to accept government grants, a decision that highlights our commitment to autonomy and agility. This ensures that we can remain nimble and responsive to our mission, free from external political or regulatory pressures.
Partnerships and Collaborations
Our funding model relies on contributions from individuals and partnerships with businesses that share our vision of a greener, healthier Ireland. These collaborations not only provide essential financial backing but also create a synergy between the private sector and environmental advocacy, paving the way for impactful and sustainable reforestation efforts.
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Volunteer-Driven Efforts
At the heart of Reforest Nation are our volunteers. Their skills, passion, and dedication power our projects, from tree planting to community engagement activities. Volunteers are the driving force behind our ability to meet ambitious goals. This community-driven approach fosters a deep sense of ownership and connection among participants, amplifying the impact of our collective actions.
Leadership and Member Involvement
Reforest Nation is guided by founder Gearóid, a Wildlife Biologist whose expertise shapes our strategic direction. Gearóid’s leadership ensures effective decision-making, keeping us aligned with our mission and responsive to evolving needs.
Equally important is the active involvement of our members. We believe in making our members partners in our mission by giving them a direct voice in key decisions. Whether it’s voting on project funding, providing input on new initiatives, or participating in regular surveys, our members help shape the direction of our work. This collaborative approach ensures that our projects reflect the values and priorities of those who support us.
2022-2023 Expenses
The chart below shows how your funding was allocated across different areas of our work.
*Note on Fees: Business payments reclaim VAT (13.5%), allowing more funds to go toward reforestation, rewilding, and growth. Individual payments include VAT, and website payments are subject to a Stripe fee (2.9% + €0.30 per transaction).
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Our operational budget is primarily used to support our dedicated team, ensuring they have the resources and stability needed to drive our projects forward. We also maintain a reserve fund to safeguard against unforeseen challenges, allowing us to remain resilient and continue our vital work without interruption.
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A major portion of our funds is invested directly into impactful reforestation efforts. This includes planting trees across Ireland and funding large-scale tree planting projects with our partners in Africa, contributing to global environmental restoration.
Our commitment extends beyond planting trees. We support a range of nature restoration and rewilding projects that rejuvenate ecosystems and enhance biodiversity. Additionally, we focus on expanding our reach and effectiveness through strategic investments. This encompasses developing our website, creating engaging advertisements, and implementing protective measures like fencing to ensure the survival and growth of newly planted trees.
We also allocate resources to innovate and expand our initiatives, including launching new campaigns and developing tools that further our mission. Each investment is designed to amplify our impact and drive meaningful change in the environment.
Your Impact Breakdown
2024-2025
This Chart Shows How Your Funds Are Put to Work for Maximum Impact
Note: The impact breakdown for 2024 to 2025 reflects our goals for the year. Actual results and expenditures may vary based on circumstances, but this is our roadmap for creating meaningful change.
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In Ireland, we are leading the way in reforestation by working closely with landowners, community groups, and local tree projects. Our mission is to restore native forests and strengthen local ecosystems. We plant a diverse range of up to 27 different species—the most of any reforestation initiative in the country. To date, we have planted trees in 14 counties, and each year we expand our reach. By prioritising biodiversity and community engagement, we’re making a lasting impact on Ireland’s natural landscape. To learn more about our forest methodology click here.
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Our partnership with Seedballs Kenya is transforming reforestation efforts in Africa. This innovative approach, which has even been highlighted by David Attenborough, addresses deforestation with a simple yet powerful solution: tree seeds encased in protective capsules made from charcoal dust and a nutritious binder. These Seedballs are distributed to local farmers and germinate when exposed to moisture, giving them the best chance for survival. Seedballs Kenya has already distributed over 42 million Seedballs, and we’re proud to collaborate with them in contributing to the restoration of Kenya’s ecosystems and biodiversity.
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To amplify our impact, we’re investing in the growth of Reforest Nation. This includes everything from raising awareness through advertising to developing new features that enhance the experience for our members. By expanding our reach and improving our platform, we can engage more people, plant more trees, and continue restoring habitats across the country. Every step forward means a bigger, more positive impact on the environment.
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Our work doesn’t stop at forests. We’re also focused on restoring other important and underfunded ecosystems across Ireland. Through our collaboration with Meadow restoration intiatives, we’re helping to create wildflower meadows that are essential for supporting biodiversity, especially for pollinators like bees and butterflies. We’re also involved in the Bog restoration projects, which are dedicated to restoring peat bogs—an essential ecosystem for carbon sequestration and climate change mitigation. These efforts are crucial for the future of our environment, and we’re excited to continue growing in this area.
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We are committed to protecting and rehabilitating Ireland’s wildlife. Our support extends to Ireland’s first purpose-built wildlife hospital, which rescues and rehabilitates thousands of sick and orphaned wild animals each year. This initiative is still in its early stages, but with every animal we help, we’re contributing to the preservation of Ireland’s unique wildlife. As this project grows, so does our commitment to safeguarding the future of these vital species.
Our Impact In Numbers
1,003,437
Total trees planted between 2021-2024.
5,017,185
Kg of Co2 absorbed to date.
14
Irish counties planted in.
Our Planting Locations
Explore our interactive map to discover where we're reviving Ireland's native woodlands.
Stay Updated and Have Your Say 👍
Your involvement plays a key role in ensuring Reforest Nation’s transparency and success. By staying informed and sharing your voice, you help guide decisions that benefit both the environment and our community of supporters. As a member, you’ll enjoy:
✓ Seasonal Photo & Video Updates
Receive beautiful updates of your trees every spring and summer, allowing you to see the impact of your contributions firsthand.
✓ Annual Report
Gain access to our detailed annual report, showcasing the progress, and the outcomes of our initiatives.
✓ Membership Vote
Help shape our projects by voting on fund allocation and providing feedback, ensuring that our work stays aligned with your vision for the future.
Receive beautiful seasonal photos of your trees, access to our members dashboard and an annual report on our progress.
FAQ’s
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We ensure the longevity of our forests by only collaborating with land stewards who guarantee their perpetual care and by implementing protective measures against natural predators. Our partner, Eden Reforestation Projects, works hand-in-hand with local communities abroad to foster a sense of ownership and protective stewardship over the forests, ensuring that the trees we plant together continue to thrive for generations.
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Your support helps plant a diverse array of of over 20 native species, each carefully selected for its environmental benefits. Our range includes oaks, birches, and wild cherries, amongst others. This variety is strategic, aiming to bolster local ecosystems with species that provide habitats for wildlife, enhance biodiversity, and balance carbon absorption rates for both immediate and long-term ecological benefits.
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Our saplings take root across fourteen Irish counties and extend to Madagascar's vital ecosystems. In Ireland, they grow under the stewardship of nature reserves, community projects, and dedicated landowners. Abroad, our partnership with local experts helps restore mangroves and habitats. Each tree, whether in Ireland or Madagascar, represents a united stand for global reforestation and biodiversity.
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Yes, and we welcome it! We invite you to step out into the fresh air, to join a community of like-minded individuals dedicated to reforestation. Our volunteer opportunities are announced on our website and newsletter, offering a hands-on experience that not only plants trees but also seeds a deeper connection with our mission and with Mother Nature herself.
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We are proudly a social enterprise, not a charity, a social enterprises is a business that exists at the intersection of business efficiency and social good. Our model allows us to address pressing environmental challenges while fostering community involvement. By choosing this path, we strive to be a catalyst for change, demonstrating that profitability and environmental sustainability can go hand in hand, inspiring other Irish businesses to follow in our footsteps.
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Our reforestation efforts in Madagascar are championed by partnerships with organisations like Eden Reforestation Projects, which aligns reforestation with social advancement. These partners work on the ground, employing local communities to plant trees, which in turn provides income, empowerment, and environmental education. This collaborative model ensures that the benefits of reforestation extend beyond environmental restoration, fostering economic resilience and social cohesion within local communities.
Nature Blog
Our Insights on Nature and Environment
Transparency
How We Operate And Invest Funds
How We Plant
Our Reforestation Approach Explained
