In brief
Eoghan Daltun, an artist and environmentalist from West Cork, is breathing new life into Ireland's landscapes by transforming his land into a native rainforest, raising awareness about the country's dire ecological state and inspiring others to join the rewilding movement.
Eoghan Daltun, a sculptor based in West Cork, Ireland, is on a mission to combat the country's environmental decline by rewilding his land into a native temperate rainforest. Daltun's efforts highlight a glaring truth—despite Ireland's reputation as the "Emerald Isle," its ecological health is alarmingly poor, with only 11% forest cover, and a mere 1% of that being made up of native trees.In a conversation at his home, which boasts a stunning view of the Atlantic and lush forest, Daltun lamented how the perception of Ireland's vitality is misleading. “There is this notion that because it rains a lot, everything grows well, and nature is thriving,” he remarked. However, the Environmental Protection Agency's recent report painted a bleak picture, revealing that much of the land is dominated by grass monocultures, recognizable as barren biological deserts.The history of ecological neglect cannot be solely attributed to colonialism, Daltun insists, emphasizing that with over a century of independence, Ireland must take responsibility for its declining biodiversity. His journey towards restoration is documented in his book, “An Irish Atlantic Rainforest,” published in 2022, and is further explored in his recent photographic work, “The Magic of an Irish Rainforest,” capturing the beauty of Ireland's native ecosystems.Daltun's vision looks beyond his 73 acres; he advocates for a broader movement of rewilding across the country. “Give it five or 10 years, and things will be very different here,” he states with optimism, inviting a wave of people to join the task of reviving Ireland's natural heritage and rectify the ecological missteps of the past.
