Voices of the Hedgerows
A creative writing collaboration as part of Connecting Kerry’s Wildlife: Hedgerows and Trees in the Kingdom 2025
Creative Writing Inspired by Nature
Voices of the Hedgerows brought together local writers for a series of three workshops led by Susan Browne in Ballyduff, North Kerry. These sessions explored the biodiversity of Kerry’s hedgerows and the urgent need to protect them. Participants responded to creative writing prompts and enjoyed a guided nature walk in the local community garden, wildflower meadow and labyrinth. The focus was on seeking inspiration from the living corridors around us and how nature shapes our lives. 
Exhibition & Events that took place in December, 2025, North Kerry
Kerry’s Hedgerows and Woodlands Art Exhibition is a celebration of creativity, community, and the rich biodiversity of Kerry’s hedgerows. Artists from around the county including Zoë Uí Fhaoláin Green, Emily Fitzell, Felix Power, Ben Dearnley and Chris Barrett have co-created a beautiful and thought-provoking collection which came to North Kerry on 5th December, 2025 for a weekend exhibition, workshops and talks in Teach Siamsa, Finuge.
The touring exhibition features prints, sculptures, photographs, collages, and creative writing, including the Voices of the Hedgerows collection created during countywide arts workshops celebrating Kerry’s ecological corridors. Workshops took place with Mary Kiernan & Niamh ní Dhúill, Transition Kerry, Chris Barrett (Knocknagoshel) and Susan Browne.
Connecting Kerry’s Wildlife: Hedgerows and Trees in the Kingdom
Connecting Kerry’s Wildlife: Hedgerows and Trees in the Kingdom took place over two days, celebrating Kerry’s incredible biodiversity and the vital role of native trees and hedgerows. Organised by Kerry County Council in collaboration with Crainn Chiarraí, Transition Kerry and the From the Ground Up, the event brought communities together to learn, share, and connect with nature. Funded by Creative Ireland, the National Parks and Wildlife Service, and The Heritage Council, it highlighted the cultural, climate, and ecological value of Kerry’s trees and hedgerows. Day 1 – Tralee Bay Wetlands Ecology Park, Ballyard, Tralee (Friday, 24 October) The first day featured talks and presentations from leading experts, including representatives from Notice Nature, Ireland NPWS, Local Roots, Hometree, and Hedgerows Ireland. Attendees enjoyed lively discussions, interactive workshops, and a guided walk exploring tree planting projects at Tralee Bay Wetlands Ecology Park. Day 2 – Local Roots Tree Nursery, Cromane (Saturday, 25 October) The second day continued with hands-on workshops at the Local Roots Community Tree Nursery, where participants took part in practical biodiversity recording sessions and learned about community-led rewilding and native tree propagation. The two-day event succeeded in raising awareness of the value of Kerry’s existing trees and hedgerows, celebrating them as living corridors that connect habitats, support wildlife, and enrich both our culture and our landscape.
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Thoughts to Carry Forward
Kerry’s hedgerows are part of our shared heritage. They are also vital habitats for wildlife. By avoiding over-cutting and replanting native species, we can support nature. Well-cared-for hedgerows offer shelter for animals and protect us from storm damage. They also help to prevent flooding and store carbon. In this way, they contribute directly to a healthier environment.
The stories and poems in the Voices of the Hedgerows collection invite you to pause and look more closely at the world around you. It’s a celebration of our connection with the natural world. Through these writings, we are reminded that caring for nature helps us face the challenges of climate change with creativity and hope.
Huge thanks to Creative Communities / Creative Ireland, Kerry County Council, Crainn Chíarraí, Kerry Library, Tralee Bay Wetlands, and all the community partners who made this project possible.