Wild Earth is a youth-centred, nature-based community group in Ennistymon, Co. Clare for people aged 5-18.
We blend the Forest School model with nature-immersion and resilience-building through restorative practices
and sociocratic decision making.
ETHOS
Wild Earth serves to empower young people through restorative and sociocratic practices in outdoor spaces that support connection to nature, others and self. It predominantly takes place in Ennistymon but also at other locations throughout County Clare and beyond based on community interest or activities. Other locations include the beach, the forest, the local river, and at other venues when doing service projects.
At Wild Earth, everyone is respected and valued as a unique individual; the rights of young people are upheld through autonomy, self-direction and community decision-making through sociocratic and restorative practices. Adults at Wild Earth do not impose, coerce or manipulate young people. Instead, we support them in listening to their own bodies, in pursuing their own interests and passions and in finding confidence to speak for themselves.
Skill-sharing is an important aspect at Wild Earth and we may invite members of the extended community to share knowledge and skills with the children and young people upon their requests. Please send us an email to join our list of skilled community members.
We uphold the values of compassion, acceptance, connection, freedom and respect in reference to nature, others, and self.
SUSTAINABILITY & NATURE IMMERSION
At Wild Earth, young people have direct access to nature at all times, in all weather.
In its first year, Wild Earth was entirely off-grid and sustainable, utilising solar energy and rainwater harvesting.
Our community works together to monitor our site, assess the ecological impact and consistently improve and maintain the gardens for ourselves and for wildlife, plants and trees within.
Everyone is involved in the care and maintenance of the natural space and it is our hope that children and young people at Wild Earth develop a healthy respect for, relationship to, and knowledge and understanding of nature whilst doing so.
Additionally, the Wild Earth community meets monthly with an An Taisce ambassador to host local beach and river clean-ups.
Biodiversity in Schools
has honoured Wild Earth as a
Nature Hero (2024) .
Activities at Wild Earth are led by a certified Forest School Leader, registered with the Irish Forest School Association,
and a qualified Eco-Psychologist.
Interested in joining the community?
Wild Earth is not-for-profit; we receive no governmental funding and therefore rely on generous donations to operate.
With financial support, we can continue to provide this beautiful service at a very low cost to the local families who are and want to be a part of
our lovely community of young people.
Please consider supporting Wild Earth's young community members so that they may continue to pursue their passions in a safe and held space
with deep reverence for nature while developing healthy and effective communication skills
as they grow into the young adults and change-makers of tomorrow.
Make a contribution directly to our bank
IBAN IE84AIBK93515813752040
Want to support Wild Earth by sharing your skills? Please send us an email!
We embrace self-expression, authenticity, diversity, and consent
and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation,
race or ethnicity, nationality, religion, physical ability, or any other definable or non-definable descriptor.