'We don't have one national park that's naturally wild. Every single one of them is trashed ecologically'

Eoghan Daltun emphasizes the importance of rewilding, stating that Ireland's natural landscape is a harmonious blend of diverse ecosystems, and it's essential to restore this balance. He suggests that by paying farmers to embrace rewilding practices, the country can regain its ecological integrity and support biodiversity. The challenge lies in overcoming entrenched agricultural practices that reduce this richness, particularly the prevalent grazing of sheep that hampers resurgence of native flora.

Reflecting on his rainforest in west Cork, Daltun shares his vision of how such spaces could flourish across Ireland, arguing that nature is resilient and can recover if given the chance. With proper support and payment for landowners to manage their properties sustainably, the deterioration of native habitats can be reversed. He believes that the transformation of a typical farm into a thriving, biodiverse area reflects the potential of Ireland’s natural wealth.

Read at Independent