a little bit about my work
Who I am
I am Niamh Ní Dhúill and I am based a few miles outside of Tralee, at the beginning of the Sliabh Mish Mountains. I have an acre here where I grow food and create natural and wild habitats.
I studied Organic Horticulture at An t-Ionad Glas, Dromcollogher, Co. Limerick, and I recommend the college to anyone who wishes to study and work in this area. While studying at Drom, I did my work experience at Gortbrack Organic Farm.
What I do
I am a Nature and Biodiversity Educator
There are four main elements to my work
1. Habitat Protection
2. Habitat Restoration & Ecological Corridors
3. Growing Food
4. Nature Connection
I do this by working with people to plan, develop and grow their own natural, ecological, restorative and wild gardens. Ecological gardening is about creating interconnected habitats, of which we are a part of and connected to. These habitats provide both a home and food for us humans, wild animals and plants. My main work is in education and takes place mostly outdoors.
My focus is
- Protecting our existing natural habitats
- Restoring natural habitats
- Restoring ecological corridors, creating interconnected habitats such as small woodlands, native hedgerows, wildlife ponds, different wildflower lawns and meadows, compost heaps, log piles…..
- Establishing and growing wild plants in natural habitats
- Establishing and growing cultivated food and herb remedy gardens
- Finding nature in the concrete jungle and urban ecosystems
- Helping people to connect with nature and the land through ecological empathy and reciprocal ecology
Who I work with
I work with Schools, Community Groups, Tidy Towns, Parishes, Organisations, Councils, Statutory Bodies, Local Businesses and Private Clients. I advise on and develop educational resources and materials for groups and organisations.
I also like to collaborate with others in this field of work.
The people that I work with benefit by learning new skills through practical work and being in the outdoors.
They also benefit from the support, guidance and assistance I give. In the process, they enjoy creating and growing with an evolving and changing garden that is productive, restorative, interesting and a beautiful place to spend time.