General

Who is funding the project? The project is fully funded by the Guinness Dublin 8 Community Project

What is the purpose of the project? To help communities, householders and homeowners create more healthy habitat in the neighbourhood. We also hope this will be a great way to get to know people in your community. 

Where are the trees sourced? We grow our native trees in a nursery in Shelton Abbey Open Prison, working with prisoners who are learning nursery skills. All the trees are grown from Irish seed. 

For households

Who can apply for trees? Anyone with a front garden with open soil to plant the trees. We need a minimum space of 1 square metre. 

Why are only street-facing gardens eligible? We want this project to create amenities for everyone so a front garden forest will be enjoyed by passers by, as well as the householder. It's also a great way to get trees on streets where there are few or none. 

Which species are being offered? Small native species suitable for small spaces. These include Rowans, Crab Apples, Bird Cherries, Hawthorns, Guelder Roses, Spindles and Hazels. 

How big will the trees get? As big as you want them to get. These are small species that don't grow very tall. We will also be sharing resources on how to prune your trees for size. 

What are the site requirements? No overhead wires and a metre of space between your planting area and any buildings. 

Will the trees undermine my house foundations? No. The soil preparation will ensure that the trees are happily rooted in place. 

How will you choose who gets the trees? We have up to 80 tree packs for front garden owners. We will try to ensure a wide spread of trees so a nature network can be created linking front garden forests to other healthy habitat in Dublin 8. 

When will I get my trees? The trees will be delivered in bare-root season from November 2026. 

Do I have to plant my trees myself? Yes, but we will hold tree planting workshops to show how easy it is.

What kind of maintenance is needed afterwards? Periodic mulching if you want to keep the area under the trees free of vegetation, some light pruning in winter to keep side branches and heights in check. 

For communities

Who can apply for a pocket forest? Any Dublin 8 community with access to space for planting. 

Why would we want a pocket forest? Creating a pocket forest is a great exercise in growing a community. Neighbours can get to know each other and take pride in creating an amenity that can be used as a friendly space for years to come. There is strong evidence that spending time around trees is brilliant for our physical and mental health. The forest will also provide habitat for birds, pollinators and other mammals creating healthy spaces for everyone. 

What are the site requirements? We need a minimum of 50sqm (so an area 5mx10m). This is roughly a quarter of a tennis court. There can be no overhead wires and the area needs to be five metres from any surrounding buildings. Permission needs to be obtained from the landowner. The area needs to be free of existing trees or biodiverse habitat. 

Which species are being offered? Small native species suitable for small spaces. These include Rowans, Crab Apples, Bird Cherries, Hawthorns, Guelder Roses, Spindles and Hazels. 

How big will the trees get? As big as you want them to get. These are small species that don't grow very tall. We will also be sharing resources on how to prune your trees for size. 

When will I get my trees? The trees will be planted with your community in bare-root season from November 2026. 

Can we plant a hedge instead? Yes.

How will you choose which communities you work with? This will be based on access to a suitable site and a good geographic spread across Dublin 8.

Do we have to plant the trees ourselves? Yes. The Pocket Forests team will lead a community planting workshop to plant the forest.

What kind of maintenance is needed afterwards? Litter-picking and re-mulching every year or two years if the forest floor is required to remain free of ground vegetation. Some pruning of side branches to keep the gather space open for people to use the space. In the case of exceptionally dry weather the forest may need watering in its first two years.