A Year of Progress, Partnerships, and Rewilding.
When we first joined 1% for the Planet in July 2023, our goal was simple: to make a real impact on the world around us. At Ecofuel, sustainability is at the core of everything we do, and we know that meaningful change requires action, not just words. That’s why we partnered with Hometree and the Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project, a groundbreaking initiative dedicated to restoring one of Ireland’s rarest ecosystems. One acre at a time.
A Year of Growth & Commitment
Our partnership with Hometree is about more than just financial contributions. It’s about actively participating in restoring Ireland’s landscapes. In 2024, we proudly adopted 2 acres as part of the Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project, reinforcing our commitment to rewilding efforts. This is just the beginning. As we look toward 2025, we plan to expand our support by adopting 3 more acres, helping to regenerate more Irish forests through tree planting and peatland restoration.
This journey mirrors the philosophy we embrace: start small and keep going. Hometree is at the start of something big—the most ambitious woodland creation project by a charity in Ireland.
As Matt Smith, CEO of Hometree, shared:
“Janis and the team at Ecofuel are the perfect partners—curious, hands-on, and deeply committed to stewardship and caring for the natural world. This project has been built on relationships like these, which are absolutely critical for restoration at scale. They’re part of a growing movement of Irish businesses taking real action, not just talking about sustainability. Through 1% for the Planet and other initiatives, companies are putting resources directly into regeneration, making a measurable difference on the ground.”
What This Means for the Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project
The work being done today lays the foundation for long-term ecological restoration.
Jessica Williams, Project Manager, reflected on the progress made:
“The Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project is on a mission to restore one of Ireland’s rarest ecosystems. With large-scale restoration set to begin in 2025, we’ve been laying the groundwork—building a dedicated team, conducting ecological assessments, and expanding land partnerships. We’ve already made significant strides: identifying key indicator species, collecting over 2.5 million native seeds, and engaging communities through education and hands-on conservation efforts. The work ahead is ambitious, but the potential impact is enormous, and we invite everyone to be part of this extraordinary journey.”
Five Major Milestones from 2024
🌱 363 Acres Assessed: Hometree’s team conducted baseline ecological assessments, identifying key temperate rainforest species and several protected red-listed species, including the Snipe, Meadow Pipit, and Ireland’s only native frog.
🌳 2.5 Million Native Seeds Collected: Among them, rare species like Whitebeam and Alder Buckthorn vital for biodiversity restoration.
🗺 Deep Mapping for Community-Led Conservation: This innovative approach integrates local knowledge, values, and ecological insights to shape meaningful restoration efforts.
👥 Expanding the Team: Just a year ago, Hometree had nine dedicated team members. Today, that number has grown to 22 full-time ecologists, foresters, and nursery managers—all working to rewild and restore Ireland’s landscapes.
🏞 Looking Ahead: As we move into 2025, we are committed to adopting 3 more acres, deepening our engagement, and ensuring that these critical restoration efforts continue to thrive.
Beyond the Numbers: A Shared Commitment
Hometree’s mission goes beyond merely planting trees. It aims to restore a profoundly interconnected ecosystem and rebuild the relationship between people and the land. Revitalising Ireland’s wild rainforests necessitates ambition, focus, and commitment alongside a strong community.
For Ecofuel, this partnership signifies an opportunity, not an obligation. Inspired by pioneers like Patagonia’s Yvon Chouinard, we view this as a chance to take responsibility for our impact on the environment and assist in restoring Ireland’s native habitats.
You Are Part of This Journey
Although we may be signing the cheques, this support originates from our customers. Every decision you make to choose Ecofuel directly fuels these restoration efforts. Your commitment, no matter how small it may appear, is part of a collective movement reviving Ireland’s wild landscapes. Every purchase contributes 1% to this mission, making you a direct stakeholder in the Wild Atlantic Rainforest Project. Together, we play an essential role in rewilding Ireland’s landscapes and ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
As we enter 2025, we’re excited to continue expanding our support by adopting three more acres and deepening our impact on Ireland’s wild landscapes. Together, we’re not just supporting rewilding; we’re making history.
Stay with us as we embark on the next chapter of this incredible journey!
