More than half the plants in this small half-hectare are food for the birds, making the Grove Donnybrook’s top, Michelin-starred dining spot for wildlife. Forest schools, outdoor learning, and reconnecting children with nature are laudable goals, but like all human activities, they’re not neutral acts. It’s the uncomfortable truth at the heart of this study: not all green spaces should be multipurpose. Across Ireland, “underutilised” green spaces, waterways and bogs are being activated and opened up for whatever nature can offer us. The Grove is a reminder that nature doesn’t always do well for our attention.

Source: The Irish Times January 24, 2026 18:36 UTC