Wild Earth Learning Community
Wild Earth is Ireland's first self-directed, nature-based learning community for children and young people aged 5-18. We run 4 days per week during school term as an alternative to traditional education. Fostering a connection to nature, others and self, our days include nature therapy, forest school activities, self-directed learning and exploration, skill-sharing, nature conservation and care, free play and unfettered access to the natural world in our beautiful surrounds at the edge of the magical Burren. We use restorative language and practices as well as sociocratic circles for decision-making. Every singe community member has a voice at Wild Earth.
Our intention is to be as accessible as possible to families in Clare, no matter their financial circumstances. Our pilot program (October '23 - January '24) was free of charge. We have been relying on donations to operate. Currently (as of March '24) we ask families to make a contribution of €10/day to cover materials and supplies used throughout the day. With financial support, we can continue to provide this beautiful service at a very low cost to the local families who are and want to be a part of our lovely community of self-directed learners.
Thank you for supporting Wild Earth's young community members so that they may continue to pursue their passions in a safe and held space with deep reverence for nature while developing healthy and effective communication skills as they grow into the young adults and changemakers of tomorrow.
where your money goes
Donations go to ensure that the young people of Wild Earth are immersed in a positive, supportive environment where they are free to pursue their interests with a skilled and highly trained team of heart-led facilitators. Funds go toward materials, activities, equipment, training, events and beyond.
Some current fundraising options include:
-A Tinker Shed: The children have expressed interest in building a tinker shed under which they can build, enjoy woodwork, and do small crafts sheltered from the weather.
-Seanóir Training and Salaries: Our seanóirs (facilitators) create a beautiful, welcoming and supportive space at Wild Earth. They guide and support our young community members at every turn--with communication, through conflicts, with activities and interests and they do so in line with our values in a gentle and loving approach. We are lucky to have the team we do and it's vital that they are compensated for the unwavering effort and heart they put into Wild Earth.
-A Bunny Run: Our resident bunny is in need of some outdoor space where she can frolic during the day, safe from predators.
-A Music Room: We've had quite a few young community members express interest in music. We have a guitar, violin, tongue drums and another set of drums have been offered to us. Alas, all of this in our yurt can be a bit much! We are looking to have a small structure built specifically for music and "noisier" creativity, so that nothing holds back our young people from finding their talents and pursuing their musical interests.
-General Upkeep: As we receive no funding from governmental bodies, we rely on donations to maintain our site. Site care includes maintaining pathways, gardening and plant care, irrigation, structure maintenance (yurt and poly tunnel), etc.
Unit 28B,
+353 (0) 93 52467
