Planting Trees to Honor Our Past and Bless Our Future

Before the 17th century, Ireland was covered in 80% old growth forests. Over the course of three hundred years, irresponsible harvesting practices and industrial demand brought this number down to less than 1%. Despite the devastating loss, the memory of these ancient woodlands lives on in many aspects of Irish culture. Native oak, hazelnut, willow and more provided crucial food, shelter, and spiritual significance to the people of Ireland for thousands of years. Trees played an important role in society and were often used as witnesses for major religious and political ceremonies. These woodlands also facilitated habitat for the once abundantly diverse wildlife of Ireland.

When native woodlands faded, so did biodiversity, self reliance, and the connection to traditions that have governed Ireland for millennia. At Celtic Fusion, we believe in reconnecting to ancient inspiration in more ways than just fashion influence. Five years ago, we made the decision to partner with reforestation charity, Hometree, to donate one native tree species for every clothing purchase. Since then, we are happy to say that we have helped to facilitate over 13,000 tree plantings.

Hometree shares our vision for the future of Ireland’s woodlands by honoring the ecological structure of its native forests. Instead of planting whatever species might grow the fastest and most reliably to create stable numbers on paper, Hometree is dedicated to carefully planning new tree plantings by using a holistic approach to restoration ecology. Their research allows them to understand the landscapes they are working with and the species that would have historically thrived there. This commitment to forest health is what we believe will safeguard the success of these plantings long after we are gone.

Support from ethically minded consumers and the growing interest in reforestation across the globe has allowed Hometree to grow exponentially over the years. What started as our hope to aid them in reforesting a single plot has grown into finished projects and now, a plan for a new 20 acre parcel to be planted. To learn more about their projects and mission visit: hometree.ie

A short, informational video can be found below:

We are honored to be a part of this work and are grateful to every one of you that has helped to bring this into reality. Here’s to the trees that honor our past and bless our future.