Plant a Holly (Ilex aquifolium) in one of our Irish forests and help restore Ireland’s ancient woodland heritage. Known for its glossy evergreen leaves and vibrant red berries, Holly is a symbol of protection in Irish tradition and an essential source of life for wildlife. With a lifespan of up to 300 years, Holly provides shelter for birds and insects, nectar for pollinators in spring, and berries that sustain birds through the harsh winter months. By planting a Holly, you’re giving Ireland’s forests year-round colour, resilience, and biodiversity.
By planting a Holly, you are strengthening Ireland’s forests and ecosystems:
• Supplying shelter year-round for nesting birds and insects.
• Providing nectar for pollinators in spring and summer.
• Offering vital red berries to sustain birds during winter scarcity.
• Supporting a tree with deep cultural roots in Irish folklore.
• Enhancing woodland diversity and structure for centuries to come.
• Year-Round Shelter – Evergreen foliage protects nesting birds and insects in all seasons.
• Pollinator Support – Small white flowers offer nectar during early summer when food sources are limited.
• Winter Food Supply – Red berries sustain birds such as thrushes, blackbirds, and robins.
• Carbon Capture – Holly trees absorb carbon and help mitigate climate change.
• Soil Enrichment – Fallen leaves and organic matter enrich woodland soils.
• Cultural Value – Long associated with protection and resilience in Irish folklore.
• Longevity – With a lifespan of up to 300 years, Holly provides lasting ecological benefits.
For centuries, Holly has been seen as a guardian tree, planted near homes to protect against misfortune. Its evergreen strength, year-round shelter, and bright winter berries have made it a symbol of endurance and renewal. By planting a Holly, you are adding not just a tree, but a living emblem of resilience, care, and hope for Ireland’s forests.
• Botanical Name: Ilex aquifolium
• Irish Tree Name: Cuileann
• Lifespan: 200–300 years
• Type: Evergreen broadleaf
• Native to: Ireland & Europe
• Wildlife Benefits: Shelter for birds and insects, berries for birds in winter, nectar for pollinators in spring
• Cultural Significance: A symbol of protection in Irish folklore, evergreen strength through winter
Holly trees can live for 200–300 years, providing centuries of shelter, food, and cultural value.
Holly has long been seen as a tree of protection, planted near homes to guard against misfortune. Its evergreen leaves and bright berries symbolise resilience and renewal.
Holly supports biodiversity year-round: nectar for bees in spring, berries for birds in winter, and evergreen shelter for nesting species.
Yes. Each Holly comes with a hand-printed certificate by artist Sally Caulwell, showing the location and certificate number of your tree.
Absolutely. Planting a Holly is a meaningful gift symbolising resilience and protection. The certificate makes it a lasting keepsake.
Your Holly will be planted in one of our Irish reforestation sites, chosen for biodiversity and long-term woodland health.
Live impact from our rewilding
Partner with us to plant native Irish trees and show real local impact. We create a tailored plan for your business, with options like trees per sale, monthly pledges, or team planting days. You receive impact reports, certificates for audits, and co-branded assets for PR and staff engagement, all aligned with CSR and ESG goals and the UN SDGs.
Grown Forest Partners With Leading Brands To Replant Native Irish Woodlands
