Sanctuary in Nature & Heritage
Sanctuary in Nature & Heritage is an initiative that aims to provide a place of sanctuary through Irish natural landscapes, wildflowers, and wildlife, and built heritage and cultural sites, for people new to Ireland.
WHAT WE DO:
We organise excursions for International Protection applicants (IPAs) and refugees, mostly staying in Direct Provision Centres or temporary accommodation, to sites of national natural and cultural heritage importance. These excursions include guidance, from experts where possible, on the significance of these sites, encouraging participants to learn about them.
We seek to use the natural world and cultural sites both as meeting points for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants and Irish people, and as refuges from the stress and tedium often inherent in the predicament of those in ‘direct provision’. There is compelling evidence worldwide that direct contact with nature is vital for physical and mental health, and that engagement with local historical and cultural heritage assists immigrants to understand the society in which they have come to live. It is also clear that pleasurable informal contacts between immigrants and citizens breaks down barriers, dissolves fears, resolves misunderstandings and contributes to building a vibrant society that is both diverse and harmonious.
The project offers participants opportunities to enjoy and learn about Irish wildlife, wildflowers, landscapes, and historically and culturally significant architectural and archaeological heritage. Because we see the project as an exchange between equals, we also stress the opportunity it gives participants to inform Irish people about nature and heritage in their home countries. A very important by-product is the informal socialisation between individuals and small groups, in a relaxed context in beautiful settings, and over picnic lunches and refreshments.
We also usually organise workshops on general issues affecting IPAs and refugees, as well as kids’ art workshops, often in partnership with other organisations, as part of these excursions. These are family events, and children are very welcome.
ENDORSEMENTS:
“I was very pleased to get to know some very wonderful natural reserves and heritage places in Ireland through Sanctuary in Nature and Heritage. You are doing a wonderful job. I truly appreciate your great efforts. All thanks to you.” Hashem, Syria
“Thank you for inviting me to an inspiring day with the residents new to Ireland. It was a real pleasure to participate in this outing and share the delicious organic meal.” Mary-Ruth Walsh, Wexford.
UPCOMING EVENTS:
WHO WE ARE:
Paddy Woodworth, an Irish environmental writer, is committed to finding innovative ways to enable IPAs and other ‘new Irish’ to learn about and engage with Irish natural and cultural sites.
Muhammad Achour is a Syrian architect, curator with extensive experience in leading community engagement workshops. He joined Sanctuary in Nature in 2018 as a co-director, from which point the organization became Sanctuary in Nature and Heritage. He has been involved in all its activities since then, with special responsibility for communication/training/workshops, and leading projects and excursions.
Our umbrella body is Places of Sanctuary Ireland (POSI), a registered charity generating a number of ‘streams’, of which we are one, creating a culture of welcome and hospitality for IPAs and other ‘new Irish’ and offering multiple opportunities for engagement and integration with local Irish communities.
SOME FACTS AND FIGURES:
- 31 excursions since 2017, eight in 2025.
- 300 plus guest participants across all trips
- 40 volunteers
- 23 different locations
- 12+ different nationalities among participants and volunteers
- 6 county councils have collaborated with us
We have received grants from: The Heritage Council, and the Community Integration Fund from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. We were nominated for a Heritage Week Event award by the Heritage Council in 2024.
We have participated in partnerships with like-minded organisations, such as Sonairte National Ecology Centre, and Meath Partnership, and NGOs like BirdWatch Ireland. We have embarked in 2025 on new partnerships with Co Council Local Integration Teams in Meath, Louth, and Wexford, and with Global Action Plan Ireland.
We have promoted our model to groups in Wicklow, Cork and Galway.
We have produced a video for the Heritage Council: https://www.facebook.com/SanctuaryInNature/videos/221895900584007
We have appeared in articles in the national media (The Irish Times) and on local radio stations in Connemara and Cork.
OUR MISSION IN SUMMARY
- To offer opportunities to International Protection Applicants (IPAs) and other refugees to enjoy and understand Irish wildlife & landscapes & built heritage, in the company of Irish people
- To invite them to share their own stories and images of nature and heritage from their countries of origin, promoting a culture of mutual respect and exchange.
SOCIAL MEDIA and CONTACT LINKS
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/SanctuaryInNature
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sanctuarynatureheritage/
Emails: