Conservation Group

From the beginning, in 1931, An Óige hostels have provided access to people young and not so young to urban and rural environments in Ireland.

The An Óige Conservation Group is a group of dedicated volunteers with passion for deepening our appreciation for the world around us.

This is achieved through the promotion and support of environmentally sustainable practices and policies within our organisation and providing opportunities for our members to participate in nature conservation works and education. We also organise activities for the appreciation of our cultural and built environment.

One of the Conservation Group’s great achievements has been the implementation of waste recycling systems at many of our hostels, several have even achieved recognised eco accreditation.

Knockree Hostel is at the center of many of the group's activities. With the support of a Heritage Council grant in 2016, a nature conservation management plan was developed for the hostel’s 26 hectare site.

The Conservation Group volunteers are responsible for implementing the practical aims of the plan, which has now been adopted by the hostel association as a strategic objective.

In 2018, a major step towards achieving the plan’s aim was taken when over 1km of deer proof fencing was erected and 10,000 native Irish trees were planted in a new 4.5 hectare native woodland scheme. Overall, the plan's objectives are the restoration and enhancement of the habitats found at the site and the increase of its biodiversity.

The group's dedicated Facebook page can be found at - An Óige Knockree Nature Conservation Project.

Monthly meetings and activities of the Conservation Group are held at the Knockree Hostel during Spring, Summer and Autumn and in Dublin during Winter. All An Óige members are free to participate. Upcoming meetings and activities are posted on the Knockree Nature Facebook page, An Óige volunteer database and the An Óige Conservation Group members email list.