• Climate - Food and Farming

    Global Considerations

    June 25, 2025 - By 

    When we look at water quality we often forget that it’s not just related to what we dump into rivers or streams locally that is the issue. Water quality in our rivers and streams will depend on what happens within the wider catchment; all of the land use from the tops of the surrounding hills down to the river bed and everything in between. Not only that, but on a wider level, our purchasing habits have a direct bearing on water quality far away from our local area. The mindmaps below have been prepared as part of webinars on ecology,…

  • Biodiversity - Climate - Ponds - Rewilding - Water - the wider picture

    Being the Beaver

    June 7, 2024 - By 

    Féidhlim Harty explores the potential for (re)introductions of beavers into the Irish landscape – and offers some workarounds for doing their work while we wait. Published in Horticulture Connected on June 6, 2024 (link below). Without wanting to overstate the obvious: beavers are amazing landscape engineers. For those new to the subject, these small, vegetarian, water-loving animals play a role within the landscape that is way above what you’d expect from their shy, secluded demeanours. The dams that beavers build in rivers and streams are just the right design for flood prevention; holding water during downpours and then allowing some…

  • Climate - Wastewater - Willow Systems

    Willows are a Win-Win

    August 24, 2023 - By 

    First published in Horticulture Connected on August 24, 2023 Mopping up sewage pollution, sequestering carbon and promoting biodiversity – willow wastewater systems are the solution we need for one-off houses in the countryside. WORDS: Féidhlim Harty. We seem to be on a whole suite of collision courses, including housing, climate, biodiversity and water pollution. Many young people in rural areas are looking at family land, with no prospect of being allowed to build due to poor soil percolation characteristics. The Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Code of Practice: Domestic Waste Water Treatment Systems is a government guidance document. It outlines methods…

  • Biodiversity - Climate - Rewilding

    Healthy Habitats to address climate breakdown

    February 28, 2023 - By 

    Published by Feasta on February 23rd, 2022 (https://www.feasta.org/2022/02/23/healthy-habitats/) & updated February 2023. Underlying the discussions about carbon levels and energy efficiency is another, arguably much more important issue that tends to take second place in both policy and activism. The issue is that of healthy habitats. It is healthy soil that provides the ability to grow healthy food. Healthy river and stream catchments yield a regular supply of healthy water. Healthy peatlands, oceans and woodlands all play an invaluable role in providing atmospheric gaseous exchange; in other words healthy air to breathe. Conversely, without healthy habitats on a global scale, our…

  • Climate - Water - the wider picture

    Looking at climate change through the lens of water

    July 17, 2022 - By 

    Interview with Bridget Ginnity in the Clare Champion July 17th 2022 (link below). Féidhlim Harty, director of an environmental consultancy company tells Bridget Ginnity, how being a bad windsurfer led him to specialising in reed bed system design and other eco-friendly sewage options. Feidhlim Harty at his farm pond where he grows wetland plants and willows for waterway re-wilding and wetland projects. Photograph by John Kelly For as long as I can remember, my family was interested in environmental things of various sorts, whether it was beach clean-ups, chemical or sewage pollution in Cork Harbour area. My grandmother was Myrtle…

  • Climate - Wastewater - Water - the wider picture

    Harnessing waste as a resource

    April 30, 2015 - By 

    An in depth interview with Féidhlim Harty from FH WETLAND SYSTEMS Ltd. The Council Journal speaks to Mr. Harty regarding his new book as well as how best to use waste as a resource… First published in the Council Journal on 15th April 2015 (https://council.ie/harnessing-waste-as-a-resource/). Feidhlim, congratulations on the recent publication of your very well-received new book – Septic Tank Options and alternatives. The book has been praised for offering a comprehensive guide to a wide range of sewage treatment options for households and businesses. What general advice can you give to environmentally-conscious homeowners and business owners looking at the…

  • Biodiversity - Climate - Food and Farming - Sustainable living

    How to set up a Community Orchard/Forest Garden

    December 20, 2013 - By 

    Here is a straightforward step by step approach that can get you from lawn to forest in a jiffy: 1. First, share the idea with others in your community that are enthusiastic about it. 2. Come up with a proposal together to clarify your thoughts. Identify the areas that are suitable for planting. Consider borders along pathways and roads as well as open lawn areas. Make full use of any south facing walls, which are often ideal for more tender trees and bushes. Make a sketch of the area that you are thinking of planting and indicate the main features:…