Haumea Ecoversity

Joining the inaugural Leaders for Nature for the island of Ireland 2025-6 programme was a deeply affirming and practical experience.

I was also honoured to be invited as a Guest Speaker at Borris House, Co. Carlow, in September 2025, at the beginning of the programme. It was a special moment to share my work in eco-creative practice for woodland and peatland regeneration, community engagement, and the development of Haumea Ecoversity, so close to where I live and work.

Many of us working in biodiversity, ecological restoration, and environmental education operate in small teams, or independently. This work can sometimes feel isolating, especially when helping to bring about changes that challenge established norms, amid growing social and political headwinds.

The Leaders for Nature programme created something very different.
Participants included emergent and experienced leaders from across Ireland, supported by mentors and facilitators from Common Purpose, Leave No Trace Ireland and Native Events. Through in-person gatherings and online sessions, the programme offered a generous learning environment, grounded in trust, openness, and shared purpose. The small peer learning groups were especially meaningful, and I am heartened that the connections formed are already leading to ongoing relationships and collaboration.

One of the most important shifts for me was gaining greater confidence in what the programme described as “leading beyond authority.” The focus on values, storytelling, and engaging constructively with difference has strengthened my leadership practice. I was particularly grateful to learn from Sally Murphy of Welltold., whose teaching on the power of narrative resonated deeply with my own experience. Ecological thinkers remind us that cultural change depends on new stories. Stories help people see their place in the wider community of life, and inspire meaningful action.

The programme included gatherings at Borris House in Co. Carlow, the Burren Nature Sanctuary in Co. Clare, and Airfield Estate in Dublin. Each setting offered time for reflection, learning, and connection. I am especially grateful for the thoughtful mentoring provided by Colette Henry, and for the warmth and encouragement of my Acorn peer group: Brian Gormley, Angela Duffy, Clare Bromley, Paddy Matthews, and Laura Costello.

For my work with Haumea Ecoversity, the programme affirmed and expanded how I facilitate and mentor creative professionals, educators, and local authority staff. It strengthened my commitment to supporting ecoliteracy and Earth Charter–aligned values as essential foundations for nature restoration, cultural renewal, and community resilience. This kind of learning helps people act with clarity and care, for personal, collective, planetary, and intergenerational wellbeing.

Most importantly, I now feel part of a wider community of learning leaders for nature across Ireland who are committed to helping communities care for nature, and to building more just, connected, and resilient societies.

I wish to express my sincere thanks to Megan Best of Native Events Ireland, who remembered my earlier work and recommended me as a Guest Speaker. I am grateful to CEO Dara Connolly and Joan Ellison of Common Purpose Ireland, and to the wider Common Purpose International team, for their warm welcome and encouragement.

My thanks also to Maura Kiely and Aoibhín Ryan of Leave No Trace Ireland, and to Georgia MacMillan of Dark Sky Ireland, for their generous interest in my work at Drummin Bog and Haumea Ecoversity.

With deep gratitude, I feel proud to be part of this important all-Ireland leadership initiative as it continues to grow.

At a time of ecological and social uncertainty, it is vital that those working at the frontline of cultural and ecological change are supported. Programmes such as Leaders for Nature help nurture the leadership, relationships, and shared values needed to care for the Earth and each other.

My warmest thanks and best wishes to this first inspiring cohort, and to Common Purpose Ireland, Leave No Trace Ireland, and Native Events Ireland for their vision and commitment to supporting many future Leaders for Nature across the island of Ireland.

Please see The Leaders for Nature Programme for more information

Read More about this new Leaders for Nature Programme launched June 17 2025:

‘Dara Connolly, CEO Common Purpose Ireland is pictured with Christopher O’Sullivan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity, Maura Kiely, CEO, Leave No Trace Ireland and Megan Best, CEO, Native Events pictured launching 2025 Leaders for Nature Programme, a new cross-sector, all-island leadership programme designed to support professionals across sectors in responding to Ireland’s Climate Action Plan, National Biodiversity Action Plan, and the upcoming Nature Restoration Plan with clarity, courage, and collaboration.

Developed by Common Purpose Ireland, Native Events, and Leave No Trace Ireland, and supported by Community Foundation Ireland, SOLAS, and Skillnet Ireland, the programme will bring together leaders from the public, private, and non-profit sectors for an immersive learning journey.

Kicking off on September 11th, 2025, the programme blends individual and peer-to-peer coaching, live online sessions, and a three-day residential. These learning experiences are designed to foster both personal reflection and collective insight. Picture Andres Poveda.‘

Hello! Kia Ora! Dia daoibh!

I’m Cathy Fitzgerald, an ecological artist, educator, and founder of Haumea Ecoversity.

Originally from Aotearoa, New Zealand, I’ve lived in rural Ireland, the ancestral home of my family, for over 30 years.

Together with my philosopher colleague Dr Nikos Patedakis (USA), we’ve guided over 400 creative professionals worldwide in transformative ecoliteracy training since 2019.

Haumea Ecoversity Community Membership is a vibrant space for lifelong learning, collective wisdom, and creative transformation for a more beautiful, just, and life-sustaining world.

Join Haumea Ecoversity

Dr Cathy Fitzgerald

“In these times of great challenge, I’m passionate about bringing ecoliteracy—including new ecological thinking, values, language, and head-heart-body practices—to creative, sustainability and cultural sectors. These areas have a crucial leadership role: they can inspire communities to embrace new values and actions for living well on Earth, together with all life.”

In 2022, I was honoured to be nominated by Earth Charter International and UNESCO Chair for ESD as Earth Charter Focal Point Communicator for Ireland

About Cathy

• Ecological Artist: Creator of the ongoing Hollywood Forest Story
  with new-to-Ireland continuous cover forestry (begun 2008).
• Educator & Advisor: Accredited ESD Earth Charter educator,
  Creative Drummin Carlow Bog project ecoliteracy advisor.
• Researcher & Mentor: Specialist in Education for Sustainable
  Development (ESD) at Haumea Ecoversity.com