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‘Seeds of Inspiration’ is a feature length documentary and booklet (available in English and Irish) showcasing the extraordinary dedication of Castleblayney man John McKeon, who over the past 25 years has committed himself tirelessly to the growing, preserving, and celebrating of Ireland’s native trees, with particular attention to those of Monaghan provenance.
In addition, John with the support of the Monaghan Branch of IWT has created short videos on how people can easily grow individual native trees species from seed or in some instances, cuttings. The videos are available at the YouTube playlist link.
Watch the short tree propagation videos
Seeds of Inspiration Booklet in English
Seeds of Inspiration Booklet as Gaeilge
Monaghan is a county whose landscapes and communities are enriched by the quiet presence of woodlands, hedgerows, and solitary trees that have stood for generations.
In the face of a global biodiversity crisis, escalating climate change, widespread habitat destruction and catastrophic plant diseases, the value of our native tree species has never been more important. Each Oak, Birch, Hazel, and Rowan provides food, shelter, and continuity for countless species, forming ecosystems that sustain birds, insects, mammals, fungi, and people alike.
John’s work stands as a testament to what one person’s passion can achieve for the wider community and for the generations yet to come. Every sapling he has nurtured, every seed he has sown, is a gift to our landscapes and to the species that depend on them. His example reminds us that biodiversity is not an abstract concept, but something deeply personal, local, and profoundly connected to our daily lives.
This project was born from the desire of the Monaghan Branch of the Irish Wildlife Trust and the Monaghan Biodiversity Office to preserve John’s legacy. The initiative was made possible through generous funding from National Parks and Wildlife Service under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund, with additional support from Monaghan County Council and the Irish Wildlife Trust.
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