Seeds, Soil, and Gaisce: A Year with ISK Transition Students

This is our second year welcoming Transition Year students from The Intermediate School Killorglin (ISK) as part of their Gaisce programme, and once again, they’ve been nothing short of exceptional. From the very start, this group has shown a real willingness to get involved—whatever the task, whatever the weather.

Over the past year, they’ve taken part in every stage of the process. In September, they headed out to collect hawthorn berries from old, established hedgerows, and later gathered acorns in Killarney National Park (with permission), connecting directly with the landscapes these trees come from. Back at the nursery, they rolled up their sleeves to tackle the less glamorous but equally important jobs—like cleaning the seemingly endless supply of crab apples and preparing seeds for propagation.

There’s never a shortage of work in a tree nursery, and the students have experienced it all. From planting young saplings and building out growing beds, to the more physically demanding tasks like shifting compost from tonne bags into outdoor beds, they’ve approached everything with energy and good humour. Not once have we heard a complaint—only curiosity, questions, and a genuine interest in learning.

What stands out most is their enthusiasm for nature. Watching them engage with the process—from seed collection to planting—reminds us just how important it is to create these opportunities. It’s not just about growing trees; it’s about growing understanding, respect, and a lasting connection to the natural world.