Interwoven with Lex’s own biographical story, Remembrance Corridors/Conaraí Cuimhneacháin is a proposed artist-led wildlife corridor link-up through the heart of Ireland via the River Shannon, its tributaries, and out into the Atlantic, as a kelp forest corridor around the whole of the island. It will start from Fionnlocha Wild Nature Sanctuary, and spread out from there, as the river and lake on the land feed into the Shannon, Ireland’s longest river (224miles). This visionary, long-term project would have a huge impact on the environmental crisis we find ourselves in.

We have already started the oak tree nursery with over 500 children and adults planting acorns in Autumn 2025. The acorns came from St. John’s Wood, Lecarrow, one of the most ancient oak woods in Ireland. We have only 2% cover of native woodland left. A single mature oak tree can live over 1000 years and can support over 2300 species over its lifetime making one of the most important trees for biodiversity.

The project has an entwined connection of people, culture and wildlife regeneration at its core. My own personal history strongly draws me to this as I have experienced first hand how silence isolates and creates suffering, and how we can create flourishing community by turning towards acknowledging, grieving and growing. By remembering and planting together, we can bring healing and nature restoration to the land and its people, allowing our own hearts to flourish in unison with the heartland of Ireland, the River Shannon.

Our tears shed together will water the acorns we plant, which will in turn grow into mighty oaks. We sow, grow and celebrate as we go, turning our grieving into flourishing forests and returning Ireland’s oak tree corridors.

Ireland has a deeply painful history of famine, religious oppression and institutional abuse. It is where England first practiced colonialism. Many suffered greatly, and the generational scars last.

The Remembrance Corridors/Conaraí Cuimhneacháin project aims to acknowledge and highlight this, working with various artists, ecologists, grief workers and communities along the proposed routes. For example, in Ballinasloe, we will research and work with ex-patients, staff and local community from the infamous Connacht lunatic asylum (St Brigid’s Hospital). Built for 840 people, numbers exceeded 2,000 inmates by 1951. Through personal stories, shared grief, creative expression and community action, we will leave a legacy of thriving, regenerated nature for seven generations and more to come.

For more information or to get involved in this project please contact Herby or Lex at fionnlocha@gmail.com