Cork climate activist Eoghan Daltun to feature in new television series 

A new two-part television series exploring the story of a West Cork rainforest on the edges of the Beara Peninsula will air this weekend.

The series, entitled An Irish Atlantic Rainforest, tells the story of Eoghan Daltun, who created the tree canopy by rewilding an old farm in West Cork.

Based on the bestselling book of the same name, the documentary series will show the work of Mr Daltun, a leading climate activist who is trying save native Irish oak forests in the face of climate change.

In 2009, Mr Daltun, who is also a sculptor, abandoned city life for a derelict farm on the Beara Peninsula.

Mr Daltun said the land was ecologically damaged, over-grazed, and choking with invasive species.

Due to this, Mr Daltun decided to step back and let nature heal itself, leading to the rainforest-style landscape that it is today.

Director Gary Lennon of Gambit Pictures said he was sitting outside a bookstore, grabbing a coffee and reading the paper, when he came across a review of Mr Daltun’s book.

“It sounded fantastic, so I went inside and bought it. That night I read it in one sitting. I was so impressed with Eoghan’s story and life,” Mr Lennon said.

Positive an inspiring

“Unlike other books and films in this universe, it was positive and inspiring.

“It showed that we as individuals can make a difference.

“When filming I attempted to give the audience the same feeling I felt every time I entered the rainforest.

“I hope the cinematography, music and sound give a sense of the rainforest.

“It is a place of awesome beauty, unlike anywhere I have seen in Ireland. Hopefully it inspires many more rainforests in Ireland to burst into life again.”

The series will begin airing on RTÉ One and the RTÉ Player at 6.30pm this evening, Sunday, August 23.

The project was co-funded by Coimisiún na Meán through the sound and vision scheme and through RTÉ’s joint production programme with ARTÉ.

It was made with the support of University College Cork and was produced with the support of incentives for the Irish Film Industry provided by the Government.