'The forest that won't forget': Clare land purchased in memory of CervicalCheck victims

The purchase of 16-acres of land in Clare by 221+, the group supporting the women and families impacted by the CervicalCheck debacle, is now complete through a partnership with Hometree, a nature restoration charity. 

This ambitious project is the result of a long term collaboration between a core group of five 221+ members with artists Fiona Whelan and John Conway, in addition to creative engagement with the wider 221+ community.

The collaboration stems from the group's desire to memorialise the losses they have experienced through the CervicalCheck failure.

The choice of an ecologically rich Irish native forest as a living artwork comes from their aspiration to create a ‘physical and metaphorical place of unity, care and resistance’ that will have an eternal legacy. 221+ and Hometree are committed to preserving the site as an untouched, natural native woodland.

The purchase ensures that the lifetime of current and future generations won’t forget the legacy of the brave women and families of 221+.

Core group member Lyn Fenton said, “This project started with a desire: ‘not to forget’, and the choice of a place and a setting that will, literally, live forever, goes further than any memorial ever could. The forest that won’t forget is a glorious site that is rich in both flora and fauna, with stories to tell that are centuries in the making and that will live beyond us all. We can think of no better way to celebrate those who were denied the opportunity to be here to visit a place like this themselves”.

While the purchase of the site is a proud moment for 221+ and all involved, there is now work to do to ensure this beautiful mature woodland can be enjoyed by 221+ members and, in the future, the general public.

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Safe access and basic facilities need to be set up before welcoming any visitors or further artistic projects on the land.

The project’s energy now shifts to fundraising in order to secure these facilities and make the space accessible to members.

To donate to the groups cause, you can go here.

The development of the project was funded by the Arts Council and 221+, with support from the Irish Museum of Modern Art and the National Museum of Ireland.

The project is now actively looking for funding partners and donations to reach the stage where this important woodland and commemorative site can be accessed and appreciated in person.

If you as a potential funder/fundraiser are excited by the prospect of involvement in this project at the intersection of arts, ecology and women’s health and empowerment, please contact the organisers at info@221plus.ie

Donations can also be made through clicking this link here.