This Earth Day, Tobias Pedersen, Head Groundskeeper shares what grounds him, both literally and figuratively, as he tends to the land at Ballymaloe House Hotel and inspires others to do the same.
"What inspires me to keep doing what I do is the small but powerful changes I can make in my own little patch, and the joy of seeing nature respond. By focusing on what I can influence, I’ve learned that even the smallest actions matter, and if everyone did the same, the collective impact would be immense. This is what drives me to share my knowledge with others. If just one person on my habitat and biodiversity tour takes something away and puts it into practice, that’s a positive change for the better.
My role as head groundskeeper at Ballymaloe House allows me to be immersed in nature every day - listening to birdsong, the gentle flow of the river, the wind rustling through the trees, dragonflies skimming the pond, bees drinking deeply from blossoms, tadpoles feeding in the pool, and sometimes a kingfisher zips past in a flash of colour. These moments ground me and remind me why this work matters.
On Mondays and Thursdays, I host a guided tour for our guests, and they always leave me feeling uplifted. There’s a genuine interest in learning about nature. What gives me hope is knowing that there are so many nature-based solutions to the climate crisis letting hedgerows grow wild, allowing space along rivers and streams to become wildlife corridors, planting diverse native forests, rewilding unproductive land and watching life return. Even introducing beavers to Ireland could have a profoundly positive effect on habitats and biodiversity.
It would be valuable to create systems that assess biodiversity and soil health on farms, ensuring farmers are fairly rewarded for positive environmental practices. I believe people would gladly pay more for food grown on thriving, biodiverse farms that produce nutrient-rich food. It’s a win-win.
And we mustn’t forget the oceans - the Earth’s blue machine. They regulate our climate, absorb CO₂, store carbon, and produce oxygen. Though they are in a fragile state, the oceans respond quickly when given the chance to recover. There are many inspiring projects underway, but we need more. If we give just a little back to nature, her response is immense. If we give nothing, she gives nothing in return.
I have four wonderful grandchildren, and I remain hopeful for their future - but only if we embrace nature-based solutions and act with urgency and care."
