Maria Young

Maria Young coordinates Green Spaces for Health, a Healthy Ireland funded community-led initiative that brings together nature, biodiversity and wellbeing across Cork. Her work spans community food growing, habitat creation and restoration, and promoting a more nature-friendly city. She leads the development of a city-wide tree nursery network in schools and community institutions, supports the planting of trees and public orchards, and champions projects that create space for both migratory and native wildlife, including bird habitats and urban ponds.

Passionate about reconnecting people with the natural world, Maria works at the intersection of environmental stewardship, community engagement and public health. She is a founding member of Togher Community Garden, the Cork River Alliance, a member of the Cork Food Policy Council, and co-runs the Cork Biodiversity Hub, helping to foster collaboration and action for a greener, healthier and more biodiverse city.