IKEA has today announced a new partnership with BirdWatch Ireland, the largest independent conservation organisation and charity dedicated to protecting wild birds and their habitats in Ireland. This collaboration aims to support BirdWatch Ireland’s vital work in conserving Ireland’s bird populations, many of which undertake incredible migratory journeys to distant lands, including the African savannah.
To support BirdWatch Ireland’s crucial work, and to celebrate the launch of the enchanting SANDLÖPARE children’s collection, IKEA will donate €1 from every sale of their soft toys, including those from the new SANDLÖPARE range, to the charity from October 13th to November 30th 2025. Inspired by the adventurous African savannah, the SANDLÖPARE collection encourages imaginative play and brings families together, while also fostering an appreciation for the natural world. Crucially, all SANDLÖPARE soft toys are made from 100% recycled materials , including the filling, skins, threads, and reinforcements, reflecting IKEA’s commitment to sustainable production.
IKEA’s new SANDLÖPARE soft toy collection is made from 100% recycled materials
The partnership comes at a critical time for Ireland’s avian biodiversity. According to the latest Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland (BoCCI4) assessment, a shocking 63% of Ireland’s bird species are now on either the Red or Amber list, indicating they are at risk of extinction.
Many of these at-risk species are migratory, connecting Ireland to ecosystems across the globe. Birds like the Swallow, Swift and Corncrake embark on journeys to and from the African continent, including the very savannahs that inspired IKEA’s new SANDLÖPARE children’s collection. These birds face immense challenges from habitat loss and climate change both in Ireland and in their wintering grounds, highlighting the interconnectedness of global ecosystems. BirdWatch Ireland emphasises that by its work to conserve birds, it also “conserves biodiversity and thereby improves the quality of people’s lives”.
Corncrake, one of the species which will benefit from the partnership between IKEA and BirdWatch Ireland
(Photo: Colum Clarke)
“At IKEA, we believe in creating a better everyday life for the many people, and that includes a healthy planet for all living things,” says Hiliary Jenkins, Sustainability Business Partner IKEA UK & Ireland. “Through this partnership with BirdWatch Ireland, we can directly contribute to protecting the incredible migratory birds that connect Ireland to these vital ecosystems. We’re proud to support its scientific work and conservation projects, helping to safeguard the future of Ireland’s birds, 63% of which are currently at risk. The fact that these playful soft toys are also made entirely from recycled materials underscores our dedication to circularity and reducing our environmental footprint.”
BirdWatch Ireland’s conservation projects are diverse and impactful, with notable successes including the Roseate Tern colony on Rockabill Island, which has grown to over 1,776 pairs, making it the largest breeding colony for this species, which is the rarest breeding seabird in Europe, as well as the the Kilcoole Little Tern Project, which achieved its highest number of breeding birds ever, establishing the largest colony of this species in Ireland or the UK. Last year, it ran a highly successful Barn Owl Nest Box Scheme, which saw 177 broods ringed – the most in a single year!
The funds raised through this partnership will be crucial in supporting these initiatives and others, including protecting and monitoring breeding waders, conserving nesting seabirds, and safeguarding birds of prey.
“BirdWatch Ireland is thrilled to be partnering IKEA,” says Dr. Andrew Kelly, CEO of BirdWatch Ireland. “The support for our work that IKEA is so kindly providing means a great deal to us and will play a significant part in furthering our work as a conservation charity. This partnership is a powerful reminder that our actions here in Ireland have global implications, especially for our migratory birds. The support from IKEA and its customers will enable us to intensify our efforts and help to ensure a future where birds and biodiversity can flourish.”
To join IKEA and BirdWatch Ireland in supporting the conservation of Ireland’s birds, purchase any soft toy, including those from the SANDLÖPARE range, between October 13th to November 30th, 2025. Together, we can help ensure that Ireland’s skies remain vibrant with the song and flight of our precious birdlife.
To further celebrate the SANDLÖPARE collection and partnership, IKEA Ballymun will host exciting in-store activities. From Monday, October 27th to Friday, October 30th, families can enjoy ‘Safari Adventures with SANDLÖPARE,’ a showroom trail with a chance to win a fun hamper. During this time, an ‘Explorer Dress-Up Station’ will be available near the SANDLÖPARE area, complete with a mini jeep for photos, alongside ‘How Do You Measure Up…?’ animal height charts. Additionally, on Wednesday, October 29th, from 10am to 3:30pm, children can join ‘Mini Park Rangers’ for games and stories, promising a truly immersive experience.
To find out more, visit the IKEA website.
