IKEA has announced a new partnership with BirdWatch Ireland to support the protection of wild birds and their habitats at a time of growing concern for the country’s avian biodiversity.

The collaboration will see €1 donated to BirdWatch Ireland from every sale of IKEA soft toys, including those in its new SANDLÖPARE children’s range, between October 13th and November 30th, 2025.

The partnership comes as the latest Birds of Conservation Concern in Ireland assessment shows that 63 per cent of bird species are now on the Red or Amber list, meaning they are at risk of extinction.

Many of these species are migratory, connecting Ireland to ecosystems across Africa. Birds such as the Swallow, Swift and Corncrake travel thousands of kilometres each year between Ireland and the African savannah. Habitat loss and climate change are putting these species under severe pressure, both in Ireland and in their wintering grounds.

BirdWatch Ireland, the country’s largest independent conservation organisation, said the funding will support vital conservation projects including habitat restoration, bird monitoring and species protection. The charity has recorded major successes in recent years, including the Roseate Tern colony on Rockabill Island, which is now the largest in Europe, and the Kilcoole Little Tern Project, which achieved record breeding numbers last year.

Dr Andrew Kelly, chief executive of BirdWatch Ireland, said the partnership “will play a significant part in furthering our work as a conservation charity” and that “our actions here in Ireland have global implications, especially for our migratory birds”.

Hiliary Jenkins, sustainability business partner at IKEA UK and Ireland, said the company aims to “help protect the incredible migratory birds that connect Ireland to these vital ecosystems” and that all SANDLÖPARE toys are made from 100 per cent recycled materials, reflecting a commitment to sustainability.

Funds raised through the campaign will go directly to BirdWatch Ireland’s conservation and research work. Further information is available at ikea.ie and birdwatchireland.ie.