National Tree Week is currently underway with events across the country raising awareness of the importance of planting more trees.
Organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and supported by Coillte, the annual event seeks to inspire people to plant and care for trees.
This year’s theme, ‘Planting Trees for a Greener Future’, highlights the importance of planting more trees as a crucial component of addressing biodiversity challenges and fighting climate change.
Since its inception in 1985, National Tree Week has seen almost one million trees being planted across Ireland.
Coillte will again mark Tree Week by donating 150,000 tree saplings to local community groups and by hosting local events across the country
National Tree Week
This year’s event kicked off yesterday (Sunday, March 3) with a ceremonial tree planting at Heritage House, Abbeyleix, Co. Laois by members of the National Tree Council, Coillte and special guest, science communicator and local resident, Dr. Niamh Shaw.
There is a packed schedule of activities running until next Sunday, (March 10), from group forest walks and tree-planting events to local workshops and forestry talks.
A series of expert-led webinars, including the annual Augustine Henry Forestry Lecture on Urban Forestry in Ireland at the National Botanic Gardens, will provide insights and perspectives from experts on the critical role of trees in promoting a greener, more sustainable future.
Speaking at the launch of National Tree Week 2024, Cormac Downey, president of the Tree Council of Ireland said:
“National Tree Week is a brilliant way to bring people together to celebrate the importance of trees, forests and woodlands.
“Trees are vital when it comes to biodiversity, and we encourage everyone to get out there and get involved in the activities that are taking place in their locality.”
Competition
Ahead of this year’s National Tree Week, Coillte launched a tree-inspired photography competition for all primary school children and their teachers.
They were asked to take a picture of their favourite tree or a favourite outdoor nature space.
The competition was aimed at encouraging students to engage with nature and understand the importance of trees to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Coillte received hundreds of entries from across the country and the four winning schools who will each receive a class trip to ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’ at Coillte’s Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow are:
- 6th Class at Corofin National School, Corofin, Co. Clare;
- Kilbannon National School, Tuam Co. Galway;
- 3rd Class at St Helen’s Senior National School, Portmarnock, Co. Dublin;
- 3rd Class at All Saints’ National School, Castleblayney, Co. Monaghan.