National Tree Week 2025 will commence on Sunday, March 9. The annual event is led by the National Tree Council of Ireland, with support from Coillte.

National Tree Week is an annual celebration of the vital role trees, forests, and, woodlands play in building a greener and more sustainable future in Ireland.

The theme of the event this year is 'planting trees, growing together', with the aim of celebrating the environmental and social benefits of planting trees.

Minister Michael Healy-Rae joined Imelda Hurley, Chief Executive of Coillte and Cormac Downey, President of the National Tree Council, to launch National Tree Week 2025.

Minister Healy-Rae said ''I want to commend Coillte and the Tree Council of Ireland on this initiative.

Cormac Downey said: ''This year’s theme, 'planting trees, growing together' is especially important.

''Inviting communities across the nation to come together to appreciate the beauty and crucial importance of Ireland’s trees.''

Since first partnering with the National Tree Council, Coillte has donated nearly 1 million trees to National Tree Week for communities all over Ireland.

A range of free events will be taking place across the country during the week to encourage people of all ages to get involved and learn about the importance of trees and forests.

Community groups and primary schools are encouraged to participate in forest walks and tree planting events to expand their knowledge and explore their local forests.

Coillte will donate 150,000 native tree saplings to schools and community groups nationwide, emphasising the importance of trees as a renewable and sustainable resource.

The National Botanic Gardens will host the annual Augustine Forestry Lecture with a special focus on trees and climate change.

Ahead of national tree week, Coillte launched their second annual nationwide photography competition for primary schools.

The competition aims to encourage students to explore nature and capture snapshots of their favourite trees and outdoor spaces.

Entries were submitted from schools across the country and showcased the creativity of the students that took part.

This year's winners are:

Junior infants, St. Laurence O’Toole’s National School, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow;
Junior and senior infants, Union Hall Mixed National School, Skibbereen, Co. Cork;
Rang a trí, Scoil Naomh Breandán, Annaghdown, Co. Galway;
Senior infants and first class, Scoil Mhuire, Glenties, Co. Donegal.

The winning schools will enjoy a class trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale at Coillte's Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.