National Tree Week, Ireland’s largest annual tree celebration, kicks off on Sunday 19th March in the National Botanic Gardens of Ireland, marking the start of a week-long series of events dedicated to celebrating and raising awareness of the importance of trees to the environment.
Organised by The Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Coillte, National Tree Week has been running for over 35 years, with this year’s theme of ‘Biodiversity Begins With Trees,’ designed to inspire people to plant and care for trees and to highlight the many benefits they provide to our environment and local communities.
Running from Sunday 19th March – Sunday 26th March, National Tree Week will see a packed schedule of activities, from eco art workshops and biodiversity talks, to group forest walks and tree-planting, taking place right across the country, with Coillte donating 30,000 native tree saplings to be distributed for planting by local community groups.
Launching National Tree Week 2023, Minister for State, Pippa Hackett said: “I am so pleased to support the launch of Tree Week, an incredibly worthy and fun tradition that communities across the country have grown to enjoy. We know that planting trees is one of the most effective methods of tackling climate change and contributes to improved biodiversity, water quality and wellbeing. I commend The Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte for supporting the Government’s mission to plant trees and inspiring people throughout our island to care for our woodlands.’
Highlighting the importance of Tree Week, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, Eanna Ní Lamhna said: “As we launch National Tree Week with the theme of ‘Biodiversity Begins with Trees,’ let us remember that trees are not just beautiful and essential to our environment, but they have the biggest role to play in slowing down biodiversity loss. It is our responsibility to plant and protect trees, not only for ourselves but for future generations.’
A series of expert-led webinars will also be running across the week with each session providing valuable insights and perspectives from industry leaders on the critical role of trees for the development of sustainable communities – supporting Irish biodiversity, by providing food, shelter, and nesting materials for many species.
Since its inception in 1985, National Tree Week has been responsible for planting half a million trees in Ireland. To facilitate the supply, distribution and planting of trees, Coillte works hand in hand with the Tree Council of Ireland and supplies trees to county councils and communities nationwide.
Speaking about Coillte’s role in National Tree Week, Coillte CEO, Imelda Hurley, said: “National Tree Week gives people the opportunity to learn more about the importance of trees and their vital contribution to Ireland’s climate and biodiversity agendas and Coillte is delighted to continue to support this important initiative. We’d encourage people to check out the list of events happening in their communities throughout the week and to get involved in some tree-based fun for all ages.”
Community groups planning events in their local area can register with the Tree Council with those interested in obtaining oak, birch, alder, or rowan saplings for their own local planting initiatives invited to contact their local County Council for further information.
To find out what’s happening in your local areas this National Tree Week visit www.treecouncil.ie.
Running from Sunday 19th – 26th March
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