A primary school in Finglas has become the latest school to join in on a global tree-planting initiative.
Children from third- to sixth-class in St Malachy’s School held ‘action’ days with a Green theme throughout the St Patrick’s Festival.
Each child in the school gave a dig-out to help to complete the planting of 1,000 oak, alder, birch, holly and maple trees in Tolka Valley Park.
The planting party, which took place last week, was preceded by a presentation by Orla Farrell from Easy Treesie to the staff of St Malachy’s School and the Green Schools’ committee.
The school intends to offset the carbon it uses for energy by planting these local trees and so win their next International Green Flag.
Former councillor and teacher Orla said in her presentation: “The native Irish trees chosen here by Dublin City Council will help improve the local amenity, combat global warming and increase biodiversity in the area.
“We are delighted to be affording these children the chance to be stewards of their own local environment.”
The 1,000 saplings were donated by Coillte to the school and supplemented by suitable native acers from the Dublin City Council stock.
The trees were selected to make provision for Dublin’s future climate and to ensure resilience in the new woodland.
Dublin City Council’s Tolka Valley Park and Eco-golf course is under ecological management.
Each of the children received a code to return once the golf club opens officially after St Patrick’s festival when they can claim a free game of golf – with an adult – on the par-3 course.
The Easy Treesie team were joined by many local volunteers including parents and grandparents of the school children.
Further information on the initiative can be found at www.easyTreesie.com.
