Today is National Tree Day so the Tree Council of Ireland, supported by Tetra Pak, is calling on primary schools across the country to get involved and plant a tree.
The theme for this year's campaign is "Be a Force for Nature". The message is to encourage primary school children around the country to become more active in sustainability and climate issues.
Check out these facts on Tree Day and our native forests and woodlands.
- National Tree Day has been in existence for over 20 years sponsored by Tetra Pak
- Only 11% of Ireland has tree coverage - the European average is 40%
- Native Irish trees are forming an increasing part of the mix of trees being planted at approximately 30%.
- Forestry supports over 10,000 jobs in Ireland.
- Half of the woodlands planted are on land that is owned by the state and half are on private land.
This year the native Scots Pine is the tree chosen to be the star. Tree Council President Éanna Ní Lamhna tells us all about this species in the video below.
There are 1,500 Scots Pine saplings available for FREE to individuals and schools, but hurry as the closing date is tomorrow.
To get your tiny tree register here: FREE TREE
There are resources for teachers and students from first to sixth class too, with beautiful worksheets from Éanna Ní Lamhna with illustrations by Christine Warner.
You can download them all HERE
