Did you know that there are ancient woodlands in Ireland? Our friends at Midlands Science, with the help of Dr Dan Nickström, invite us all to tag along as we visit one in Westmeath.
Press play up top to see this woodland, which is being managed for nature, not timber and is part of an exciting project by the Native Woodland Trust.
Remember bíonn gach tús lag - tiny acorns grow into mighty oaks!!
Trees are the best!
Trees are extremely important for lots of reasons. They are vital in maintaining a natural balance in our environment as they are able to remove excess carbon dioxide (CO2) from our atmosphere and convert it into oxygen (O2) through a process called photosynthesis.
They take in CO2 and water and with suitable light conditions, they produce glucose, and oxygen which is released into the atmosphere. This means trees play a key role in ensuring that our atmosphere remains oxygen-rich, which is vital for life on earth.
Global warming is strongly linked to increasing levels of CO2. When CO2 builds up in the atmosphere it creates a 'greenhouse effect’. This is where CO2 traps heat from the sun, creating a warmer climate and right now the main driver for increasing CO2 is human activity.
As trees specialise in removing excess CO2 from our atmosphere there has never been better time to plant more trees and protect the trees we have already.
Trees provide crucial habitats for wildlife with nesting birds, roosting bats and small mammals making homes in root systems, it’s a whole other world in the woods.
More from Midlands Science on RTÉ Learn
Click here to find out about the Wonders of the Body.
And learn about history of maths and more here!
There are lots more great videos from the Science At Home Series HERE!
