This Thursday we celebrate National Tree Day, and schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings and access ready-to-use classroom resources, nature activities, and facts about trees.
Primary schools across Ireland can plant one of these trees on the day and all week too. Cathal from news2day did a special report to find out more - press play up top to watch it now.
This year's theme of 'Building a better future’ links classroom learning with real-world forestry and explains how trees provide us with clean air, shelter for wildlife, and the timber that is used to build homes, furniture, tools, and boats for generations.
Teacher can get all the free resources and claim their tree at the official website - www.treeday.ie.
Pic: Marc O'Sullivan.
The theme also highlights how fast-growing trees, capture at least three times more carbon over 35 years than slower-growing species, and that using Irish-grown timber in homes and furniture keeps that carbon locked away. By getting outdoors to plant trees and explore Ireland’s unique biodiversity, primary school children can take a simple, hands-on action that benefits their local area.
Glennon Brothers National Tree Day is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland designed to encourage primary schools to plant and learn about the importance of trees.
This year, National Tree Day welcomes a new partner in Glennon Brothers. Established in 1913, this third-generation family business is a leading supplier of home-grown timber to the construction and home-improvement sectors in Ireland.
Claim your free sapling at www.treeday.ie
Did you know?
- Despite the name, the Scots Pine (Latin name: Pinus sylvestris, Irish name: An Giúis) is native to Ireland.
- Ireland has a forest cover of 12% versus a European average of 38%.
- The contribution of the Forestry sector in Ireland is estimated at €2.1 billion.
- Visits to Irish forests are estimated to be over 29 million per annum.
- 25% of houses being built in Ireland are timber frame, this compares to 80% in Scotland.
- Ireland needs to plant more trees, specifically conifers, to meet government climate change targets and avoid European fines.
About the Tree Council of Ireland
The Tree Council of Ireland is the national umbrella organisation for groups dedicated to tree planting, establishment, management and conservation. Its mission is "Fostering a Tree Culture in Ireland through Action & Awareness."
Through events, campaigns, educational resources and public engagement, the Tree Council works to promote the planting, care and enjoyment of trees, inspiring people to value and protect Ireland's trees for future generations.
