National Tree Week: How can you get involved?

This year, National Tree Week (organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte) takes place from Sunday 20th to Saturday 26th of March. Here at Xplore, we want to shine a light on all of the fantastic tree planting initiatives taking place across the country, and share a little bit about why they're so important. 

Land of the Forest People

As of 2020, Ireland has the third-lowest tree cover in Europe. For a country that was once almost entirely covered by forests — and one that is still strongly associated with greenness and rural spaces — it's strange that there are so few surviving native woodlands.

We know that the decline began thousands of years ago when Neolithic farmers settled in Ireland. They felled trees to build dwellings, to create fires for warmth, and to clear land for agriculture. Over time, blanket bog replaced the areas where wildlife and woodlands once thrived. 

By the 1600s, tree cover in Ireland stood at just 2.5%. But a 2020 Teagasc report shows that Ireland has made significant progress in the past 350 years. Our tree cover has increased from 2.5% to 11%, with most of this change happening in the last 50 years.

Ireland's New Forests

The Irish government has pledged to plant 440 million trees by 2040. But critics are calling for native trees (such as oak, hazel, and ash) to replace the large-scale industrial planting of Sitka and other spruce trees.

Sitka flourishes in the Irish climate; it matures quickly and is more effective at absorbing carbon from the atmosphere. However, some environmentalists argue that these forests lack biodiversity and create 'dead zones' in our townlands. 

Why does all of this matter? Why do events like National Tree Week need our support?

Because tree planting is considered one of the fastest ways of reducing the amount of carbon in our atmosphere. In the midst of a climate emergency, tree planting is one of the easiest ways that ordinary people can make a difference. 

How can you get involved?

Check out the National Tree Week programme of events to find a tree planting event near you! Many of these events involve the planting of native Irish trees. 

There are a few other things you can do to celebrate National Tree Week:

Hometree.ie and Catchmycarbon.ie are Irish-run organisations that can plant trees on your behalf.

Hometree is an Irish charitable organisation that are working to restore Ireland's native woodlands through fundraising from businesses and individuals. With Hometree, you can 'Pledge a Tree' for €10, which will be planted in West Clare. 

With Catch My Carbon, you can sponsor the planting of one tree for as little as €4.90, or commit to a monthly subscription.

You can also gift a tree to a loved one with the Tree Council of Ireland. Or if you've got a big enough garden, now is also a good time to plant some roots.

Check out the Hikes & Trails section of the Xplore Local app to find a scenic woodland trail near you.