The aims of National Tree Week are to promote the planting of trees, to create an awareness about the heritage of trees and woodlands and to recognise the significance of trees and forests as a living link to our past, as an enjoyable, life-enhancing asset in the present, and as a wise investment in our future.
The Official Opening of National Tree Week in South Dublin County Council will by held in Griffeen Valley Park beside the Sports centre in Lucan. The Mayor, Councillor Catriona Jones, will plant a tree in Griffeen Valley Park with the children from Scoil Esker Riada, Lucan.
The Parks Department has prepared a programme of planting events in schools around the county. The events are designed to be fun and informative with the children involved in planting the trees with Council staff on hand to demonstrate how to plant trees correctly and to help the children learn how to identify the different types of trees being planted.
Despite significant planting programmes in recent years, Ireland remains one of the least wooded countries in Europe. Tree in cities, gardens, parks and woodlands are important carbon sinks and play a significant role in combating climate change.
National Tree Week 2012 is a chance for everyone to do something positive for their local landscape.
Why plant more trees?
- Forests absorb carbon dioxide and produce oxygen
- The non timber benefits of forestry include bio-diversity, carbon sequestration, wood biomass energy and recreation.
- Ireland’s forests provide an opportunity to conserve bio-diversity at local and national level.
- Ireland’s forests provide a potential for wood to displace fossil fuels.
- Irish forests provide valuable areas for exercise and recreation.
- Trekking through Irish forests is an important aspect of ‘Walking Tourism’.
- Wood is uniquely renewable among building material.
- Even if you have very little space to plant, by doing something as simple as planting one tree, you can play your part in helping the environment.
By thinking locally, we can act globally!
National Tree Week is sponsored by Coillte and The Department Of Agriculture Food and the Marine.
