Carlow Local Authorities are committed to the provision of
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Phone: 059 9170300
National Tree Week 2011
Monday, 28th February, 2011 is the closing date for completed applications.
National Tree Week takes place from 6-12 March 2011. The theme is ' The Year of the Forest – Celebrating Forests for People ', in keeping with the United Nations designation of 2011 as ' The International Year of Forests '. During National Tree Week, we are asking people to celebrate trees and forests as an integral part of their lives and their communities.
Background
The aim of National Tree Week is to raise awareness about trees and encourage local communities and local authorities to participate in over 300 events which will take place around the Country during the week.
Events are organised all over the Country which include forest walks, tree planting ceremonies, workshops, talks, competitions and even tree plantathons. Despite the great advances in the past 100 years Ireland remains one of the least wooded countries in Europe with only 10% of our land planted with trees compared to the European average of 36%. Ireland has agreed a target to increase our forest cover to 17% by 2035. This initiative will provide thousands of new jobs build our forestry industry and help improve our environment. By doing something as simple as planting a tree, everyone can play his or her part in helping the environment. By thinking locally, we can act globally.
Carlow County Council in conjunction with the Tree Council of Ireland, and Coillte will have free native tree saplings for distribution to all applicants in the current year.
National Tree Week 2010
National Tree Week took place from the 7th to 13th March. The theme was Twenty Ten – Plant Again. We thank the many, many people who make a renewed effort to go out and plant more trees during National Tree week.
Tree Planting
Rathanna Church Planting
Councillor Michael Doran, Cathaoirleach of Carlow County Council, planted an Ash Tree in the grounds of Rathanna Church to mark National Tree Week 2010. He was watched by Deputy Mary White T.D. and fellow councillors William Quinn and Thomas Kinsella as well as members of the Rathanna community.
The ash is one of Ireland's native broad leaf trees which can live for many decades. Its wood is highly valued for camans ( hurleys for our native games of Camogie and Hurling ), Councillor Doran told the community.
Borris Vocational School Planting
The Cathaoirleach later planted a Chestnut tree in Borris Vocational School with help from students, fellow Councillors William Quinn and Thomas Kinsella, School Principal Mr. Kieran Lucas and Environmental Patrol Office James Lakes.
Horse Chestnut trees can grow up to 25 metres tall and can take up to 80 years to mature. The tree produces nuts ( conkers ) that are poisonous. Most commonly, the nuts are used for the popular children's game Conkers, Councillor Doran told the students.
Ballon National School Planting
Councillor Michael Doran, also planted a Chestnut tree in Ballon National School watched by School Principal Mr. Noel Heffernan, fellow Councillors Charlie Murphy and John Murphy and Environmental Patrol Office James Lakes and assisted by pupils of the school.
I hope that when you’re bringing your own children to this school in 20 years time you’ll be able to point to this growing chestnut tree you planted here today Councillor Doran told the pupils. The chestnut is a tall deciduous tree. It looses its leaves in Winter. The buds are protected by gum covered scales in winter, Councillor Doran said.
School Principal, Mr. Noel Heffernan, confirmed that this was the first Chestnut tree in the Ballon National School grounds.
National Tree Council of Ireland
The Tree Council of Ireland is a voluntary non-governmental organisation which was formed in 1985, to promote the planting, care and conservation of trees in both urban and rural areas. It is the umbrella body linking together 50 organisations connected by their appreciation of trees, and it aims to foster a tree and wood culture among Irish people.