Trees play a huge role in all of our lives, they look fantastic in our gardens, towns and villages and in the countryside and they are home to millions of different species but they also have a huge role to play in protecting the balance of nature which is currently under attack like never before.
This coming Saturday, 12th November, trees will be the topic of a special event being organised by Sonairte, the National Ecology Centre in Laytown at which they will be taking an in depth look at Ireland’s need to focus on our native trees and the everyday importance they play in our lives.
On the day there will be a presentation by renowned expert Gerard Clarke who spent many years with CRANN, Ireland’s leading voluntary tree organisation, dedicated to the promotion and protection of our trees, hedgerows and woodlands.
Topics such as Ireland’s tree biodiversity, our native species, how trees can be wildlife corridors and improving Irelands tree canopy will be covered, as well as the importance of trees in addressing the climate crisis and biodiversity crisis.
.jpg)
After the presentation there will be a walk through Sonairte’s nature trail which will be a chance to look at the various species of trees that are thriving in this environment and how tree projects can be established by Tidy Towns committees, estate management committees, Pride of Place, schools, businesses and even your back garden.
There will also be a practical demonstration from Gerard Clarke on the planting of saplings and establishing them in areas where they will thrive and bring the greatest impact to biodiversity.
This workshop is aimed at community leaders and members of the general public who after this event will have the skills to grow their own trees from seeds to saplings and be able to bring new tree life to their areas with an expert touch.
This event is part of Sonairte’s Biodiversity Action plan for East Meath “From the Nanny to the Boyne” the main function of which is to provide a framework and series of actions to conserve, enhance and raise awareness of the rich biodiversity, and to propose strategies and initiatives to protect and support it.
A specific focus of these actions is enhancing “wildlife corridors” to link existing pockets of biodiversity, thereby providing an enlarged and functional habitat.
Pictured at the at the launch of the Sonairte Biodiversity Action Plan “Our biodiversity – from the Nanny to the Boyne” are (from left): Louise McElwain and Billy Flynn of Flynn Furney Ecology, Cllr Elaine McGinty, Kim Reilly Chair of Sonairte Board, and TDs Fergus O’Dowd and Ged Nash.
In September 2022, we gratefully received funding via Meath Country Council under the Local Biodiversity Action Fund. As part of this, Sonairte will build on the BAP and create a native tree nursery.
From this event you will be able to:
- Help improve the environment for those who live in your area by establishing new biodiversity habitats.
- Help to protect our natural heritage by helping to restore native Irish trees
- Have a positive impact on the public and school children who can be involved in helping save Irelands native trees
Free tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.
Tickets are free please book on Eventbrite
Or see the Sonairte website Courses and Events page.
For further details please email amaia@sonairte.ie
