National Tree Week 5th-11th March Trees for Energy

Seachtain Naisuinta na gCrann 2007
National Tree Week 2007

Crainn le haghaidh fuinnimh
Trees for Energy

Tree Week is sponsored by Coillte and O2

National Tree Week 2007 which runs from the 4^th -10th March is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland. National Tree Week, jointly sponsored by Coillte and O2, is in its 23rd year and this years theme, Trees for energy, aims to highlight the importance of trees in everyday life.

There are over 300 events organised across the country as part of National Tree Week, including forest walks, seminars and talks, workshops, tree planting ceremonies and exhibitions. All events organised by sponsors are free of charge and open to all members of the public. In addition, over 15,000 trees, supplied by Coillte, will be distributed to schools and community groups by every local authority in the country. On Monday 5^th March Mayor Eamonn Maloney on behalf of the members of South Dublin County Council will attend a tree planting ceremony in Scoil Iosa, Tymon North Tallaght at 11am.Free events guides are available from O2 outlets and Coillte offices.

The advantages of planting more trees are not merely confined to the survival of ecosystems or averting the ravages of severe weather. The beauty of our trees and woodlands in their own right has given much inspiration to writers, artists and many others over the years. Equally, forests have enormous recreational value as places to enjoy walks, nature trails or quite literally "to get away from it all.

The aim of National Tree Week is to raise awareness about trees and encourage local communities to participate in the events which will take place around the country during the week. Trees are an essential part of our environment and by doing something as simple as planting a tree, everyone can play his or her part in helping the environment. Id like to thank everybody who has worked hard on the various events coming up in the week ahead and I would ask everyone to either take part in a local event or take five minutes during National Tree Week to contemplate the important role that trees play in our lives.

Trees are recognised as one of the most essential parts of our environment for the role they play in cleaning air, preventing the build-up of greenhouse gases, providing renewable energy and materials for building, furniture and all the wooden items that form part of everyday life. In addition trees play an essential role in providing habitats for thousands of plants and animals and stabilising soil as well as being a major contributor to the economy. With 14,000 farmers now having a forestry enterprise, the forestry industry is currently worth over 550m per annum, in Ireland and provides jobs for over 10,000 people, mainly in rural Ireland.

SOME FACTS ABOUT TREES IN IRELAND

Every year, there are almost 8 million visits by Irish residents to Irish forests.

One third of our foreign visitors visit a forest park during their stay here.

Trees feature prominently in the naming of counties, towns, villages and townlands throughout Ireland. The most prominent are: oak (Durrow, Coolderry, Dunderry); yew (Terenure, Newry, Youghal); alder (Ferns); and birch (Kilbehenny).

The tallest native tree in Ireland is an ash near Clonmel, Co Tipperary. This tree is 40 metres tall.

Most trees outlive humans. The oldest tree in Ireland? Well, this is debatable, but a yew tree in Co. Wexford is said to be over 1,000 years. Of course, the Brian Boru Oak in Co Clare is also said to be over 1,000 years.