National Tree Week 2012 will be celebrated across Ireland, including County Clare, from March 4th to 12th.
Clare County Council, in partnership with Clare Local Development Company (CLDC), will host a series of events at the West Clare Resource Centre in Miltown Malbay on Wednesday 7th March from 10 AM, while a revised version of the hugely successful 2007 publication ‘Buds of the Banner – A Guide to Growing Native Trees and Shrubs in County Clare’ also will be launched.
National Tree Week is an annual, week-long festival celebrating all positive aspects of trees in our lives and environment and is organised by the Tree Council of Ireland.
One of the main features of this year’s festival is the distribution of over 15,000 trees, sponsored by Coillte, and distributed by local authorities throughout the country to local community groups and schools for planting. The theme of National Tree Week 2012 is ‘Trees, Our Past, Our Present and Our Future’.
Mayor of Clare Councillor Pat Hayes urged members of the public to participate in next week’s events in Miltown Malbay.
Commenting on the important of National Tree Week, Mayor Hayes stated: “Trees play many important roles in our environment, for as long as we have inhabited the planet, we have depended on trees for food, medicine, shelter and materials. Trees are also fun and provide wonderful recreational opportunities for both young and old and have a proven positive impact on both physical and mental well-being. From the moment they are planted, trees grow in importance, visibility and value as the years pass, while improving our quality of life in countless ways.”
Events scheduled to take place at West Clare Resource Centre next Wednesday include workshops on how to get involved in Tidy Towns, tree planting and nature walks, as well as information sessions on biodiversity, how to prepare raised beds, home composting, uses of common herbs in medicines and food, and how to grow food all year round in a poly-tunnel.
“Early booking is advisable as workshop places are limited”, explained Betty Devanny, Administrative Officer, Clare County Council.
Ms. Devanny added: “National Tree Week is an ideal time to launch the revised edition of the ‘Buds of the Banner’ publication, especially following the winters of 2009 and 2010 during which many of our trees and hedgerows were damaged by frost and cold weather. I wish to acknowledge the assistance of Clare Local Development Company in relation to this useful publication.”
Speaking ahead of the official launch of “Buds of the Banner”, Dr. Janice Fuller, Consultant Ecologist said “The aim of ‘Buds of the Banner’ is to inspire the people of Clare to plant native trees and shrubs because they make a beautiful addition to gardens, public green spaces, urban and rural landscapes, and because of their enormous benefits for wildlife and the environment.”
“Many of our native trees and shrubs are highly attractive and ideal for planting in gardens, big and small. This guide provides practical advice and information on what, when and how to plant native trees and shrubs,” concluded Dr. Fuller.
Workshop booking details are available from www.clarecoco.ie or www.cldc.ie. Alternatively, contact the Environment Section of Clare County Council on 065-6846331/6846420.
For further information on National Tree Week visit www.treecouncil.ie.
