National Tree Week 2025 will officially kick-off this Sunday, 9th March, bringing a week-long programme of exciting events to many communities nationwide.
Led by the National Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Coillte, this annual celebration highlights the vital role of Irelands trees, forests, and woodlands in creating a greener, more sustainable future.
Running until Sunday, 16th March, the week offers a fantastic opportunity for communities to connect with nature and learn more about the importance of trees.
‘Planting Trees, Growing Together’ is the theme of this year’s National Tree Week, encouraging people of all ages to learn more about the importance of trees and forests.
The event programme highlights in Cork include the Irish Tree Explorers Network (ITEN) end-of-project symposium on March 19th. This free symposium in Fota Wildlife Park, will feature research papers to rethink our relationship with trees from multiple perspectives.
Also, on March 9th a communal tree planting event of 500 saplings takes place in Fountainstown, as part of an ongoing project to enhance amenity and biodiversity along a recently completed walkway.
PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Ahead of National Tree Week 2025, Coillte launched a nationwide photography competition for primary schools encouraging students and teachers to explorenature and capture their favourite trees and outdoor spaces.
With entries received from across the country, showcasing the creativity of young nature enthusiasts, the winning schools include the Junior and Senior Infants, Union Hall Mixed National School from Skibbereen, Co. Cork.
Other winners include Junior Infants at St. Laurence OTooles National School, Roundwood, Co. Wicklow; Rang a Trí in Scoil Naomh Breandan, Annaghdown, Co. Galway and Senior Infants and First Class in Scoil Mhuire, Glenties, Co. Donegal.
Winners will enjoy a class trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale, featuring the spectacular Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower at Coilltes Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow.
At the launch, Michael Healy-Rae T.D., Minister of State for Forestry, Farm Safety and Horticulture said, “Planting trees and spending time in forests is so very beneficial for our health and well-being and fosters community spirit. I will shortly launch the Neighbourwood Scheme which also supports and enhances the amenity value of local woodlands.”
Community groups planning events in their local area can register their event with the Tree Council at www.treecouncil.ie
