Call to have trees along roadsides cut to improve safety, as was done some years back at this location near Ballinea (file pic).

Planting for our Planet – Play your part and help combat climate change during National Tree Week 2019

• Planting for our Planet – Play your part and help combat climate change during National Tree Week 2019

• Planting more trees is the most efficient way of removing carbon from the atmosphere and combatting climate change

• Tree week is a week-long festival encouraging people to plant more trees and get involved in local activities happening in their area

• More than half a million trees planted during National Tree Week since it began in 1985

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Westmeath County Council is encouraging everyone in the county to get involved in National Tree Week – from March 31 to April 6, by giving 1,000 saplings to communities and schools.

The theme for 2019 is ‘Planting for our Planet’. 

By doing something as simple as planting a tree everyone can play a role in combating climate change.

Belvedere House, Garden and Parks is holding a guided Woodland Walk on Saturday April 6 at 2pm.

It will be led by Diarmuid McAree of CRANN.

Co-ordinated by the Tree Council of Ireland and sponsored by Forest Industries Ireland, National Tree Week is a week-long festival of tree-related activities. 

The aim is to encourage people to plant more trees and to improve awareness, understanding and enjoyment of trees and forests across the country. 

In Westmeath there are various events taking place to support National Tree week and you can visit www.treecouncil.ie to find out what is happening in your area.

Director of Forest Industries Ireland, Mark McAuley, said: “Forest Industries Ireland is delighted to be sponsoring National Tree Week for the first time this year. 

“The forestry industry is a major player in the rural and national economies and we support those who promote and protect trees within our communities. 
“Trees are a hugely valuable sustainable natural resource and also address one of the most troubling issues of our time – climate change. 

“We want people to get involved in events that are taking place in their areas throughout the week. 

“There are events to suit everyone, whether you are a large organisation or an individual you can get involved and do a great thing for your environment.” 

This year’s theme ‘Planting for our Planet’ is an important one as trees help reduce climate change effects by reducing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. 

Since the beginning of National Tree Week more than half a million trees have been planted.

Coillte work in partnership with the Tree Council to facilitate the supply and distribution of some 15,000 trees – which are delivered to community groups throughout Ireland. 

By doing something as simple as planting a tree, everyone can play a role in making a difference in combatting climate change.

The president of the National Tree Council, Joseph McConville, said: “Each year, communities around Ireland get together to celebrate trees in a multitude of ways.

“With tree planting events, guided walks, poetry sessions, information evenings, and more, there is an event to suit everyone and we would encourage people of all ages in Westmeath to get involved and take part in an event locally during National Tree Week.”

The cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, John Dolan, said: “National Tree Week is a simple way for people to learn how to make a difference and tackle climate change – 1,000 saplings are available to community groups and schools and I encourage them to get involved in this week and make a difference to their area for this generation and the generations that follow.”

To book saplings: email info@belvedere-house.ie or phone 044 93 38960. 

Saplings will be available from Belvedere House from Friday March 29 to Sunday April 7 (9.30am-6pm daily). 

Orders not collected will be re-distributed after that date.

If you do take part in any events in your area tag your event and attendance on social media using the #treeweek2019 we would love to see how you celebrate National Tree Week this year. 

To find out more visit www.treecouncil.ie to find out what is happening in your area. Get out, make a difference and get involved in National Tree Week 2019.