Local primary schools invited to claim share of free trees
Primary schools in County Westmeath are being invited to claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings and get Planting for the Planet for Glennon Brothers National Tree Day, taking place on Thursday October 1.
An initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland, National Tree Day encourages primary school children across County Westmeath to get outside, plant a tree and discover the important role trees and forests play in our everyday lives. Last year, 44 primary schools across County Westmeath claimed their free tree as part of National Tree Day.
This year’s theme, ‘Planting for the Planet’, will help children explore how trees support wildlife and biodiversity, capture and store carbon, and provide a renewable natural resource that can be transformed into timber products to build our homes and communities
Schools in Westmeath can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings at www.treeday.ie, where teachers will also find ready-to-use classroom resources, nature activities and information about the Scots Pine, Pinus sylvestris, or An Giúis, to bring National Tree Day to life in the classroom and outdoors.
Supporting National Tree Day for a second year are Glennon Brothers, a third-generation Irish family business established in Longford in 1913, who employ some 1,400 people between Ireland and the UK. The firm’s partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland enables 2,000 saplings and educational resources to be provided free to primary schools nationwide.
Pat Glennon of Glennon Brothers, said: “National Tree Day gives children the opportunity to do something practical and positive for the environment. Planting and caring for a tree helps bring to life the importance of trees and forests and the role they can play for generations to come.
“As a family business with a long connection to timber and forestry, we are proud to support an initiative that encourages children to get outdoors, learn and develop an appreciation of trees from an early age.”
The Scots Pine is one of Ireland’s native tree species and provides an important habitat and food source for wildlife.
Schools in County Westmeath can find out more and claim their free Scots Pine sapling at www.treeday.ie.