Tree experts in the making

Three primary schools on Leeside are about to learn more about trees because of some newly announced funding.

Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) has awarded funding to UCC’s Trees Explorers project to help engage primary school students as well as adults with STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) topics.

Tree Explorers will co-create, develop and deliver a three stage programme with three Delivering Equality of Opportunity in Schools (DEIS) schools in Cork city.

The project will involve in-school activities with project team members as well as visits by the students to the UCC Arboretum. The schools are North Presentation Primary School, Gaelscoil Pheig Sayers and Gaelscoil an Teaghlaigh Naofa.

The funding was announced in Cork during National Tree Week which began on Monday and runs until Saturday. Under the €46,721 funding, the Trees Explorers project will also deliver a tailored UCC tree tour as well as a series of workshops and talks for the general public.

Dr Eoin Lettice, one of the Tree Explorers project leads, said: "This is fantastic news for the UCC Arboretum. It means that we can build on the work we've been doing in the last year and make sure that as many people as possible can experience the tree collection.

"The funding will also allow us to develop specific tools to engage school children with the collection and to help foster in them an appreciation for the natural world as well as the beauty and scientific relevance of plants and trees."