Connect with nature this National Tree Week

National Tree Week is upon us with various events taking place across Cork.

Running until Sunday 16 March, the week offers an opportunity for communities to connect with nature and learn more about the importance of trees.

Led by the National Tree Council of Ireland and proudly supported by Coillte, this annual celebration highlights the vital role of Ireland’s trees, forests, and woodlands in creating a greener, more sustainable future.

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.

One of the events taking place in Cork is the Irish Tree Explorers Network (ITEN) end-of-project symposium on 19 March. Taking place in Fota Wildlife Park, this free symposium will feature research papers to rethink our relationship with trees from multiple perspectives. Meanwhile on Sunday 9 March, there were 500 saplings planted in Fountainstown as part of an ongoing project to enhance amenity and biodiversity along a recently completed walkway in the coastal area.

Also, ahead of National Tree Week 2025, Coillte launched a nationwide photography competition for primary schools encouraging students and teachers to explore nature 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 will enjoy a class trip to Beyond the Trees Avondale, featuring the spectacular Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower at Coillte’s Avondale Forest Park in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. This year’s winners included Junior and Senior Infant classes from Union Hall Mixed National School.

Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland said: “This year’s theme, Planting Trees, Growing Together is especially important, inviting communities across the nation to come together to appreciate the beauty and crucial importance of Ireland’s trees.

“There will be events happening right across the country during National Tree Week this year, so be sure not to miss out!”

Imelda Hurley, CEO, Coillte, said: "National Tree Week is about encouraging everyone to appreciate the beauty of trees and forests and their many benefits for society including for climate, nature, wood and people. Over many years, Coillte has supported National Tree Week’s objective to educate and promote the importance of trees to the public and we are proud to continue that work this year.”