483 trees flourish at Sacred Heart

SACRED Heart SNS in Tallaght is reaping the rewards of planting 483 trees on its grounds last year.

The trees were planted by Tallaght based not-for-profit, Stepping Stone Forests, with the support of Henkel Ireland and Sacred Heart SNS staff, students and parents.

The area is now being used as an outdoor classroom, providing students an immersive learning experience in biodiversity, habitats, sustainability and the importance of trees for CO2 reduction.

The forest, which is just under 15 months old, is already helping to promote greater biodiversity in the school.

Stepping Stone Forests was supported through Henkel Ireland’s Corporate Social Partnership which sees them partner with communities, where they live and operate, to support social initiatives and public institutions.

The project marked the beginning of efforts to increase biodiversity in the Tallaght region. Tallaght currently has some of the lowest levels of tree coverage in Dublin.

Speaking on the success of the Stepping Stone Forests initiative for the school, Sharon Jenkins, Teacher, Sacred Heart SNS said: “The work done by Stepping Stone Forests for our school has been of huge benefit to the school community. With our green area, we now have a designated place where students can be immersed in nature.

“Learning about topics such as biodiversity and sustainability in this environment supports our students to develop their understanding of these subject matters. I’d also like to thank Henkel for their continued support in promoting diversity in our school and in the wider Tallaght region.”

Speaking on Henkel’s role, Barry Burns, Henkel Ireland said: “At Henkel Ireland, we are delighted to have had the opportunity to support Stepping Stone Forests in planting nearly 500 trees at Sacred Heart SNS. It has been very fulfilling to witness the positive impact the tree planting has had on the pupils and the school.

“We appreciate the importance of students being connected to nature and biodiversity at a young age and this outdoor area in the school provides these students with the opportunity to learn about biodiversity and sustainability in a suitable environment on a regular basis. We look forward to continuing our support of tree planting in the Tallaght region.”

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