One million tree project gets started with over 800 native saplings planted

By Mary Dennehy

THERE’S a breath of fresh air in Tallaght this week after more than 800 native saplings were planted in the area as part of a nationwide project to plant one million trees in one day.

Locally, members of the community and organisations embraced the 24-hour project which, a not-for-profit, charitable initiative, is organised by the Forestry Foundation and Woodland Trust.

Held last Saturday, February 11, the initiative saw the Killinarden Community Centre coordinate the distribution of 750 trees and shrubs to the community, with a number of trees also planted in the grounds of the centre and next door in CARP [Community Addiction Response Programme].

Tallaght volunteer and IT Tallaght part-time lecturer Gar Tyrell also organised two separate plantings in the area, which saw 25 trees planted on the grounds of IT Tallaght and 25 in the community garden at Knockmore – which included a variety of oak, hazel, birch, blackthorn and crab apple.

Gar, who is a volunteer with Young Friends of the Earth, told The Echo: “It was a brilliant day, and even the terrible weather couldn’t put a dampener on it.

“We planted a variety of 50 trees that were donated by Young Friends of the Earth. Michael Hannon, from the South Dublin County Council, also supported us and came out to the plantings in Knockmore.

“I was delighted to see everybody out in Knockmore – it was a real tangible, positive action for people and it was great to see all of the kids – who will now become guardians of these trees and raise awareness among their friends.”

He added: “Planting trees is so important for the environment and climate change.

“However, it’s also a great way of getting people tuned into environmental issues . . . after all, real change comes at grassroots level.”

For further information on the planting initiative visit, www.onemilliontreesinoneday.com