Progress is well underway on an ambitious project to plant 1,000 native Irish trees in Bundoran.
Love Woodland Northwest, a non-profit voluntary group, has joined forces with Magh Ene secondary school to increase the town’s tree numbers for the betterment of the local environment.
As the group prepares to begin planting, they hope to sow the seeds of their idea elsewhere too.
Roger White from Love Woodland Northwest said: “This is a local community initiative to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and improve biodiversity in our towns and villages and we hope to expand this to other areas in Donegal. So if there are other sites out there that we can plant let us know!”
Next week is National Tree Week (19th – 26th of March), when local councils are giving away 100s of trees for planting. See the local list of events at: www.treecouncil.ie/list-of-events
The demand for native trees countrywide has led to a delay in getting the mix of Irish Native trees to Bundoran, which are being donated from Reforest Nation. They are now due next week; 300 of the trees will be native oak saplings which are brilliant for biodiversity.
In the meantime, the group finished site preparation and got ready for after planting care with volunteers helping to lift sacks, wheelbarrow loads and drag tarpaulins of mulch ready for trees as can be seen in the photos.
Roger said: “A huge thank you to BMG hardware Bundoran who donated 5 tonnes of bark mulch, spades for planting and work gloves for the hardy volunteers! Also a big thank you to Magh Ene School and James Gilmartin who has given us un-wavering support!”
Tree planting will most likely start next week. More volunteers are welcome, donations of land and sponsorship are all welcome too and interest/enquiries to lovewoodland@yahoo.com.
“It’s not too late for positive environmental action and don’t forget good exercise and a bit of fun too!”
