Coillte hands over tree of life to troops

Members of the local Coillte team handed over a box of seed to Capt. Aine Flynn who will be deploying for overseas duty in Chad with members of the 4 FAR next May.The presentation which was made last week at Columb Barracks, Mullingar, to wish local defence forces a safe journey, and to help them breathe green life back into Chad's countryside.The "Acacia" seed, or gum tree, is ideal for growing in the harsh climate of Chad, and the joint effort by Coillte and the Irish Defence Forces represents a first collaboration between the two.PJ Fitzpatrick of Coillte said the forestry company were delighted to be associated with this project:"It is fitting that Coillte work in partnership with the Irish Defence Forces here in Ireland as we provide a site for training and welcome the Army to our estate. While the sites are ideal for training they don't match the harsh conditions that the Army meet in Chad. Likewise the seed we present is a symbol of our work together," said Mr. Fitzpatrick."So with these seed we (Coillte) wish the Troops well in Chad and a safe journey," said Mr. Fitzpatrick. "More importantly that the peace effort that you are working for - which is often slow to achieve, will - like the trees, grow and develop over the years," he said."I hope in the future that we could give seed to the Army for all the different countries that they work in so that they can make a difference for the people of the countries involved and so that they can be remembered in that way."The tree that Coillte typically plant in Ireland is the Birch tree, and is very similar to the tree the Acacia or Gum tree. Both trees have a stabilising effect on the ground soil, by improving it and bringing tree life back to the sites. They are both small in size with many branches that spread out and give a flat type top to the tree.The Gum tree is native to semi-desert regions and can live through long period of drought. When the rainy season ends the trunk begins to ooze sap or gum, which is used as a food additive, in crafts, and as a cosmetic. Acacia was considered secret by the ancient Hebrew. Moses used its wood to build the Ark of the Covenant and the sacred Tabernacles. Legend has it that the thorns of the Acacia were used in Christ's crown of thorns. Roots near the surface of the ground are quite useful in making all kinds of very strong ropes and cords. The tree bark is also used to make rope, while the timber is used for handles for tools and parts for weaving looms."While trees can stabilise the soil they provide shelter for people and bring back wildlife for the enjoyment of people - all of which we take as normal here," continued Mr. Fitzpatrick."I hope they grow well and leave a monument to the Irish Forces in Chad for many years to come," he finished.