Crann and Tidy Towns highlight the many benefits of trees
Crann (Trees for Ireland) in association with Mullingar Tidy Towns held a seminar at Belvedere House and Gardens to highlight how “trees can benefit from like minder organisations working together”.
A number of organisations attended and the morning seminar started with a Crann presentation by PJ Fitzpatrick on the benefit of trees. Crann chairperson Peadar Collins and Diarmuid McAree were also present to provide insights and information.
In his remarks, Mullingar Tidy Town chairperson Cllr Bill Collentine acknowledged the contribution that Crann and Coillte have made to enhance the beauty of the town by the providing expert advice and donating hundreds of native trees.
A vision of the volunteers at Mullingar Tidy Towns is adding more trees to enhance the streetscape and parklands so the town can benefit from cleaner air – as tress absorb carbon.
The goal is to plant 3000 trees over the next three years in conjunction with Crann and Coillte and Westmeath County Council.
Dominika Waduge and Emilie Kiely made a presentation on behalf of the Loreto College Green-Schools committee, which highlighted the value they place and get from the trees around their school during examination and study time. They also plan to regain the Green Flag for the school.
John Connolly and Barry Roche talked about the role of Coillte in national planting and in protecting the environment while helping communities through the sponsorship of Tree Week each year. They also stressed how important trees are in an urban area.
The day continued with a walk and talk session through the grounds at Belvedere, where the vast range of trees of different ages and species made for great discussion material. The walk covered all aspects of the life of a tree, from the leaf, through the branch, to the trunk, down to the roots, and the important role each part plays in the health and wellbeing of the tree.
Crann education coordinator James Lowry and Gerard Deegan gave expert advice and explained in depth all about trees to the group.
Crann can provide support and education to Tidy Towns and schools and Coillte can sponsor trees which together can work to the benefit of everybody, said PJ Fitzpatrick.