2,500 native Irish trees planted to mark International Women's Day
Powerscourt Estate in Co. Wicklow welcomed a group of women this week who gathered to mark International Women’s Day by planting a mini native Irish forest on the estate to support the national tree planting initiative '100 Million Trees Project'.
The group of women included environment and nature commentator Éanna Ní Lamhna and meteorologist Evelyn Cusack.
The planting of the mini forest on the estate, which will comprise 2,500 native Irish trees, commenced last Thursday (March 6) and planting finished on International Women’s Day yesterday (Saturday, March 8).
The planting of the mini forest is part of the ongoing 100 Million Trees Project, which was developed by Richard, David and Tina Mulcahy. The project is a national community-driven initiative which aims to see the planting of 100 million native Irish trees across the island of Ireland throughout the next decade.
The project will see dense planting of between 1,000 and 2,500 native Irish trees at a time across small plots of land.
Powerscourt Estate said that, over the next ten years, at least 200 native Irish trees will be planted every year as part of its overall sustainability strategy.
As part of that strategy, Powerscourt Estate said it aims "to be recognised on a global stage for its sustainability and biodiversity initiatives, and to be 'net zero' for operations emissions by 2030".
Speaking at the mini forest planting at Powerscourt Estate, Sarah Slazenger, managing director of Powerscourt Estate, said: “We are delighted to support the 100 Million Trees Project as we see it as a great initiative which provides a practical means for communities across the country to take action on both the biodiversity and climate crises.
"It is also a fun way for people to do something tangible to address the challenges, with the added benefit of getting out into nature and connecting with their community."
Also commenting on the tree planting, Éanna Ní Lamhna said: “Planting native trees is a simple yet powerful way to restore Ireland’s natural landscape, aid biodiversity, and lower our carbon emission. Initiatives like this will help create a greener, healthier environment for future generations."
Evelyn Cusack said: "As climate change brings more extreme weather, planting trees is a highly practical step we can all take towards the natural protection of our environment. Community based projects like the 100 Million Trees campaign will help to strengthen our landscape and encourage everybody to take the first step towards meaningful action.”
