THE IRISH TREE TRAIL

Our native tree trail; we are also adding some nativised trees to the mix for resilience and to make provision for future climate change. 

Learn about them below from Eanna Ni Lamhna of the Tree Council in the film we made with our Green Committee founders of the easy treesie project! I listed them at the top of the page here, you will see them all over the country. A word about Holly; a lot of our native holly is vanishing from the hills with people helping themselves to it. Nothing for the birds! Why not take a picture instead! 

I hope I will meet Eanna today at the Tree Council meeting and lunch; I must thank her again. I am starting to remember many facts and stories about our Irish trees!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here above are the trees we are planting during the 2018 Planting Parties in Seagrange Park.

 

WE ARE PROUD TO HAVE COME FIRST IN IRELAND IN THE “LOCAL TO GLOBAL” CATEGORY AND TO HAVE BEEN ABLE TO MEET THE LORD MAYOR AND THE MINISTER FOR CLIMATE ACTION IN THE MANSION HOUSE WHERE WE GAVE A PRESENTATION TO 600 PEOPLE. EASY TREESY. YOU CAN SEE ALL THE PHOTOS OF THE DAY HERE.

ALSO THANKS TO SO MANY FOR VOTING FOR OUR PROJECT “THE IRISH TREE TRAIL; EASYAS12TREE” FOR THE UNESCO PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARDS.
​All our tree trail films are published here; http://easytreesie.weebly.com/the-irish-tree-trail.html

why not pick your favourite?

 

 

Below more of our Irish Tree Trail films; the Willow tree is one we have growing in the school grounds, can you spot it the next time you are in our Junior building on Grange Rd., Dublin 13?

Check out the Willow Tree guide here, one of the trees we are using to mop up Dublin flooding!

Wednesday31/01/2018	00:00–06:00		8°	0 mm	Fresh bre, 8 m/s from west-southwest
	06:00–12:00		6°	0 mm	Moderate breeze, 7 m/s from west
	12:00–18:00		8°	0 mm	Fresh breeze, 9 m

 

Here is  some information kindly sent on by Kieron of Fingal County Council for the trees that the pupils will be planting next week, below is a brief summary of some facts and interesting benefits of the six different species that pupils will be planting in Seagrange Park. We have added an avenue of cherry in 2019!

Alnus Glutinosa – Alder

Native to Ireland and Europe

Whips being planted are about 3-5 years old

Grows commonly in moist conditions near lakes, rivers and wet woodlands, roots can prevent soil erosion.

Grows in almost all soils particularly in nutrient poor soils where few trees can thrive.

The catkins provide an early source of nectar & pollen for bees and the seeds are eaten by birds like goldfinches.

The value of the wood from Alder is its ability to withstand rot under water and historically it has been used in the construction of boats, sluice gates and water pipes.  An interesting fact is that much of Venice is built on Alder Piles.

Betula Pendula – Silver Birch

Whips 3-5 years old

Native throughout Ireland and Europe

Silver Birch is used to improve quality of soil for other plants to grow; it uses its roots to bring otherwise inaccessible nutrients into the tree which are then recycled into the soil when trees’ leaves shed.

Silver Birch provides wildlife with food and habitat, for example it is liked by more than 300 insect species.

Birch wood is tough and heavy making it suitable for making furniture and toys.

Corylus Avellena – Hazel

Whips 3-5 years old

Native throughout Ireland, Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.

Hazel provides food for the caterpillars of many moths.

Coppiced hazel in managed woodlands provides shelter for ground nesting birds such as the yellowhammer.

Hazel was used for water divining sticks, hurdles and furniture making.

Prunus Avium – Wild Cherry

Whips 3-5 years old.

Native to Ireland and Europe apart from northern parts of Europe due to cold temperatures.

Spring flowers provide an early source of nectar and pollen for bees while the cherries are eaten by birds.

The wood is hard, strong and honey-coloured and is widely used in decorative veneers and furniture.

The wood burns well & produces a sweetly smelling scented smoke, similar to the scent of its flowers.

Viburnum Opulus – Guelder Rose

Whips 2-3 years old.

Native to Europe and Asia.

The red berries are important food sources for birds.

The shrub canopy provides shelter for other wildlife.

Flowers are especially attractive to hoverflies and berries can be cooked in jelly or jams.

They are commonly grown as an ornamental plant for its pretty flower heads and bright juicy berries.

 

Sometimes we plant trees from outside the list of Native Trees because of their usefulness and in addition how they will suit our changing climate. We have chosen the following tree on this basis;

Acer Campestre – Field Maple

Native to Europe

Whips been planted are about 3-5 years old.

Commonly found in woods and hedgerows.

Widely planted in gardens and parks in towns/cities due to its compact growth, its tolerance to pollution and its leaves having a beautiful rich autumn colour.

The field maple attracts aphids and therefore predators i.e. ladybirds, hoverflies and birds.

Flowers provide nectar and pollen for bees and birds.

Traditional uses include wood turning, carving and making musical instructions,  particularly harps.