Free trees for Kildare Schools on National Tree Day

The campaign, themed “Trees are Magic- Draíocht na gCrann” is calling on children, teachers and parents to take the pledge and plant one of the 2,000 Native Irish Hawthorn tree saplings

The Tree Council of Ireland, in partnership with SPAR, is encouraging primary schools across Ireland to connect with nature and plant a tree on SPAR National Tree Day, Thursday, October 3. The campaign, themed “Trees are Magic- Draíocht na gCrann” is calling on children, teachers and parents to take the pledge and plant one of the 2,000 Native Irish Hawthorn tree saplings that are FREE to primary schools on www.treeday.ie.

SPAR National Tree Day is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the importance of trees in our environment, encouraging primary school children, teachers, and families across Ireland to connect with the magic of nature through educational activities and tree planting. This year’s campaign focuses on the native Hawthorn tree, also known as Crataegus monogyna or An Sceach Gheal, which has roots in folklore and is believed to have special magical properties; importantly it plays a vital role in Ireland’s ecosystem.

A native Irish species, the Hawthorn tree thrives in deciduous woodlands and hedgerows. It is known for its distinctive white flowers and vibrant red berries, which provide essential food for birds and insects. Important for biodiversity, the Hawthorn tree also holds a special place in Irish folklore, where it is known as the fairy tree, where fairies, known as Sidhe, gather.

The Tree Council of Ireland invites children across the country to step outside the classroom and discover the magic of trees on SPAR National Tree Day. Commenting on this year’s theme, Cormac Downey, President of the Tree Council of Ireland, said: “SPAR National Tree Day is a fantastic opportunity to foster a sense of wonder and appreciation for nature and its trees among primary school children. This year's theme encourages us to look beyond the ordinary and appreciate the extraordinary and magical role trees play in our lives.”

SPAR Sales Director, Colin Donnelly said: “We are thrilled to continue our partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland and support SPAR National Tree Day. Through this collaboration we aim to enhance awareness and engagement with our natural environment, leaving a lasting legacy for future generations. We believe that education is key to fostering a deeper connection with nature. By providing resources and opportunities for children to learn about trees and their ecosystems, we hope to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.”

In addition to the tree planting initiative, there is a range of fun and magical resources available on the SPAR National Tree Day website. From videos and colouring sheets to fun facts about the Hawthorn tree, there’s something for everyone to enjoy and learn more about the magic of trees!

To learn more about this year’s SPAR National Tree Day and for schools to claim their FREE native Irish Hawthorn tree sapling, visit www.treeday.ie.