Heritage specialist Teddy Cook plants a Sessile Oak in the grounds of Carrigfadda Church in 2004

Our plan is to supplement the trees provided by the Council with some we purchase ourselves, and to provide every pupil of Reenascreena National School with a native tree to take home during National Tree Week. Surplus trees will be available to local households free of charge (just register your interest and we'll contact you when your tree is available to collect).

Now in its 22nd year, with its slogan of "Trees -- our lifeline!" National Tree Week aims to highlight the importance of trees in all of our lives. Despite advances in afforestation over recent decades Ireland remains one of the most poorly forested countries in Europe, with only about 10% of our land mass covered by trees. The European avarage is 36%, so to try and redress the balance Ireland has agreed to a target of increasing its forest cover by 17% by 2035.

By doing something as simple as planting a native tree during National Tree Week, you can help make that goal a reality, and improve our local environment at the same time. So what are you waiting for...?

This is just one in an inovative range of schemes aimed at maintaining and enhancing the biodiversity of the Reenascreena area that RCAG will be launching during 2006. Watch the website and see local press for more news soon!