Free trees for Longford primary schools this National Tree Day

Primary schools across Longford are being invited to claim a free tree sapling, the Scots Pine (Latin name: Pinus Sylvestris, Irish name: An Giúis) and plant it with their pupils on Glennon Brothers National Tree Day, which takes place on Thursday, October 2.

National Tree Day is an initiative of the Tree Council of Ireland designed to encourage primary schools to plant and learn about the importance of trees. This year it is supported by Glennon Brothers, the Longford-based timber processing company established in 1913, which is now a third-generation family business.

Read more: ALERT | Longford consumers warned to expect water disruption and discolouration this week

This year’s theme of ‘Building a better future’ links classroom learning with real-world forestry and explains how trees provide us with clean air, shelter for wildlife, and the timber that is used to build homes, furniture, tools, and boats for generations.

The theme also highlights how fast-growing trees capture at least three times more carbon over 35 years than slower-growing species, and that using Irish-grown timber in homes and furniture keeps that carbon locked away. By getting outdoors to plant trees and explore Ireland’s unique biodiversity, primary school children across Longford can take simple, hands-on action that benefits their local area.

Schools can claim one of 2,000 free Scots Pine saplings now at www.treeday.ie. The website also hosts ready-to-use classroom resources, nature activities, and facts about the Scots Pine to make lesson planning easy.

Pat Glennon, Joint Managing Director of Glennon Brothers, said:

‘As a family business with deep roots in Longford, we’re proud to partner with the Tree Council of Ireland for National Tree Day. For us the message is simple, Irish timber for Irish homes, from forest to front door.

For every tree we use, new trees are planted to keep forests healthy and full of life. We want to share the story of sustainable Irish forestry and inspire the next generation in Longford to care for the environment, one tree at a time.’

Cormac Downey, President, Tree Council of Ireland, commented:

‘National Tree Day is a chance for children, teachers, and families to discover the importance of trees. This year we’re celebrating the Scots Pine, a native Irish species, and showing how planting a single tree can help build a better future for us all.

Read more: Autumn is preparing for Autism Awareness Disco in Longford for Halloween

With the generous support of our new partner, Glennon Brothers, we’re able to provide free saplings and ready-to-use classroom resources nationwide, helping schools turn learning into action and deepening understanding of sustainable Irish forestry.’

Find out more and claim a free sapling at www.treeday.ie