Our Forests, Our Future

Forests are vital for a healthy planet : They clean the air, store carbon, support biodiversity and provide spaces for people to connect with nature.

This month, we explore:

• Irish Forestry Insights from forest manager Paddy Purser .
• School Tree Initiatives, including the Plant a Planet campaign.
• The Wood-Wide Web, revealing hidden fungal networks that connect trees and capture carbon to combat climate change.

Interview with Forest Manager, Paddy Purser

This month, we interviewed Paddy Purser, a forest manager and consultant who has planted over 70 native woodland forests across Ireland. In our conversation, Paddy shared his insights on the challenges and opportunities in Irish forestry.

Ireland’s Forest Evolution

Paddy reflected on the growth of forestry in Ireland, saying, “When I started in forestry in the late 1980s, Ireland had just 4% forest cover. Today, we’re at 11% – a big improvement, but still far below the European average.” He noted that Ireland’s forest cover was once as low as 1-1.5%, making the recent growth significant. “We’ve made progress thanks to afforestation policies, but with a national target of 18% forest cover, we still have a long way to go.”

The Value of Native Woodlands

Ireland’s native trees – such as oak, birch, hazel and Scots pine – are vital for biodiversity and resilience. Paddy stressed the importance of planting native species to create long-lasting, healthy forests:

“We don’t have as diverse a range of native trees as many European countries,” Paddy noted, “but what we do have can make a significant impact when prioritised. Native woodlands are also well-supported by grants, which help offset planting costs and provide annual premiums.”

Watch the full interview.

Tree Planting Ideas & Initiatives for Schools

Why Teach Children About Trees?

Trees are one of nature’s superheroes – and incredible teachers, too. Through learning about trees, children gain:

• An appreciation for biodiversity and climate action.
• A connection to nature for better mental and physical health.
• Responsibility and teamwork skills by caring for saplings and planting trees.

The Plant a Planet Campaign

Developed by teacher Patrick Kirwan , the Plant a Planet Campaign is an inspiring initiative that gets schools and families across Ireland planting native trees. Here’s how it works:

• Who can join? Primary and secondary schools nationwide.
• How does it work? Simple guides are available to help schools organise tree-planting drives, inspiring students and their families to plant trees at home or in their local area.
• Why participate? Learn about native trees, climate action and how small actions create big change.

For more, visit ISSN.ie (Irish School's Sustainability Network).

National Tree Week 2025

Ireland’s biggest tree celebration, National Tree Week, returns 9–16 March 2025. Organised by the Tree Council of Ireland and Coillte , this event brings schools and communities together to plant trees. Start applying now for free native saplings through local councils.

Green Fridays: Greener Schools

At Green Fridays, we’ve proudly helped schools across Ireland create wildlife-friendly green spaces. From Wesley College in Dublin to Darver National School, these projects give students hands-on experience while fostering a love for nature.

Want to join us in future tree-planting projects? Email us at [email protected] to get involved or ask questions. Let’s grow something amazing together!

Tree planting tips

Ireland’s tree planting season runs from November to March, the dormant period when trees are best equipped to establish roots in their new homes.

How to Plant a Tree (The Fun and Easy Way)

• Dig the Perfect Hole: Big enough for the root ball to fit comfortably.
• Stake It Right: Place the stake on the windward side for support.
• Plant the Tree: For bare-rooted trees, dip the roots in water first. For container-grown trees, ensure the root ball is secure.
• Firm the Soil: Cover the roots, firm the soil and water thoroughly.
• Protect Your Sapling: Use tree guards if rabbits, hares or deer are nearby.

The Wood-Wide Web

Imagine a hidden communication network beneath our feet, connecting trees and plants through a vast, ancient network of roots and fungi. That’s the Wood-Wide Web, a 400-million-year-old system where plants and fungi communicate, trade nutrients and share carbon. This underground marvel relies on mycorrhizal networks: Root-like fungal threads (mycelium) that spread beneath the soil, forming partnerships with tree roots.

Trees, Fungi & the Underground Carbon Trade

How does it work?

• Plants and trees photosynthesise, turning sunlight and carbon dioxide into energy and organic carbon compounds.
• Surplus carbon compounds are shared with the fungal networks.
• In return, the fungi provide plants and trees with essential nutrients like phosphorus, that they would otherwise find hard to access.

These underground fungal networks are surprisingly important for helping with climate change according to SPUN,- as they are ‘one of the Earth’s largest terrestrial carbon sinks’ and these fungal networks absorb about 13 billion tons of carbon annually- equivalent to about 36% of global green house emissions (Source: SPUN - Society for the protection of Undergound Networks).

"Fungi play a bigger role in the carbon cycle than we ever anticipated. They keep climate-warming carbon out of the atmosphere and store it in the soil."

Heidi Hawkins, scientist with Conservation International , South Africa

Ways to Support Forests

1. Encourage schools to join programmes like Plant a Planet or participate in #NationalTreeWeek to teach the next generation about biodiversity and climate action.
2. Vote for candidates committed to environmental policies and sustainability initiatives.
3. Reduce meat consumption—especially beef. Meatfree Mondays is an easy way to start.
4. Plant native hedges or wildflower patches in your garden or school grounds to support biodiversity and provide shelter for wildlife.
5. Choose products from farms that use organic and regenerative farming methods and avoid chemical fertilisers or pesticides which protect soil health and fungal networks.
6. Support organisations focused on forest preservation, sustainable forestry, or research into innovative solutions like the Wood-Wide Web.
7. Join local tree-planting initiatives or create a green space in your yard or community.

Hedges: Nature’s Unsung Heroes

Hedges are biodiversity powerhouses. By planting hedges with small native trees like hawthorn, crab apple, and rowan (and avoiding invasive plants like cherry laurel) - even small spaces, gardens, balconies and schools can become vital habitats for birds, bees and other wildlife.

Hedges are vital ‘biodiversity corridors’ and planting them is a great way to support wildlife populations many of which are in serious decline.

Why not add hedges to your next school planting project?

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend!

The Green Fridays Team

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