National Tree Week: The valuable role trees can play in reducing global warming is this year's theme of National Tree Week, which officially begins tomorrow.
On average, a typical tree absorbs one tonne of carbon dioxide for every cubic metre's growth, while producing the equivalent of 727kg of oxygen. Put differently, a single mature beech tree releases enough oxygen over a year to support a family of four.
From tomorrow until Sunday next, guided forest walks and tree plantings go ahead throughout the country. Highlights include guided walks in the National Environmental Education Centre, Knocksink Wood, Enniskerry tomorrow and next Saturday at 2pm; a tree walk in Emo Court, Emo, Co Laois, tomorrow at 2.30pm; a tree identification walk with the Ancient Tree Forum in Belvedere Estate, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, on Sunday, March 13th at 2.30pm; an exploration of the sculpture in woodland in Devil's Glen Wood, Ashford, Co Wicklow, tomorrow at 3pm; a guided tour of Massy's Woods, Killakee Road, Rathfarnham, on Sunday, March 13th at 2.30pm, and a walk through the National Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin looking at the notable trees on Sunday, March 13th, at 2.30pm.
Augustine Henry lecture
Dr Matthew Jebb, taxonomist with the National Botanic Gardens will give the annual Augustine Henry Forestry public lecture on the transformation of Augustine Henry from medical doctor to passionate botanist in the Minerva Suite, RDS, Ballsbridge, Dublin, on Thursday at 8pm. Contact the Tree Council of Ireland 01-2849211 for information or for copies of Harvesting an ocean of air, the booklet of countrywide events on during National Tree Week. Events guides also available from O2 and Coillte. See also www.treecouncil.ie
Recycling at work
Action at Work, a programme to encourage large public and private sector organisations to reduce, reuse and recycle was launched earlier this week by Minister for the Environment Dick Roche. The programme includes worksheets to audit waste, staff questionnaires, green procurement protocol (ie suggestions on purchasing energy-efficient computers, recyclable paper, timber from sustainable sources etc) and an overview of current legislation. It will be sent to all Government departments, prisons, local authorities, Garda stations, banks, universities and State bodies. Seminars will also take place between March and June to back up the initiative. Contact 1890-667639 or see www.raceagainstwaste.ie
Wexford uncovered
"Digging Wexford - development and archaeology in a medieval town" is the theme of the Wexford Historical Society's conference in the Riverbank Hotel, Wexford, next weekend. The organisers believe it is important to consider the cultural and economic value of the town's Viking and Anglo-Norman heritage in these times of intensive commercial development. Speakers include Dr Pat Wallace, director of the National Museum of Ireland and John Bradley from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co Kildare. dovecote@eircom.net
