The Tree Council of Ireland, in partnership with SPAR Ireland, encourages 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” calls 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.

Biodiversity in focus

SPAR National Tree Day is dedicated to celebrating and promoting the importance of trees in our environment. This year’s campaign focuses on the native Hawthorn tree, also known as Crataegus monogyna, 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. Last year, SPAR Ireland also supported national tree day, focused on planting another native tree, the hazel.

Engage with nature

SPAR Ireland 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.”

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.”

To learn more about the SPAR National Tree Day visit this site www.treeday.ie.

Source: SPAR Ireland

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About SPAR Ireland

The SPAR brand is one of Ireland’s largest convenience retail organisations, and has been serving communities in Ireland for over sixty years. From the time it opened its first store in Dublin in 1963, SPAR Ireland has been a leader in Irish convenience retailing, bringing consumers the most innovative products and in-store offerings. The SPAR and EUROSPAR brands are part of BWG Foods UC and, with a presence in every county across Ireland, SPAR and EUROSPAR’s over 400 stores provide employment for 14,000 people locally.