This week is National tree week so there is no better time it get excited about all things arboreal. Since it began in 1985, National Tree Week has been directly responsible for the planting of over half a million trees in Ireland. The Tree Council of Ireland works closely with Coillte to facilitate the supply and distribution of trees via county councils to communities nationwide.
On the Killashee estate, we have hundreds of different types of trees, most being the beech, sycamore, horse chestnut, ash tree and the pine. Additionally, we also have maples, silver birch and cherry blossoms. The largest tree that stands so majestically on the estate, and is the oldest tree here, is our grand Sycamore on the front meadows, which is visible from the spectacular views from the Original House.
At first glance, you might think that trees are just, well, trees. But that couldn't be further from the truth. Did you know that the native trees of County Kildare are home to a whole host of wildlife, from birds to insects to mammals? And not only that, but they also play a vital role in purifying the air we breathe, providing shade on sunny days, and adding a touch of natural beauty to our towns, cities and countryside.
Throughout Ireland and the rest of the world, it is becoming far too common that trees are being cut down to produce different resources and materials. This isn’t only detrimental to our climate and environment, but also to our agricultural economy.
Here at Killashee we’re delighted to be celebrating National Tree Week. To mark this week the Killashee team will be planting 20 new trees on the estate, 10 of these trees will be planted by hotel staff members to represent the staff departments within the hotel. A representative from each department will plant their own tree. The additional 10 trees will be planted throughout the estate. By doing this, we’re not only recognising the importance of planting and maintaining trees throughout the country, but we’re also hoping to encourage others to do the same. The Kildare County Council kindly sponsored all 20 trees for National Tree week.
What to learn more, let's dive in and explore some of the amazing native trees that call County Kildare home. First up, we have the oak tree. This majestic giant can live for hundreds of years, and is a symbol of strength, wisdom, and endurance. Its acorns provide food for many animals, while its dense canopy provides shade for people and wildlife alike.
Next, we have the rowan tree, also known as the mountain ash. This hardy tree can be found in abundance in County Kildare, and its bright red berries provide a valuable source of food for birds during the winter months. But it's not just the birds that benefit from the rowan tree - its leaves and bark have long been used in traditional medicine to treat everything from fever to arthritis.
And let's not forget about the birch tree. This elegant tree is instantly recognizable by its silvery white bark, which peels away to reveal a smooth, coppery layer underneath. The birch tree is a popular choice for landscaping in gardens and parks, and is often planted in groups to create a stunning visual effect.
But we've barely scratched the surface - there are so many other amazing native trees to discover in County Kildare. From the twisted branches of the hawthorn to the fragrant blossoms of the wild cherry, each tree has its own unique story to tell.
So, why not take a stroll through your local park or woodland or visit us here at Killashee this National Tree Week and see how many native trees you can spot? We guarantee that you'll come away feeling inspired, refreshed, and grateful for the natural beauty that surrounds us.
