Irish forestry business Coillte has been announced as the latest partner for National Tree Week 2020 ahead of the event next month.

Led by the Tree Council of Ireland, National Tree Week 2020 will focus on promoting tree health and the important role trees play in protecting our planet by taking on climate change and providing natural renewable resources under the theme 'Healthy Trees Healthy Planet'. It takes place from Saturday 21 March until Friday 27 March.

All schools, companies and community groups have been urged to register their events with the Tree Council to ensure they get the number of trees they want.

Coillte, who has supported National Tree Week since 1989, will donate 30,000 native tree saplings during National Tree Week 2020 such as; oak, birch, alder, and willow in coordination with the Tree Council of Ireland.

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Pat Neville, Communications Manager for Coillte, said: "We're extremely proud to be continuing our partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland for what we hope will be the best Tree Week yet! National Tree Week reminds us of all the benefits of trees and helps bring attention to climate change issues, and the positive role trees play in our communities. We are encouraging everyone to register their events and use the campaign hashtag #TreeWeek2020 to promote their events."

National Tree Week 2020 is also on message with the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation who has declared the year 2020 the International Year Plant Health. National Tree Week 2020 supports this theme by striving to raise awareness about protecting plant and tree health while protecting the environment, and boosting economic development, as the Irish forestry sector supports 12,000 rural based jobs in Ireland and contributes approximately €2.3 billion to the economy every year.


President of the National Tree Council, Joseph McConville, added: "National Tree Week provides the ideal opportunity for local groups to get together and make a lasting difference in their communities. Last year we saw over 300 events take place around the country and we'd love to see more parents and teachers get involved and educate their children about trees and the diverse role they play in rural and urban environments."

(CM/MH)