‘Go for nature’: Primary schools across Kildare have asked to plant a tree on SPAR’s National Arbor Day

Primary schools across County Kildare are being asked to plant a tree on SPAR’s National Arbor Day.

The Tree Council of Ireland (TCI), in partnership with SPAR, is calling on primary school children across Kildare to take the pledge and plant a tree on SPAR’s National Arbor Day next month.

This year’s campaign, titled ‘Nuts About Nature’ – ‘Fiáin chun Dúlra’, aims to encourage children, parents and teachers to connect directly with nature by planting one of 2,000 native Irish hazelnut tree seedlings available free of charge to primary schools around the world. The country. www.treeday.ie.

TCI aims to share the wisdom and knowledge of the tree nut with children across the country this year, inviting them to truly “get to know nature”!

Speaking ahead of the event, Cormac Downey, Chair of TCI, said: “This year’s ‘Nuts about Nature’ campaign for SPAR’s National Arbor Day is a great way to spark excitement about trees and nature among primary school children and their families across the country.”

“The deep-rooted connections between the hazel tree and Irish folklore and wisdom make this campaign even more special.”

SPAR Sales Director Colin Donnelly said: “As we celebrate 60 years in business, we are delighted to contribute to a lasting legacy through SPAR’s ‘Team Tree’ initiative in partnership with the Tree Council of Ireland.

“As part of this, we are particularly proud to support raising awareness of the importance of trees through this year’s ‘Nuts About Nature’ campaign on SPAR’s National Arbor Day,” he added.

Campaign star

According to the organisers, this year’s ‘Nuts about Nature’ campaign has a particular focus on the native hazelnut tree, also known as Corylus avellana or Crann Coll: “It hosts a diverse ecosystem and highlights its crucial role in supporting biodiversity as well as being the home of the campaign’s mascot, Sammy the squirrel.

“According to Irish folklore, the hazel tree is also steeped in wisdom and mystery, and is believed to be the first creation on Earth and a repository of universal knowledge.

“As legend has it, when a salmon ate the nut that fell from the hazelnut tree at the Well of Wisdom, it gained all the knowledge that the tree held, and became the legendary salmon of knowledge.”

Organizers also said: “For those eager to embark on their own ‘Nuts about Nature’ adventure, SPAR is offering a chance to win gardening kits for children to garden at home: simply scan the QR code in store from October 2 to October 16.” .

“In addition, a range of exciting resources such as videos, coloring sheets and a delicious nut recipe are available at www.treeday.ie, encouraging families and classmates to celebrate ‘Nuts about Nature’ together.”

SPAR’s National Arbor Day will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2023.

To find out more about this year’s SPAR National Tree Day and for schools to claim a free native Irish hazelnut tree, visit www.treeday.ie.