National Tree Day - Update!

We celebrated National Tree Day in our school with lots of activities! These included learning about our native tree species, the importance of trees in our lives,  tree identification activities and artwork.

The Green School Committee were surprised to find that we have a diverse range of tree species in our school-take a look below to see some of the trees that can be found on school grounds!

We were sent a lovely native wild cherry tree by Coillte which will add to our extensive collection of species!

Holly Oak
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Location: Pitch

- Native to the Mediterranean
- Used to construct pillars, tools and wagons in ancient times
- One of three species that is used in truffle orchards
-The oldest member of the species is said to be 1,200 years old and grows in Spain

Mountain Ash/Rowan

Location: Pitch

- Deciduous 
- Member of the rose family
- Attracts butterflies
- Red berries are an important food source for birds

Staghorn Sumac

Location: Basketball Court

- All parts of the plant can be used to make dyes
-Luna moth caterpillars feed on this tree and the fruits

Crab Apple

Location: Car Park

- Can live to be 100 years old
- Caterpillars like to feed on the leaves
​- Native to Europe

Cherry Plum 

Location: Car Park

- Native to Europe and Asia
- Ornamental
-Produces rounded yellow, red or burgundy-coloured fruit

Oak

Location: Pitch

- Deciduous
- Oldest known trees are over 1000 years old!
- Produces acorns
​- Symbol of strength and knowledge

Norway Spruce

Location: Basketball Court

- Fastest growing spruce
- Good roosting spot for owls and hawks
- Wood is used for paper, building materials & instruments
- Most popular choice for Christmas trees

Elm

Location: Sensory Garden

- Used in construction as it is very strong
- Popular with many birds and insects
- Can grow very tall

Black Alder

Location: Sensory Garden

- Used for paper
- Used to dye clothes and other products
- Fantastic for birds-offers them food, shelter and nesting grounds (especially in winter)

Elder

Location: Pitch

- Important food source for birds
- Ripened fruits can be cooked and made into jams-flowers can be made into syrups
- Birds known to eat elderberry fruits include robins, goldfinches, pheasants, pigeons, sparrows and jays

Beech

Location: Pitch

- Wood used for furniture, instruments, firewood, plywood and construction
- Deciduous
​- Grows very well due to it's thick canopy and tolerance to shade