Laois community plants remarkable 15,000 trees in just three years

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is delighted to announce a momentous milestone in what it says is its dedication to environmental conservation and sustainability.

Over the past three years, the commitment of volunteers, local businesses, and community members has culminated in the successful planting of 14,650 trees across Abbeyleix. They Tidy Towns say this extraordinary accomplishment is a testament to the power of collective action, shaping a greener and more vibrant community for generations to come.

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns embarked on the ambitious tree-planting initiative as part of what they describe as their ongoing mission to enhance biodiversity, combat climate change, and foster a healthier environment. The group says the dedicated efforts of the organization and its partners have transformed the landscape to create a more sustainable ecosystem and providing a vital habitat for wildlife.

The outlined some of the projects

The Balladine Neighbourwood Project:

The Balladine Neighbourwood Project stands as a testament to the community's dedication to recreation-focused native woodland. Spanning 2.5 acres in Balladine/ Corrán na n-Óir, Gort na n-Óir, Slí na n-Óir estate complex, this ambitious initiative will in time create a natural haven for residents and visitors alike, enhancing biodiversity and preserving the town's natural heritage.

Abbeyleix Orchard Project:

Since 2022, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns has diligently worked on the Orchard Project, planting 149 fruit trees in various locations across the town. This visionary initiative fosters a culture of sustainable food production, encouraging residents to embrace locally grown fruits and support eco-friendly practices while providing essential habitats for pollinators and wildlife.

Oak Grove Project:

Another initiative of Abbeyleix Tidy Towns involved the translocation of thirteen semi-mature oak trees from Abbeyleix Estate. Propagated from the famous ancient oaks of Abbeyleix Estate, known as the oldest oaks in Ireland, the Oak Grove Project now adorns the town's southern approach, symbolizing resilience and preservation.

Lime Tree Succession Project - St Michael and All Angels:

In February 2022, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns undertook the Lime Tree Succession Project at St Michael and All Angels, planting a new avenue of twelve lime trees alongside the new South School entrance avenue. This thoughtful initiative not only softened the visual impact of the avenue but also ensured a cohort of new trees to succeed the existing veteran limes in the future, preserving the town's heritage for generations to come. 

Robbie Quinn, Abbeyleix Tidy Towns Chairman, extends thanks to the local Tidy Towns volunteers and  a number of organisations and individuals.

• The Trees On The Land Initiative, represented locally by Brian Gaynor, for providing significant number of native saplings free of charge.
• The DC for Bees Project for generously offering the mini orchard packs to support sustainable food production.
• Caron Mullin and Kevin Hutchinson in Abbeyleix Estate, for their generosity in making the special oak trees available and for their assistance with rootballing and translocation, contributing to the success of the Oak Grove Project.
• Canon Harvey and the Select Vestry Committee for their invaluable collaboration on the Lime Tree Succession Project at St Michael and All Angels.

"These achievements are a testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit," said Robbie Quinn, spokesperson for Abbeyleix Tidy Towns. "We are deeply grateful for the support of our partners, volunteers, and the wider community, all of whom have contributed to the success of these projects," he said.

The Tidy Towns is keen to keep up this momentum and has secured free stocks of native saplings and fruit trees to make available to anyone looking to plant native trees or fruit trees in their gardens, smallholdings, or farms over the coming winter. By joining hands with Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, you can be part of a transformative effort to make a positive impact on the environment and contribute to a greener future. Together, we can sow the seeds of change and create a more sustainable world.

For more information on how to participate or contribute to the tree-planting initiative, please visit our website www.abbeyleixtidytowns.net/plant-trees-winter-2324 or contact at [email protected]

Abbeyleix Tidy Towns is a community-driven organization dedicated to preserving and enhancing the natural beauty and heritage of Abbeyleix. Through various initiatives, including tree planting, waste reduction, and sustainable development, the organization strives to create a cleaner, greener, and more vibrant community.