‘Go Nuts for Nature’: Primary Schools across Kildare asked to plant a tree on SPAR National Tree Day

Primary schools across County Kildare are being asked to plant a tree on SPAR National Tree 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 National Tree Day next month.

This year’s campaign, themed 'Nuts about Nature' - 'Fiáin chun Dúlra', aims to encourage children, parents and teachers to connect directly with nature by planting one of the 2,000 Native Irish Hazel tree saplings available free for primary schools across the country on www.treeday.ie.

The TCI aims to share the wisdom and knowledge of the Hazel tree with children across the country this year, inviting them to truly go 'Nuts about Nature'! 

Speaking ahead of the event, Cormac Downey, President of the TCI said: "This year's 'Nuts about Nature' campaign for SPAR National Tree Day is a fantastic way to ignite excitement about trees and nature among primary school children and their families nationwide.

"The deep-rooted connections between the Hazel tree and Irish folklore and wisdom make this campaign all the more special."

SPAR Sales Director Colin Donnelly also said: "As we celebrate our 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 increased awareness of the significance of trees through this year's 'Nuts about Nature' campaign for SPAR National Tree Day," he added.

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STAR OF THE CAMPAIGN

According to organisers, this year’s 'Nuts about Nature' campaign focuses in particular on the native Hazel tree, also known as Corylus avellana or Crann Coll: "It plays host to a diverse ecosystem and highlights its crucial role in supporting biodiversity as well as being the home for the campaign’s mascot, Sammy Squirrel.

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

"As the legend goes, when a salmon consumed the nuts that fell from the Hazel tree into the Well of Wisdom, it gained all the knowledge the tree bore, becoming the fabled Salmon of Knowledge."

The organisers further said: "For those eager to embark on their own 'Nuts about Nature' adventure, SPAR offers a chance to win children’s gardening kits to practice gardening at home: Simply scan the QR code in store from October 2 to October 16. 

"Additionally, an array of exciting resources such as videos, colouring sheets, and a delicious hazelnut spread recipe are available on www.treeday.ie, encouraging families and classmates to celebrate 'Nuts about Nature' together."

SPAR National Tree Day will take place on Thursday, October 5, 2023. 

To find out more about this year’s SPAR National Tree Day and for schools to claim their FREE native Irish Hazel tree visit www.treeday.ie.